Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Third time’s the best. Rocket's origin, along with an emotionally drained Star-Lord and Gunn's most confident direction yet, brings the Guardians of the Galaxy to adulthood. Well, almost. In the more serious moments, the atmosphere thickens more than ever, but then another joke or the thirtieth song comes along. This exuberant gang stays true to themselves with all the good (mostly), but sometimes some of the bad too. This time, however, I was the least short of perfection. (05/04/2023)

Thank god Marvel had the sense to bring James Gunn back to direct. He has crafted the best Marvel team from the best universe Marvel could have ever dreamed of. James Gunn is one of the few Marvel directors who really thinks about what he’s making, giving his films a unique touch. Guardians of the Galaxy is the best thing that could have happened to him. The characters are fantastic, the settings are beautiful, and the films are packed with creative ideas. There's no need to break it all down here. The third Guardians movie is one of Marvel’s best films, and honestly, given how the brand has been struggling lately, Marvel might as well quit while they're ahead. (06/03/2023)

The first third or so was barely a 3*, the situational jokes didn't work and the humour was a bit too pedestrian for Gunn (he was probably still winging it after the average Christmas special). But then it clicked. By going deeper with Rocket's flashbacks and showing his hardships, the story was given the emotional charge it needed, plus there's one more aspect that's important to me - how helpless animals somewhere are rescued, or an effort is made to rescue them, the film gets plus points with me. And the ending was poignant and chilling, and only served to prove that the most cohesive and interesting bunch in the entire MCU universe were the Guardians. It's been a pleasure, you lovable freaks. PS: Gunn's films are distinctive and have their own identity, which is why I like them so much. What a difference from the factory fare Marvel offered after Endgame, they can go bury themselves in shame. PPS: A message for parents: if you don’t want your kids to be traumatised, don’t take them to this film. It’s really not for little kids. (05/05/2023)

Another big farewell party in full swing. Rocket’s origin story is the main pull of the third outing and it certainly did not disappoint. Yet, he's not the main star and the team gets a balanced roster, giving James Gunn a chance to say goodbye to everyone. The traditional story is wrapped in novel ideas and details that will simply grab you by the heart. Quill's depression, Nebula's care and Adam Warlock's unexpected devotion to his mother all have their place and are used appropriately. Still, it seems to me that Gunn is turning on demand and not with the gusto of Suicide Squad 2 – he plays it safe everywhere. But he still he managed to give us the best villain in the series. Chukwudi Iwuji gives everything, too, his High Evolutionary is a complex character who won't settle for anything less than perfection. This time, there was too much music for taste, and it overwhelmed Murphy’s excellent orchestral score. Even though we will never see this bunch together again, they say goodbye with the message that everyone is different, we need to respect that or at least get used to it and love each other just the way we are. Yeah, and it’s also important to give a second chance, something that Gunn himself got, and he doesn’t take it lightly. So, adios, and we’ll see each other again in another universe, with Superman. (05/10/2023)

Marvel has managed to move me a few times, but it has never managed to do it so many times in one film. This is simply a triumph, and it's a joy to see what it looks like when a series is lovingly nurtured by a man who understands it – James Gunn. The farewell to the Guardians of the Galaxy is not quite flawless, I was a little bothered by the not-so-smooth transitions from comedy to drama, for example, but in the end it's such a beautiful film that I can't be mad at it, and not just because of the raccoon eyes. So thanks, from the very first film it's been a beautiful, always imaginative, stylish and memorable ride. What will happen next, we’ll see. (05/05/2023)