Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
James Brown
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” the third installment of the Marvel sub-franchise, is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of having the right person at the helm. Writer-director James Gunn has demonstrated a remarkable talent for seamlessly navigating between different realms and maintaining a harmonious equilibrium between grandeur, sarcasm, and emotionality. He successfully rejuvenates familiar conventions while injecting them with a fresh perspective.
The film centers around Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper), the foul-mouthed master pilot and space critter who we’ve come to know and love throughout the series. However, we learn Rocket’s tear-jerking origin story this time, adding a pall of doom over the otherwise lively proceedings. Rocket, it turns out, was once just a silent, sad-eyed little guy plucked out of a pen filled with other baby raccoons and experimented upon by the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), a megalomaniacal scientist determined to create a superior race of animal hybrids.
During a sudden attack on the Guardians’ headquarters Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), a genetically engineered, golden-skinned super warrior, mortally wounds Rocket. The other Guardians, led by Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), must travel halfway across the galaxy to disable a kill switch on Rocket’s body. Meanwhile, the High Evolutionary and his minions are trying to find Rocket, who to them is just “Subject 89P13,” a successful experiment that became so smart and proficient he slipped through their grasp.
Gunn's skill at balancing comedy and spectacle is also on full display....
What sets “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” apart from other sci-fi and fantasy franchises is its ability to invest the quest with emotional power, making it something that we care about. The film’s flashback structure allows for a deeper exploration of Rocket’s character and motivations, making his story all the more poignant.
But the film is not just about Rocket; it’s a fun, vibrant adventure that reconnects us with a sense of wonder, once a hallmark of comic-book movies. The visuals are stunning, from the bright, color-coded astronaut uniforms to the grotesque yet adorable creations of the High Evolutionary. The obligatory nods to newer characters feel organic to the story rather than cumbersome fan service.
Gunn’s skill at balancing comedy and spectacle is also on full display in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” The melancholy tale of Rocket’s origins is so dark and foreboding that the vibrant splendor of the rest of the film becomes a welcome respite. The action sequences are also top-notch, with Gunn’s camera work making even the obligatory long-take fight scenes coherent and exciting.
Overall, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” may not be innovative, but it still exceeds expectations for a film of this type. It is a film made with passion and enthusiasm, an infectious spirit. Gunn’s love for these characters and this world shines through in every frame, making “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” a joyous celebration of the Marvel universe.
In the end, what makes “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” work so well is the same thing that makes any excellent movie work: a compelling story, engaging characters, and a director with the talent and vision to bring it all together. James Gunn has proven himself to be that director, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a testament to his skill and passion for filmmaking.
Final Thought
A compelling story, engaging characters, and a director with the talent and vision to bring it all together.