A Definitive Ending for Marvel's Misfit Heroes (Guardians of The Galaxy Vol.3 - spoiler-free review)

Almost 10 years since the debut of the Guardians of The Galaxy, when everyone was namesaking it as the MCu's first flop, and boy, were they wrong. Words like 'I am Groot' and underrated needle drops from the 70s to 80s have been introduced to a new generation of listeners. The Guardians return at an interesting for both Marvel and Disney but it might change the momentum of the companies that have dominated the box office for a decade. Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 is the swan song for James Gunn's iteration of the most scarce now staple characters within the Marvel IP. Dialing back the wacky parts of what MCU has been getting flack for, to twisting heartstrings the way Endgame did merely 4 years ago now. 

In the midst of having one more adventure with the Guardians like Star-Lord, Drax, Gamora, Groot, and many more that have joined the team since then, Rocket is the sole protagonist of this sequel, going back to his origin story with the Guardians having to deal with their friend's dark past. The word 'friend' is definitely not used lightly with this ragtag team of criminal misfits turned heroes, showing how much they have grown to care for each other. 

This might be one of the darker or darkest entries in the MCU, as we dig deep into Rocket, the introduction of High Evolutionary, and the themes that play within the narrative. As James Gunn has become more of a master of his craft, his directing and writing have improved over the years, as well as sticking to what he does and knows best when it comes to characters he has made iconic, even if they are the weirdest of the bunch. His script does not hold back in terms of paying tribute to the world-building he has contributed to the MCU. Unlike most of the complaints MCU has been getting with the fusion of seriousness and comedy, Gunn once again solidifies the secret ingredient of the franchise, making it what it is today and it can be seen that no other franchise can do better. 

He definitely also brings back what made these characters so memorable, cleaning the act of Taika Watiti's attempt of writing these characters in the short amount of time they were featured in Thor Love and Thunder. Apart from Rocket, another whole lot of movie bodes well for the legendary Star-Lord,  finally giving him agency outside of his grief for his mother and the loss of Gamora. Even if it seems he is still fixating on these things throughout the film, his arc ends in a way that works for the character and allows audiences to finally sympathize with him, letting go of his actions in Infinity War. 

Gunn also finally improves on Mantis and Drax, finally giving them more to do since the Holiday Special. Bautista's performance is still the MVP of the ensemble, it is only unfortunate that he plans to leave the franchise for serious roles. Even if we do not get much of the sibling dynamic between Mantis and Peter, it is still one of the few highlighted interactions. Nebula continues to be one of the most interesting characters. Looking back at her arc from villain to anti-hero, Nebula is a fan favorite for a reason and plays a vital role in the team next to Star-Lord when it comes to saving her fellow Guardians. This sequel especially solidifies her character development from Endgame since she played a vital role in that as well. 

With new additions like Cosmo and Adam Warlock, they, unfortunately, do not get much screen time to be fleshed out properly. Cosmo may just be a dog for now but there is not much in the comics to dig deep with her character. If they do plan to bring her back, they might be able to improve on this. The same can be said for Adam Warlock. Fans will not be happy with this adaptation for it feels like he was thrown in to please the anticipation of a certain credit scene in Vol.2. 

It is sad to say that albeit Zoe Saldana's performance was great in this sequel, there was no need for her to be in it. Based on personal opinion and how she is handled here, Gamora should have stayed dead. It is unfortunate to see a character be resurrected (or specifically have another version of her) only to not utilize her properly. What really worked was differentiating this Gamora from the original. Gamora 2.0 is indeed a different person. She has yet to find the peace she finds after her father's abuse, the peace and respect she would have found with the Guardians if she had not escaped the branch 2014 timeline. With that said, she just is angry all the time and honestly, brings no point to the plot other than bring more pain to Peter. 

Other than those nitpicks, from action sequences to emotional, great writing with fulfilling arcs and the characters that portray them, this last ride with the Guardians is a triumph on Disney/Marvel's part. Without giving it way, it was a nice touch for Gunn to include a commentary on animal cruelty in this film that is more thought-provoking than expected, especially with how it is dealt with. It might make audiences uncomfortable and it is also something that has been brought up in criticisms but there is nothing better than getting a reaction than none at all. To conclude, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 ties up loose ends in ways that Marvel has not done often. While there is some room left to expand on, it will be sad that Gunn will not be the one to do it any longer. Only Gunn could make a film for the MCU that felt like a proper, definitive ending.