Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 – Movie Reviews by Ry!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 – Family, Space and Home: Fly into the Forever

Telling a story brings about a path of many things.  It is a journey that weaves through obstacles to create moments that are uniquely defined.  No matter the genre, a path encapsulates all memories, bringing about something that can be … unforgettable.  In this review, I look at the latest from the MCU.  In this third outing, it is a story that weaves emotions, characters, and themes for something truly special.  Even with certain genre aspects, Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 is a space opera that brings true meaning to family and home.

In this third outing, our favorite space crew have created a new base for protecting the galaxy.  After a chaotic encounter, a new threat emerges.  With their backs against the wall, will the guardians band together against this final threat … or fall apart.  With this being part of a trilogy, there is a certain level of expectations.  The lead up to this ‘next chapter’ becomes an amalgamation of previous encounters, characterization, and world building.  With the Guardians, it is a story that takes place in the ‘MCU’, but it also is detached from the main threads.  This separation allows for the story to embark on a creative exploration track, taking in events that are unique (to these characters) without breaking from the wider narrative.  As it stands, we find our crew (Star-Lord, Draxx, Nebula, Rocket, Mantis, Kraglin, Cosmos) have established a new home base on Knowhere.  The first act becomes a slow reintroduction through the typical James Gunn (writer/director) fashion: a mixture of music, comedy, and raw character reflection (in the aftermath of previous films).  After a series of situations, the base is attacked by Adam Warlock, putting the crew on a new mission: save Rocket from a life-threating injury.  This leads to a series of expositional moments (and flashbacks), laying the foundation for the Guardians seeking a solution to save their friend.  With a new mission, the journey weaves between the past and present to create parallel threads that build a space opera through themes of friendship, chaos, and hope.  As they head out on their adventure, it builds up a story through our favorite cast (including Gamora) while expanding the wider cosmic world.  Through these aspects, it creates something that grows beyond the typical comic book film.  There is a genuine thread played against those genre tropes that lifts our characters to new heights of raw emotional value.  From Star Lord to Nebula, the issues that compound become a central point to saving Rocket.  As each challenge grows to new heights, the emerging threat of the High Evolutionary becomes the ultimate point of conflict, resolution and reflection to the purpose of the Guardians mission. 

As they make their way through each part (of the galaxy), the layers of truth lead them heading to Counter-Earth to confront the High Evolutionary.  Through scenes of unique banter, comical situations, and indifference of personal reflection, we find the guardians at another crossroads.  As things come to a head (on a galactic scale), their mission comes full circle.  This leads into a third act that weaves the dramatic effects within the aspects of comic book antics.  With over-the-top action set pieces, quirky dialogue moments and a final confrontation, the story weaves fun and circumstance within the poignancy of themes.  This builds towards a conclusive climax, and a bittersweet epilogue for the guardians.  Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3 is a fitting conclusion to our favorite crew in space.  With a story that is deep, fun and heartfelt, it becomes a staple of what makes the MCU great.  If you are a fan of Marvel, comic-book films or good creative storytelling, this is one for you.  An experience worthy of the big screen.

Full Score – 4 out of 5 (Full Price)