Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 delivers the emotional longevity to combat the likes of No Way Home and Infinity War, while delivering a perfect finale to Gunn’s Guardians trilogy. When it comes to the likes of these specific characters outside of the reigns of James Gunn, an example of the clear upcoming issue resides within their brief appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder - Volume 3 is unfortunately the end of the characters we’ve come to love through all these years. 

 

Filmgoers with only a little knowledge of the fates of characters in Infinity War / Endgame will be greeted by a fantastic end to the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy that those unassociated with the extensive catalog can watch and enjoy. Marvel Studios is having a bit of a downward slide throughout the most recent phases, with only instances of the light we once saw on our journey to the Endgame; Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is one of these instances. 

 

Marking the return of Drax, Star-Lord, Gamora, Mantis, Nebula, Kraglin, Groot and most crucially Rocket is a beyond welcome restoration to the Marvel Cinematic Universe; albeit a temporary fix. Gunn’s final hurrah delivers, thanks to the delightful whimsy and emotional devastation of his screenwriting. New arrivals and continuations of character introductions from the after-credits of Volume 2 are a mixed bag in this latest entry, but it was nice to have some loose ends finally sealed; while simultaneously leaving the gates open for possibly more (sadly without Gunn). Besides the familiar humor and comradery we’ve come to expect from the Guardians films, The High Evolutionary is a phenomenal villain and one that has no redemptive qualities, they are merely a sinister maniac; easily becoming the best villain in the trilogy. 

 

The trepidation many will have with this entry in the MCU is just how dark it has become and that the once “aimed for all ages” model of the films may not be intact here. Adam Warlock, like many other characters in the universe, pales in comparison to the comics but in his minimal time on screen, myself not being a person who would call themselves a comic loyalist, Will Poulter’s Warlock is an exciting yet incomplete addition. 

 

Filled to the brim with wonderfully choreographed fight scenes and supported by expansive science fiction world building, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a highlight among the MCU. One scene in particular taking place within a hallway during the feature’s final act is equivalent to the elevator scene in Winter Soldier or the airport scene in Civil War in terms of memorable scenes that will last a lifetime. 

 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a fitting conclusion to this vigorous trilogy and Gunn manages to create an experience filled with tears both deeply saddening and joyous. This final adventure with these characters is a remarkable journey that will make it nearly impossible not to shed a tear - most notably with even the slightest mention of Teefs, Floor or Lylla.