That’s really the best advice one can be given going into “Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume 3,” a rare three-quel that works on almost every level.
I say almost because writer-director James Gunn leaves it all on his sleeve with his concluding adventure starring this particular iteration of the Guardians.
I had no idea, none, of the origin story that Gunn had planned for “Volume 3.” I thought, like many people, I suspect, that this final outing would lean heavy into Adam Warlock (Will Poulter). Imagine my glee when I discovered that Gunn’s final chef’s kiss was to give Rocket Raccoon center stage for much of the tale.
Gunn remains such an iconic anomaly in genre cinema. He can play with equal verve in both the Marvel and DC sandboxes. He has a knack for team-and-world-building that surpasses most, if not all, of his peers. And his gift for dialogue, his ability to tap into the rhythm of conversation, particularly between people who are capable of both loving and loathing one another at the most unexpected moments, remains a singular talent for which Gunn can never be bested.
Though a little long, but not in a way that feels overlong, Gunn mines Rocket’s origins as a laboratory test study for The High Evolutionary (think God, but even more Old Testament) while also introducing Warlock (sure to be a major player soon) and giving fans a different experience and perspective than we’re used to between Star-Lord and Gamora.
“Volume 3” also is—not surprisingly—very, very funny.
There’s a fantastic bit involving Gunn acting troupe mainstay Nathan Fillion and an even funnier sequence once the Guardians land on Counter Earth seeking a way to save Rocket’s life.
But what elevates this above recent Marvel Studios releases is its heart.
Gunn is a Guardian, and a Ravager, and a perpetual kid explorer who can’t help but brag because his talent backs him up, but I challenge you not to get misty-eyed early and often throughout, especially during the extended flashbacks to Rocket’s early life with his first friends.
I can easily imagine Gunn having a good cry in the editing bay watching what he had conceived come to life, this earnest and inclusive and loving gang of misfits who never fail to display the best qualities, the most important qualities, whenever challenged or told they can’t.
The MCU is better because of the Guardians of the Galaxy. As fans, we’re better because of the time we’ve spent with them these past nine years (?!?). It’s crazy to think about that passage of time.
When the tally on comic book movies is eventually counted, and these superhero films are judged equally and ranked, I truly believe that this trilogy deserves to be near the top of the pack.
And depending on how well Gunn does shepherding the creative overhaul of the DC Films universe and delivering something truly special with the new “Superman” film, he may well be represented on both sides of the aisle.
This article appears in May 4-10, 2023.