James Gunn exits the Marvel Cinematic Universe on a visceral high note that will stun audiences. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 tells the heartbreaking origin story of Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) with searing intensity. It 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. Families protect and defend each other, but they also help to recover from horrific trauma. Beloved characters show unyielding loyalty in the face of a monstrous villain.
Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) returns to abject depression after a brief interlude of holiday season happiness. He drinks himself into a daily stupor thinking of Gamora (Zoe Saldaña). Nebula (Karen Gillan), Rocket, and Mantis (Pom Klementieff) run Knowhere smoothly; while Drax (Dave Bautista), Groot (Vin Diesel), Kraglin (Sean Gunn), and an upset Cosmo the Spacedog (Maria Bakalova) gum up the works with their usual shenanigans. A surprise attack catches them completely off guard.
A Deplorable Lab
Disney
The High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), an utterly ruthless scientist on a quest for genetic perfection, wants his property back. We finally see the awful experiments that created Rocket from a terrified baby kit in a cage. He quickly proved to be an unbridled success. An enhanced creature who thought independently and was able to solve complex problems. But these traits weren't learned in a deplorable lab. Rocket started life with another family who taught him the values of kindness and empathy.
The Guardians plan to confront the High Evolutionary leads to an awkward reunion. They need Gamora's help, but she's not the woman Peter obsesses about. He must curtail his lovesick fawning to work effectively with her as a partner. Teamwork becomes the essential element against a merciless and calculating adversary.
Guardians of the Galaxy 3's Twisted Antagonist
Disney
Gunn pulls no punches in his graphic depictions of animal cruelty and its twisted aftermath. The High Evolutionary is an unholy mix of the fictional Doctor Moreau and sadistic Nazi Josef Mengele. Iwuji makes Thanos and Kang the Conqueror look like puppy calendars. He steals the show as a truly repulsive antagonist with no redeeming qualities. Even Nebula, tortured and transformed into a killing machine by her adopted father, is shocked to discover Rocket's heinous treatment.
Moments of levity are carefully sprinkled in to mitigate the bleak themes. The Guardians' back and forth bickering provides needed comic relief, and Drax and Mantis continue to be a hilarious combo when the going gets tough. The lack of consistent humor may disappoint those expecting a lighter experience. The previous installments tackled the death of Yondu and Peter's mother with a fleeting approach. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a far more serious endeavor. It has to be. Rocket's hardcore past can't be sugarcoated.
Adam Warlock and Too Many Other Characters
Disney
Banner visual effects, cinematography, and editing are critical to intimate story development on different scales. Rocket is a CGI character. His youth in a claustrophobic, squalid cage juxtaposes his soaring adventures in space. He can't look like a video game cut scene. No tears are shed if his situation isn't believable. You feel the thrill of freedom when escaping a vile tyrant.
Gunn makes a mistake with an overload of supporting characters. The stew had enough ingredients already, and so several newcomers, particularly Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), are excessive in this narrative. There's too much happening with a large primary cast to spread the wealth. Warlock comes across as a sequel placeholder. Stick around during and after the credits, though.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a production of Marvel Studios. It will be released theatrically on May 5th from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
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