It has been six long years since the release of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in 2017 and hardcore Marvel fans, like myself, have been eagerly anticipating to witness the finale of this beloved decade-long trilogy.
The wait is finally over and I must say, it did not disappoint.
If you haven’t seen the movie yet, brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster ride as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will take you on a heartfelt adventure that may require you to have a box of tissues on hand.
THE PLOT
This third instalment picks up right where its predecessor left off. The film delves deeper into the lives of our beloved misfit heroes. The Guardians, still grappling with the aftermath of the Infinity Saga, have found refuge in Knowhere, a community nestled within the severed head of a celestial being. The Guardians find themselves facing their greatest challenge yet, as they embark on a heartfelt adventure that explores themes of family, redemption, and sacrifice.
The primary focus of the story revolves around the mission to rescue Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), which also explores his origin story and the mysterious past he shares with the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji).
Alongside Rocket’s story, the narrative also intertwines with the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame, as Quill (Chris Pratt) attempts to forge a familial bond with an alternate-timeline Gamora (Zoe Saldana), similar to the connection that her deceased multiversal counterpart once shared in the previous films.
In comparison to the first two films, this particular instalment of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise took on a darker tone which featured noticeably more intense scenes, creating a stark contrast with the previous two movies. It is stuffed with heartbreaking thematic heft as it dives deep into the different shades of familial love and the lengths people are willing to go to for those who they hold dear.
NEW CHARACTERS
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has also brought two new significant additions to the MCU: Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) and the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji). These two characters play pivotal roles in the film, drawing upon their rich histories from Marvel Comics. Their inclusion adds depth and significance to the film’s narrative, bringing beloved characters from the comic book pages to life on the big screen.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Adam Warlock was first teased in a post-credits scene in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” where Ayesha, the leader of the Sovereign race, revealed that she had created a perfect being to destroy the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Adam Warlock is a prominent character in the Marvel comics, created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. He possesses the power of flight, as well as superhuman strength, speed, and agility. He can also project energy blasts, has increased senses, and has a healing aspect.
According to the Marvel comics, Adam Warlock, originally known as Him, was created by a group of scientists called the Enclave as an artificial being with the potential for perfection. However, he rebelled against their control and embarked on a journey of self-discovery. He became a guardian of the Soul Gem and adopted the name, Adam Warlock.
In my opinion, Marvel did a fantastic job portraying Adam Warlock’s distinctive and powerful presence in comic books. With his golden skin tone, flowing hair, and the complex intricacies of his clothing, his design combines cosmic and mystical aspects. Even though the MCU version of Adam Warlock is unquestionably less powerful than the Adam Warlock from the comic books, he nonetheless exhibits incredible potential and abilities and will definitely be an important character for future Marvel projects to come.
The High Evolutionary possesses incredible scientific knowledge and the ability to manipulate and accelerate the evolutionary process of living beings. With his advanced technology, he can alter the genetic makeup of organisms, resulting in rapid mutations and evolutionary leaps.
According to Marvel Comics, the High Evolutionary’s real name is Herbert Edgar Wyndham. Herbert Wyndham was a brilliant geneticist who became obsessed with evolving life forms and pushing the boundaries of scientific advancement. Through his experiments and technological prowess, he transformed himself into the High Evolutionary.
Driven by his desire to create a perfect world, the High Evolutionary embarked on a mission to establish his own evolutionary utopia called Wundagore Mountain. There, he conducted experiments and created his New Men, animal-human hybrids endowed with advanced intellect and abilities. The High Evolutionary believed that by accelerating evolution, he could guide the future of humanity and reshape the world according to his vision.
The High Evolutionary was an absolute menace in the film and was one of the best live-action supervillains I’ve seen and was definitely a Thanos-level villain. His sense of coldness, his sense of brutality, and his sense of unwavering determination to achieve his evolutionary goals create a truly terrifying presence on screen. His unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of his goals make him an unrelenting force to be reckoned with. The portrayal of the High Evolutionary captures the essence of his comic book counterpart, portraying him as a formidable and fearsome live-action supervillain, ensuring that he will be remembered as one of the most memorable antagonists in the MCU.
WORLD RECORD BROKEN
Using over 23,000 prosthetics across over 1,000 actors, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 used a great deal of makeup appliances. It broke and set a new world record for the most makeup appliances created for a single production.
The movie’s director James Gunn has revealed on Twitter that the production has managed to snatch a new World Record.
“Just heard from our makeup folks at @LegacyEffects that yesterday #GotGVol3 officially passed the World Record for ‘the most makeup appliances created for a single production’ (surpassing The Grinch) Congrats, guys! Thanks for keeping practical effects alive!” he wrote.
THE MAN BEHIND THE FRANCHISE
The Guardians of the Galaxy franchise’s popularity is the brainchild of James Gunn, who also wrote and directed the films in the series. With his unmatched imagination, skill as a storyteller, and exceptional capacity for fusing humour and emotion, Gunn has created a cinematic experience that has won audiences all over the world.
His visionary direction and unique interpretation of the cosmic universe have not only elevated the franchise but also set a new standard for superhero films. It is through Gunn’s unwavering dedication and artistic brilliance that the Guardians of the Galaxy has become a beloved and iconic part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
As James Gunn bids farewell to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and embarks on a new journey as the new CEO of DC Studios, tasked with revamping the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), his absence will undoubtedly leave a void that will be keenly felt in the MCU. Nevertheless, his venture into the world of DC presents an opportunity for him to bring his unique vision and breathe new life into the DCEU, promising a thrilling future for superhero fans.
THE VERDICT
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is, in my opinion, one of Marvel’s best films to date. The film captures everything that fans adore about the series, and it pushes the boundaries of storytelling.
Not only does Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 bring an end to a much-loved trilogy, but it also serves as a tribute to the greatness, depth, and innovation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film’s ability to balance emotions, humour, and action is its greatest strength. It seamlessly transitions between comedic moments that have the audience roaring with laughter to heartfelt scenes that tug at the heartstrings.
Even though the trilogy has unfortunately come to an end, no matter what happens next, the galaxy still needs its Guardians.
