As Daft Punk once famously sang: “One More Time”, it feels appropriate for the latest film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as it follows the Guardians of the Galaxy on their last adventure together. Written and directed by James Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy 3 see the eponymous heroes, led by Peter ‘Star-Lord’ Quill (Chris Pratt), undertake a dangerous mission that may spell the end of the Guardians.
Guardians of the Galaxy 3 marks the second film in Phase Five, not to mention the latest film in the MCU’s Multiverse saga. It also marks the latest MCU film that sees the return of another core set of characters from the Infinity Saga, who have made their mark through jukebox soundtracks, a mutual distrust-turned-respect, as well as a mixed bag of one-liners. Although they are among the more entertaining characters, the Guardians have been unable to match the emotional punch that Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man and Black Widow have thrown in their individual and collective adventures. But with rumours rife about the exit of one (or more) of its members from the MCU, Guardians of The Galaxy 3 aims to change that.
Mainly known as the brains of the group, Rocket (Cooper) is brought forward as its leading character, as his traumatic background at the hands of the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji) is finally revealed to audiences. Throughout the film, audiences see his life as a project for a more intelligent yet pacifist society of genetically modified animals, as well as his friendships with fellow ‘genetically modified animals ‘experiments’ Llyla, Teeths and Floor. Dreaming of a new life and future in the High Evolutionary’s new world, the sweetness and innocence between them show that Rocket is not only just as compassionate as Quill, Mantis and the other Guardians but is just as emotionally fragile when it comes to needing a support group. So when his circumstances cause the Guardians to band together in a touching sign of unity, it feels like his narrative has come full circle.
Rocket taking centre stage drives the narrative as antagonist High Evolutionary is on a no-holds-barred pursuit of the perfect society – the root of which seems to be in Rocket’s brain. However, it boils down to a shallow and callous mission, especially as anything that falls short of his expectations is quickly discarded. Not to mention High Evolutionary ends up coming across as a huge baby – throwing his toys (specifically, his creations) away while screaming for the one thing he wants but can’t get (Rocket’s brain) and hiding behind high-powered armour. Another sore point in the film is Quill’s insistence that he and Gamora (Saldana), now a bloodthirsty Ravenger, can get back together – despite her being from an alternate reality with no memories of their adventures together. His heartfelt pleas for her to open up to the idea of a romance – past, present or future – come across as cringy and somewhat uncomfortable but thankfully, Gunn breaks these up with timely bouts of humour with the understanding that these characters need to move on, one way or another.
With this aim in mind, all the cast is on top form so all the characters seem to come out of their shells and own their individual quirks to bookmark the end of their adventures on a high. The normally compassionate Mantis (Pom Klementieff) now owns a pair of balls, holding her own against badass Nebula (Karen Gillan) with quick-witted comebacks while Drax (Dave Bautista) actually uses his head and heart over his fists. Even new supporting character Adam (Will Poulter) is an entertaining addition, being an imperfect superhero with all the skills but none of the brains, while Iwuji hams up his performance as the High Evolutionary by incorporating his experience in the Royal Shakespeare Company, delivering eloquent villainous monologues and a vocal power that has been honed on the stage.
Given the circumstances, audiences may be mentally bracing themselves for what is to happen. At 150 mins, it is the longest Guardians film but the runtime isn’t wasted. Set to another killer jukebox soundtrack, Gunn brings a balance of fun and poignancy in his direction and screenplay to reiterate that although the Guardians may not be the most revered Marvel characters, they are certainly one of the more endearing heroes of the MCU. Throughout the film, nay the Guardians trilogy, there is a theme of ‘finding your people’ and their adventures have always been about a group of misfits who somehow fit together. This element ultimately hits the emotional note that has often been underplayed in the previous Guardian instalments but soars in this triumphant swan song.
Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is out in UK cinemas on Wednesday 3 May.
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Director: James Gunn
Stars: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Will Poulter, Sylvester Stallone
Runtime: 150 minutes
Country: USA
