Director: James Gunn
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Vin Diesel, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter, Pom Klementieff, Sean Gunn
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Rating: 3.5/5
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 marks what could be a turning point for Marvel movies as a whole.
Since the cultural phenomenon of Avengers: Endgame, most Marvel theatrical studios have been lacklustre at best. All of the movies still did massive box office numbers, but there was a general feeling that something was missing. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 looks to be a return to form for the studio.
Masterfully directed by James Gunn, the third and final instalment of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy has the same heart that the audience loved when the misfit band of heroes first appeared on screens in 2014. Gunn effortlessly weaves in music, emotional character arcs and some of the most impressive visuals and fight choreography in any recent Marvel releases.
The third movie delves into the origins of Rocket Raccoon, the foul-mouthed but lovable member of the group and how in a quest to save him, the group itself grows.
Chukwudi Iwuji was cast as the big bad of the film, playing a character known as The High Evolutionary. Iwuji, who had previously worked with Gunn in the HBO Max show Peacemaker puts forth one of the most menacing performances in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. He is evil and we hate him, which makes the fight against him all the more entertaining to watch.
James Gunn’s iconic music playlist is back this time too, with some songs from the early 2000s. This pop-laden background score provides the perfect canvas for Gunn to leave his mark on as the final time he will be working with Marvel.
With the exception of Captain America: Winter Soldier, Marvel movies aren’t known for their fight scenes. But Gunn and his crew put forth one of the most spectacular one-shot fight sequences that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
For Marvel fans, this is a must-watch in the theatres. For casual moviegoers, you could wait till it comes out on Disney+. Either way, you’ll have a great time.
All that remains to be seen is whether Marvel will keep the momentum going or not.
PS: Like most Marvel movies, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has two post-credits scenes, so be sure to stay in your seats after the credits start rolling.