Geoff T’s review published on Letterboxd:
I think a lot of people will agree when I say that the MCU has been slipping lately. Whether it's the fact that they've been stretching themselves too thin or the quality has dropped, it's clear that the hype isn't the same as it used to be. However, I felt I could count on James Gunn to deliver a true crowd-pleaser like the previous two Guardians of the Galaxy films, and that he did with the most emotionally-charged entry yet.
So a lot has changed since Vol. 2. The Guardians, having set up their new home on Knowhere, are unexpectedly thrust back into action when an attack from Adam Warlock renders Rocket in a comatose state where his kill-switch has been activated. The High Evolutionary, a ruthless and narcissistic scientist, wants his creation back, and will stop at absolutely nothing to achieve that goal. As a result, the Guardians( joined by an alternate-universe Gamora) embark on another intergalactic mission to save their friend’s life and take the fight to the High Evolutionary himself.
First and foremost, this is Rocket’s story more so than the others, and I for one couldn’t be happier. Vol. 3 presents a deep dive into the backstory of Rocket (or ‘Subject 89P13’), starting as an ordinary baby raccoon that was cruelly experimented on, before he develops extraordinary intelligence and develops a friendly bond with the other mammalian experiments (including his otter love-interest Lylla). It’s a touching, yet often tear-jerking backstory that will make you despise the High Evolutionary (effectively portrayed by Chukwudi Iwuji) even more, who may well be one of the MCU’s cruelest villains in a long time.
On a lighter note, our energetic cast of heroes are back and just as likeable as ever. A still-grieving Quill struggles to accept the angrier alternate-universe version of Gamora, while Dave Bautista delivers a funny swan-song role as Drax, having grown a softer side since meeting Mantis. Nebula has grown out of her more antagonistic role since Vol. 2 (while still retaining her edgier side) and Groot, well is still Groot. I feel Gunn has done a respectable job of developing the arcs for each Guardian while still keeping the focus on Rocket.
One thing I should point out is if you hate Marvel’s brand of humour, I should warn that it’s EXTREMELY prevelant here. It landed for me a lot of the time, though there are points where it becomes a bit too overbearing and undermines the stakes of the plot. Gunn’s creative flair however results in memorable set-pieces, and takes us to places in the galaxy stranger than ever before, from the fleshy headquarters of the Orgosphere to the el-bizzaro Counter-Earth populated by anthropomorphic monstrosities. It helps to make this entry feel like the most “out-there” of the trilogy.
But more-so than others, an integral part of the Guardians films of course has always been the needle drops, and Vol. 3 continues that tradition in spades, though with a somewhat more “contemporary” selection of tracks. The likes of Faith No More, Radiohead and the Beastie Boys (with a brilliant action sequence set to "No Sleep till Brooklyn”) are welcome additions to the already hot playlist, but it’s the use of Florence and the Machine’s “Dog Days are Over” that especially hits hard.
Overall, I can’t say that I’m anything less than satisfied. While I honestly don’t expect to be interested in another MCU joint for good while (if ever), I’m at least happy that my favourite group of intergalactic misfits got the send-off that they rightfully deserved. Sometimes suffers from bloat and an overabundance of comedy, but otherwise is a thrilling space adventure that ends the Guardians saga on a high-note.
So congratulations to Gunn, Pratt, Saldaña, Cooper, Bautista and others. This had a chance to be meandering based on recent MCU offerings, but in the end my expectations were exceeded.
8.5/10
