Well, here it is. The highly anticipated conclusion to the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. Truth is, I feel as if I’m not as big a fan of this gang as many others are, but the love some people for these characters is very real, and I feel that. I like them, don’t get me wrong, but Vol. 2 for me just didn’t live up to the first film, hence I just don’t feel quite as connected to them as other MCU fans. Yet there was something about this one that really got me excited to watch it, so let’s see if it lived up to my expectations.
This final act begins with the Guardians living on Knowhere in a state of nothingness. Particularly, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is going through a tough time since losing his Gamora and has become a mindless drunk. Things quickly turn round though when Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) gets into some trouble, and Quill rallies the rest of the group round to help save him. Being thrust into more danger than ever before, the Guardians of the Galaxy must complete their mission successfully, otherwise it could be the end of them once and for all.
I must begin with one simple sentence that will seem pretty cryptic to anyone who hasn’t seen it yet: Lylla, Teefs, Floor and Rocket ❤️ (You’ll understand eventually; these characters were actually my favourite thing about the whole movie).
Anyway, what this film represents is that finally Marvel has gotten back on track. In fact, it’s so good it could actually be part of Phase 3. No wait, it belongs more in Phase 3 than Vol. 2 belongs in Phase 3. Although it doesn’t quite reach the peak that the trilogy’s first movie did, this instalment has so much heart, laughter and action that it has seemingly recovered what was missing from certain recent Marvel films.
As always, the soundtrack is stupendous. (Any movie that features Heart’s Crazy on You always wins bonus points from me). Perhaps most satisfyingly however is how the visuals – and particularly the CGI – are back up to appropriate blockbuster levels or advanced. There’s one particular sequence that stands out in the crowd though: No Sleep till Brooklyn. I’ll say no more. Just know that it involves a good, old fashioned combat sequence with some of the most creative camerawork and well-executed choreography I’ve ever seen in an MCU film.
On top of everything else, Vol. 3 chiefly reigns supreme above the majority of the Phase 4 and 5 films due to the fact that the story itself is wonderfully cohesive and well-rounded, with the script interweaving comedic moments with touching, sombre subplots with ease. It may be long in runtime, but boy did it feel like a whirlwind. Perhaps some of the animal torture scenes were a step too far – especially if you’re taking younger kids to see this one – but they don’t take away from the positives of the overall movie when it comes down to it.
Alas, this is the last time we’ll see this particular group of Guardians. It’s a shame, especially since Zoe Saldaña gives her best performance in this one, yet it’s exciting to see what the future holds. Now let’s just hope that The Marvels is just as good!
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is currently screening in the majority of UK cinemas.
TQR Category Ratings:
Performance: 
Cinematography:
Soundtrack:
Costume & Set Design:
Plot:
Overall Enjoyability Rating:
The Quayside Review 