Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (released 5/5/23)

Before I get into the review, I want to talk about the wild journey this series went through. Back when the first movie came out, every speculator said the movie was going to be Marvel’s big flop. Taking a no-name group of characters and putting them in the Marvel fold would be a disaster. A dent in the already rocky cog of the Marvel Machine after Iron Man 3’s divisive twist and Thor The Dark World’s forgettable villain and story. James Gunn came in and made a movie that made a talking raccoon a household name. He managed to keep the momentum by releasing the sequel three years later. Adding more family drama and heartbreak. Then, as James was gearing up for the third movie, he was fired for inappropriate tweets nearly a decade prior. He hopped over to DC and made The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, both of which were phenomenal Gunn-infused action comedies with heart. Marvel rehired him to finish the story only he could tell. He came back to do one last film…Vol. 3.

This is a movie I think most people will walk away having enjoyed but having small gripes. Rocket’s backstory is heavily explored and is the focal point of the film. Everyone gets their little character moments but this is Rocket’s story. It is very emotionally driven and everyone has their demons they need to face. Gamora is somehow more of a jerk than when introduced in the first movie. Also, it will help to watch the Christmas Special to understand a certain relationship in the group. The High Evolutionary is an insane person who acts like a god because he feels there needs to be one since God doesn’t exist to him. I feel Adam Warlock was used in a way die-hard comic fans may scratch their head at. He was more along for the ride anyway. This is very much the space adventure you expect and never lets off the gas except to add some levity after an intense scene. If you are a Guardians fan, go see this movie.

Story - 18%

Characters - 18%

Pacing - 19%

Spectacle - 18%

Entertainment - 19%

Total score: 92%

Grade scale:

90%-100% = must watch

80%-89% = solid, but could be better

70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you

60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons

0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here