Well, it's finally here, the swan song for the Guardians of the Galaxy. Possibly the most loved franchise of the MCU, which never felt like it should have been as popular as it does, comes to an end.
The Guardians of the Galaxy have set up their headquarters on a restored Knowhere (As depicted in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special from 2022).
One night, they are attacked by Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), a Sovereign created by their leader Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), seeking revenge for the Guardians' previous theft from her people. Despite his overwhelming power, Nebula (Karen Gillan) manages to injure Adam, who escapes. However, Rocket (Bradley Cooper) is left badly hurt, and the Guardians realize they cannot help him because of a kill switch implanted by Orgocorp. If they try to heal him, he dies. If they do nothing, he dies. Desperate to save their friend, they head to Orgocorp's headquarters, hoping to find an override code.
Meanwhile, as Rocket lies unconscious, he remembers his past as an experimental subject of the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), a scientist who sought to turn animals into anthropomorphic beings for his Counter-Earth project, an entire planet that is designed to copy Earth. Rocket befriended other test subjects, including Lylla (Linda Cardellini), Teefs (Asim Chaudhry), and Floor (Mikaela Hoover), but the High Evolutionary betrayed them, ordering Rocket's brain to be extracted and the other subjects incinerated. Rocket fought back, killing guards and escaping with Lylla, but she was killed, leaving Rocket alone. (This is a seriously sad part of the film, get your tissues out folks)
Back in the present, the Guardians, aided by the Ravagers and Gamora (Zoe Saldana), infiltrate Orgocorp, discovering that it is a front for the High Evolutionary. They find Rocket's file but learn that the override code is missing. Suspecting that Theel (Nico Santos), the High Evolutionary's advisor, has it on an external memory bank, the group sets out to find him, despite Gamora's warnings that it may be a trap. Ayesha and Adam follow them on the High Evolutionary's orders to retrieve Rocket.
That's your set up to the film, basically trying to save Rocket, and saving the Galaxy one final time.
I will say it straight out, this is the weakest of the trilogy, however, that is only because the first two films were so good. Vol 3 is an excellent film, as usual, the funniest moment come from Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer, and there are some proper laugh-out-loud moments. He even gets to finish his own emotional arc which is great to see. Possibly the most popular of the Guardians. Dave Bautista is easily one of the most underrated actors in the world right now.
The visual effects are as you would expect, incredible. And the soundtrack is amazing, something we have come to expect from the Guardian films. I will definitely be adding the Vinyl album to my collection, you should too at https://amzn.to/3AZZl9R
The film will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, but it will leave you happy as we say goodbye. There are a couple of end credits scenes which I won't spoil for you, but I will say that although we are not getting a Volume 4, we will see Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord again.
The Good
Of all the things that Marvel has done, Guardians of the Galaxy seems to be the one franchise that everyone can agree on is great, and Volume 3 does not disappoint. An excellent film from start to finish.
The Bad
I am reluctant to say anything I disliked, as it would spoil the film. I would have liked to have seen more Drax and Mantis.
Overall
I loved Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, a fitting end to a great trilogy. All the characters either got the emotional arc they deserved or the end to their story.
A great film, which I will watch again.
I score Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 a super strong 9/10.
Out now in cinemas.
And coming soon to digital at https://apple.co/3B2ZLw7