About:
- Genres:
- Action-Adventure
- Science Fiction
Fix: Superhero Shenanigans, God-like Alien Thinks He Knows Best, Revenge is a Dish Best Served by Raccoon, Dear God No, The End of an Era
Platform: Disney+
Disney+ Summary:
In Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 our beloved misfits are settling into life on Knowhere. But it isn’t long before their lives are upended by the echoes of Rocket’s turbulent past. Peter Quill must rally his team around him on a dangerous mission to save Rocket’s life—a mission that, if not completed successfully, could possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.
FYA Summary:
In the third and final Guardians of the Galaxy movie with the characters we’ve known since Vol. 1, we learn more about where Rocket (Not a) Raccon developed his smarts while the Guardians race to save his life. They’re assisted in their quest by the now-Ravager Gamora and hindered by Adam Warlock, the “son” of the previously thwarted (and stolen from) Ayesha.
Familiar Faces:
In addition to the majority of the cast from Vol. 2 …
Pom Klementieff as Mantis
Although Mantis can be a little trying at times, Klementieff does such a fantastic job of bringing her to life onscreen. There’s something about her that it’s hard to look away from, and Mantis’ friendship with Drax is one of the most surprisingly delightful parts of the Guardians series. I don’t recall seeing Klementieff in anything before Guardians Vol. 2, but I’ve seen her in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One since, and although she doesn’t say much, her presence continues to be impressive, even in a diminished role.
Will Poulter as Adam Warlock
Cousin Eustace done Neville’d, folks. Although he was already blossoming as Gally in Maze Runner, I don’t think anyone had any idea that Poulter would eventually embody Adam Warlock, a character known in comics for being a specimen of perfection—and a perfect himbo. Poulter brought an innocent naivety to the character that made him more than just a pretty face and a nuanced “villain.”
Miriam Shor as Recorder Vim and Nico Santos as Recorder Theel
Watching Diana Trout and Mateo Cousin Oliver be vicious yes men was something I never expected to see.
And Chukwudi Iwuji as Ru’afo
NICHE STAR TREK: INSURRECTION JOKE ALERT!
Couch-Sharing Capability: Gather the Crew
Out of all of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films or series, the Guardians movies are the most watchable for a large group because there is someone for everyone, from your cousin who can’t seem to hold down a steady job to your aunt who dropped her useless ex-husband and became CEO of the company they started together. Personally, I’m partial to the sentient tree creature and non-raccoon raccoon, both of whom I want to hug in a nearly too-firm manner. Guardians Vol. 3 is a better time than its predecessor, with hilarious highs and terribly heartbreaking lows. (Seriously, please prepare yourself for the scenes from Rocket’s past. If you, your cousin, or your aunt are in any way sensitive to animal abuse, find a strong hand to hold and have a box of tissues at the ready.)
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Pass the Zarg Nuts
I’m going to leave this one up to viewer’s choice, although I would recommend taking it slow in order to enjoy the movie in its entirety. But no judgment if you need to down your drink of choice after that scene. (A little part of my heart will never entirely heal after seeing this movie.)
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Let’s Dance Battle!
Disney+ is the only place to watch any of the MCU properties, so it’s kind of a “have to” situation if you want to see them, but I think it’s one of those subscriptions that’s worth it, especially to watch movies like this one. Guardians 3 is a truly great addition to the MCU and a worthy movie for these characters to go out in. (Although I’m guessing/hoping we’ll see them again in some capacity in the future.) I’m not sure it’s one that I’ll watch over and over, as I’m already fragile enough as it is post-baby, but it’s nice to know it’ll be there when I need it.
We published this review during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. This work would not exist without the labor of writers and actors, and we support their goals.
