The reviews for Marvel outing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 are now in. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will bring this iteration of the superhero team to an end. An experience that has proven to be an emotional one for all involved. So, does the Marvel sequel bring the era to a satisfactory end? Or does it fall at the final hurdle? Well, let's find out...
MovieWeb’s own Julian Roman heaps praise on the Guardians of the Galaxy threequel, commending the vision of director James Gunn, the tackling of Rocket's backstory, and the way the Marvel movie manages to balance what audiences have come to expect with some darker, more mature themes.
"James Gunn exits the Marvel Cinematic Universe on a visceral high note that will stun audiences [...] t is easily the darkest and most mature film in the franchise. There are clever laughs, the requisite groovy soundtrack, and astounding action scenes, but a powerfully dramatic story arc goes to ugly places that wrench the soul."
Collider's Ross Bonaime continues the admiration, calling Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 not only the perfect ending for this cast of characters but also the best movie in the franchise for some time.
"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 isn’t just the ideal sendoff for this group, it’s the best MCU film in years, and a reminder of how much fun and moving the Marvel Cinematic Universe can actually be after film-after-film of recent disappointments. The Guardians of the Galaxy were the best corner of the MCU, and Gunn has created the perfect goodbye to this gang of misfits."
CBR's Caitlin Chappell meanwhile calls the MCU outing “a love letter to imperfection” that gives each member of the Guardians “a moment to shine.”
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a heartfelt celebration of imperfection that welcomes everyone into the film's titular found family. Gunn continues to be a director to keep an eye on thanks to his heartfelt storytelling and unique vision, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 leaves audiences excited to see what's next.”
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 picks up with the gang still reeling from the loss of Gamora. Our beloved band of misfits is settling into life on Knowhere, but it isn't long before their lives are upended by the echoes of Rocket's turbulent past. Thus, Peter Quill aka Star-Lord must rally his team once again to defend the universe and protect one of their own. If the mission is not completely successful, it could possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Is Due to Land in Theaters Next Week
Of course, it can’t all be positive, with some critics finding a few faults with the Guardians’ last ride. THR’s Frank Scheck criticizes the overstuffed storyline and overabundance of cameos. However, he does conclude that the soundtrack once again demonstrates Gunn’s “uncanny knack for providing fantastic playlists” and praises the ensemble cast.
“Nonetheless, this edition largely succeeds like the other ones, thanks to the chemistry of the main ensemble, who have grown into their characters with relaxed ease.”
Deadline’s Damon Wise also found Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to be a little messy, largely down to the tough task of bringing at least this version of the franchise to an end.
“Unfortunately, everyone’s having so much fun, Gunn’s film doesn’t quite know where to end, drawing out the obvious climax forever and then hovering around in a kind of existential limbo while characters um and ah about saying their goodbyes until the curtain comes down.”
The applause though picks up again courtesy of Screen Rant’s Molly Freeman, who calls Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 “a triumph” as well as the “weirdest, grimmest, most emotional entry” in Gunn's MCU. As well as its strongest.
“It's perhaps not the movie you may be expecting, but it's a largely satisfying ending for this particular iteration of the team — even if, in a franchise like the MCU where there's no real endpoint in sight, there isn't a sense of true finality. Still, it's a blockbuster that is perfectly suited to its time, and offers a much-needed win for the MCU. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the perfect ending to Gunn's MCU trilogy while still leaving the door open for more to come.”
Written and directed by James Gunn and starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, and Sean Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is scheduled to be released in the United States on May 5, 2023, as part of Phase Five of the MCU.