From the soundtrack, to the characters, to the writing, to the use of flashbacks – “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” serves as a suitable farewell to one of the most beloved franchises in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Director-writer James Gunn delivers an adventurous, funny, and emotional conclusion to this trilogy while maintaining intricate character development.
The action scenes are well-choreographed and riveting. Unlike the previous films, this one has a deep and complex plot. Rocket is an allegorical figure. The story about his past is so well elaborated that I found myself in tears on several occasions. The entire cast delivers excellent performances, with Pratt and Cooper being my favorite as they deliver heartwarming portrayals of Quill and Rocket. Also, I think that The High Evolutionary is an exceptional MCU villain as he is genuinely revolting, yet synchronously compelling.
The viewer is immersed in Counter-Earth via sharp visuals, psychedelic colors, and atmospheric designs. The cinematography and VFX were fantastic and innovative. Of course, I absolutely love the soundtrack! Awesome Mix Vol. 3 has plenty of bangers, with one Beastie Boys scene as the highlight of the film.
I loved that “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” commemorates the themes that have defined the Guardians: friendship, family, sacrifice, redemption, and heroism. This movie got to me in such a visceral way! This film exceeds expectations and is one of the best in the Marvel franchise, with James Gunn’s direction deserving particular praise. My final rating for this movie is 10/10.