Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

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. (05/04/2023)

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. (06/02/2023)

As a farewell to James Gunn and the Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume 3 is a workable film, but if I were to look at it with an objective eye as a "standalone" Marvel movie, I wouldn't be as excited as most of the film community. The action doesn't exactly bust your balls, and (apart from the final single-shot three minute scene in the corridor, which was excellent!!!) there’s almost nothing significant to remember, and even in terms of new characters it's a very odd affair. Adam Warlock as one of the strongest characters in the universe has about five minutes and he comes across as a regular civilian and certainly not a character around which the future world should be built. That was very disappointing as I was expecting an introduction to his abilities and a lure to his future action. On the other hand, it's worth picking up the great Draxx again and again, who (as the only one) adds fresh humour, with Dave Bautista literally enjoying the role. But the rest seems to have got lazy compared to the previous episodes in terms of humour, and actually plays too much on emotions and parting with the whole concept – maybe a bit more than it should. Good? Definitely yes. But as good and fateful as it was touted to be? Definitely not. Still, the new Guardians of the Galaxy takes away the "Marvel gold standard" in the form of a decent four-star rating, it's just that when you compare it to the first Marvel movies 10 years ago, it's just something vastly different... (05/08/2023)

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)

"I bet we were fun." - "You wouldn't believe it..." The essence not only of a great Marvel movie, but also of an adventure film, an unforgettable trilogy, unique heroes, basically everything a creator could wish for. James Gunn is once again the king, because this time he turned a diverse group of creatures, villains, and misfits into a team of stars that has no equal in the genre, as they do not fit anywhere else with their exaggeration, craziness, and uniqueness. I don't understand how well the combination of adolescent, childish, and extremely simple jokes can work with the best action of the whole franchise and the deeply moving emotion that makes me tear up every time someone saves someone, someone remembers, or someone realizes something that the viewer knew a while ago. No one is left behind and I can only breathe a sigh of relief and marvel that something turned out so fairy-tale-like despite the accompanying complications. (08/20/2023)