“Guardians of the Galaxy” was Marvel’s only series with a multiverse-preceding cosmic chaos. With its diverse worlds, intriguing races, and colorful universes, the series captured a beautiful energy with its first two films. Their inclusion in the Avengers further elevated the importance of the characters. However, with Phase 4 and now Phase 5, Marvel initiated a chaotic journey toward Kang and his thousands of variations but unfortunately failed to create the anticipated impact. The introduction of new characters through Disney’s series in the universe proved ineffective; their projects rushed, resulting in a regrettably mediocre outcome, which pushed the audience away. Especially after watching the latest Thor film, it was not inconceivable for viewers to distance themselves entirely from the universe. Nonetheless, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is undeniably a film that will bring the audience back.
Let’s briefly touch on the plot… In the corner of the universe, the High Evolutionary is in pursuit of Rocket, his peculiar creation who escaped from him in the past. Along with his own soldiers, the High Evolutionary also seeks Adam Warlock to capture Rocket, displaying a tenacious determination. Our team, considering Rocket, a family member, refuses to give him up. After Rocket gets injured in a sudden attack by Adam Warlock, the team embarks on an impossible mission to save him. This unattainable task involves traversing through the universe created from scratch by the High Evolutionary.
Having enjoyed the first two films, I can confidently say that the third film easily deserves a place among Marvel’s top 5 movies. “Guardians of the Galaxy” was a series that single-handedly shouldered the comedic burden of the universe. In the midst of a chaotic cosmos, the goofy team encountered numerous absurd events, offering both thrilling and entertaining adventures. However, the third film deepens the story by adding a third dimension to the already existing two. “Guardians of the Galaxy,” centered on the concept of family, has always been an emotional series, but this time, it takes on a remarkably romantic and poignant tone. The film beautifully portrays Rocket and the thousands of innocents around him at the mercy of a madman, as they search for the meaning of their existence.
The emotional aspect of the story is remarkably powerful. Additionally, the film’s action sequences are of such high quality that they surpass both of its predecessors. The long single-shot scene in the corridor is genuinely unforgettable. Moreover, as someone who is usually bothered by the endless jokes in superhero movies, I did not find them bothersome in this film for the first time. This, at least for me, makes the film even more enjoyable to watch. From a technical standpoint, the film is already close to perfection. As someone who values the story more than visuals, the film successfully provided me with the impactful and engaging narrative I was seeking.
Now, let’s talk about the High Evolutionary. Unfortunately, Marvel has been experiencing a villain deficiency after Thanos. Neither the new films nor Disney’s series managed to deliver an impressive villain character. We got to know Kang, who was the final antagonist in Marvel’s “Quantumania,” but personally, I cannot say I liked the character in the film. Kang’s intentions were presented without a solid foundation to support them, and his emergence with an overwhelming power was rather sudden. On the other hand, the High Evolutionary, despite his short appearance, manages to prove himself. The foundation of his obsession with creation and his unyielding determination is adequately established. While he instills fear with his power and intelligence, the film maintains the reality of his mortality, providing us with a well-portrayed antagonist after a long time. Though he may not be on par with Thanos, we can confidently say he is a well-crafted character.
In summary, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 takes a more dramatic approach compared to its first two films. Technically, it is a fantastic movie, and on top of that, it offers a compelling and emotion-rich storyline. For those who value the story more than the visuals, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 will prove satisfying. Another successful aspect of the film is its well-developed villain character. When done right, a well-fleshed-out villain can significantly enhance the overall appeal of a story. Having a formidable antagonist fiercely battling for a well-established purpose often leads to a successful outcome. As we can see, it has indeed worked in this case.
Cast & Crew
director: James Gunn
writers: James Gunn
starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter, Maria Bakalova, Elizabeth Debicki, Sylvester Stallone
USA | 2023 | 150 MINUTES |