Written by Amani Rizwan

Thumbnail Photo by Marvel Studios

To some, claiming that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 outshines every Marvel movie since Endgame would be a stretch. However, compared to other Phase 5 films that have proven to be nothing short of formulaic and dull, James Gunn’s latest (and last) entry is bursting with life. With its stellar soundtrack, stunning visuals, hilarious yet timeless dialogue, and heartfelt themes, James Gunn has crafted a film that transcends the boundaries of the typical Marvel blockbuster.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. comes six years after its predecessor and sees the Guardians (sans Gamora) rebuilding their new headquarters, Knowhere. Meanwhile, our hero, Peter Quill, is reeling after losing Gamora; she’s still alive but is an alternative version of herself thanks to Thanos. Looking after him are Rocket (our favourite resilient racoon), Nebula (Gamora’s avatar-like sister), Drax (their tattooed protector), Mantis (Peter’s hybrid empath sister), and Groot (I am Groot). Also present are Kraglin, a space pirate turned good guy, and Cosmo, the Russian telekinetic dog. Gunn’s rag-tag team are rudely interrupted by our first antagonist, Adam Warlock, who is a sort of golden Superman with mommy issues and a pea-sized intellect. He’s come to take Rocket back to the High Evolutionary, a eugenics and animal torture superfan, who enjoys tinkering with animals (and humans) to create the “perfect” species for the “perfect” society.

And so, the Guardians are sent hurtling into the unknown once again in hopes of saving their beloved friend. Throughout the film, one thing is clear – Gunn is truly a master of his craft, seeing as his movies always feel like a James Gunn movie first and Marvel second. This is thanks to the distinct style he brings to everything he utilises, whether it be music, cinematography, or dialogue.

One of the defining aspects of the GOTG franchise is director James Gunn’s impeccable taste in music. Just by hearing the opening notes of the first scene, where we see Rocket humming to an acoustic version of Creep by Radiohead, fans already know they’re in for a good time. In an interview with Mama’s Geeky, Gunn said that he incorporated the music into the script, contrary to regular film practices where music is added after editing. This allows for his carefully curated soundtrack featuring the likes of Alice Cooper, Heart, and Florence + the Machine to be woven seamlessly into the narrative, amplifying the resonance of each scene. While this may not be the most memorable Guardians mixtape, it still does its job and stays with fans after. This alone makes recent Marvel productions like Eternals, and dare I say the new Antman, pale in comparison.

Another ingredient Gunn’s movies have always been praised for is their life-like visuals. Vol.3, with the help of the talented VFX supervisor Stephane Ceretti, pushes the boundaries of Marvel CGI to new heights. Sure, Marvel has always been at the forefront of visual effects, but this instalment makes the unbelievable believable – from breathtaking landscapes to awe-inspiring space-battle sequences, this movie is a feast for the eyes. But there’s more. Vol.3 alternates between Rocket’s past as a youngling in the care of the High Evolutionary and the Guardian’s mission to destroy him. During Rocket’s flashbacks, we’re introduced to his first family: Lyla, an otter with prosthetic arms; Floor, a spider-like bunny, and Teefs, a wheel-chair-ridden walrus with prosthetic eyes. They don’t scream cute and cuddly on paper, but the voice actors and VFX team manage to breathe them to life. Furthermore, instead of relying solely on flashy, forgettable effects, Gunn uses a distinct visual style that blends colourful aesthetics with otherworldly wonders. This is evident in, perhaps, one of the movie’s most memorable scenes where Quill and Co. visit the fleshy planet of Orgosphere. The Guardians’ spacesuits that are dangerously close to Among Us territory, coupled with the corpulent feel of the planet, make for an uncomfortable yet unforgettable experience that’ll have you wondering whether you accidentally bought 4D tickets. But as graphic as some of the scenes are, Gunn’s world is a visual treat that transports the audience beyond the mundane and into a universe brimming with life, vibrancy, and humour.

While humour has been a consistent element in Marvel films, Vol.3 has truly mastered the art of witty and intelligent dialogue. It’s a delicate balance that the film strikes effortlessly, all thanks to Gunn’s sole writing efforts, which is contrary to other Marvel films that usually have a writing team the size of a small Navy division. In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the dialogue continues to be a delightful mix of sarcasm, clever one-liners, and unexpected moments of genuine emotion. It’s not just about the jokes; it’s about the characters’ chemistry and ability to connect with the audience on a deeper level. This is contradictory to a majority of other Marvel movies, including the last two GOTG movies, that attempt to delve into deeper themes like grief and love, but always equip them with cringy humour for their younger audiences. This oftentimes contorts an otherwise okay movie into a seemingly heartless, commercial cash-grab. Gunn, on the other hand, uses dialogue and humour in this movie to expose his characters in their entirety before bidding them adieu forever.

But what truly sets Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 apart from its Marvel counterparts is the underlying themes that reverberate throughout the film, making it feel more heartfelt and substantial. While other Marvel movies often focus on grandiose battles and world-saving heroics, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 tackles themes of grief, redemption, forgiveness, and the meaning of family. As the most hated Hollywood Chris, Pratt manages to deliver a raw performance where he exhibits his pent-up anger and sadness and, above all, his experience as a leader. This is not to forget Bradley Cooper, who carries the film from behind a mic as the voice of Rocket the Racoon. Gunn handed Cooper some of the darkest themes Marvel fans have ever seen, like animal abuse, eugenics, and nearly R-rated violence. The actor does a fantastic job walking the audience through a twisted and uncomfortable path, allowing them to connect with the character personally. It’s a refreshing departure from the usual superhero fare and adds a layer of emotional depth that lingers long after the credits roll and the tears dry.

So, as we embark on this final journey with the Guardians of the Galaxy, it’s evident that whoever comes next after Gunn has some pretty big shoes to fill. With a voice as loud as James Gunn’s and his audacious choice of music, stunning visuals that defy imagination, profound themes, and characters that don’t just pull, but yank at your heartstrings, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a Marvel experience like no other.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3: James Gunn’s Last Marvellous Mixtape

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