REVIEW: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3

4/5

Galaxy Quest. 

150 Mins. Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillian, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter, Elizabeth Debicki, Maria Bakalova, Nico Santos, Daniela Melchior, Jennifer Holland, Nathan Fillion, Tara Strong, Linda Cardellini, Michael Rosenbaum & Sylvester Stallone. Director: James Gunn. 

Since you've been gone (if you were part of Thanos' spring-cleaning). The Avengers returned from the blip to save the day (but some were never the same). K.E.V.I.N. Feige unleashed Phase 4 and a 'Multiverse Of Madness' to mixed feelings. And James Gunn jumped ship to become the head honcho, shaking things up at DC. There was even still time to put a lovely 'Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special' under the tree like Star Wars last year for Disney +. But lately Marvel can't catch a break. Recent films and shows have faced a backlash (we loved them all though). The much-hyped 'Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania' was crushed by a critical sledgehammer (still loved that too). And just when the M.C.U. thought they found their new big bad in Jonathan Majors' Kang the Conqueror, the 'Creed III' actor on the year of his life was accused of assault. There's now talk of Star Wars star John Boyega being He Who Remains. Marvel fans need to be hooked on a feeling again. 

So, it's time those bunch of a-holes returned. Even if it is for the last time (?). The fired and rehired Gunn knows how to steady the ship. After all, he saved 'The Suicide Squad'. DC darkness creeps into this creature feature though that would feel like a clusterf### in anyone else's hands. Expect an f-bomb to be dropped in another sick soundtrack we simply won't spoil for your Zune's in 'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3'. The third time is more than the charm. It's a disarming story that will leave you crying over mechanical animals. Incinerating any inspiration of cynicism, leaving these Guardians and their great influence on Marvel for almost a decade in its wake. Amazing action and a wild beginning offset by classic comedy and haunting heart reminds you what the first film did for Marvel in 2014 was similar to what the original Iron Man (nice nod) did for all of this cinematic universe. Setting off a whole new galaxy of stars from a plucky film that had more moxie than people were willing to give credit for...until all the cinemas cashed in. 

Merchandise made even more money, but at the heart of all of this was a story about anyone being a superhero...and a survivor too. Chris Pratt is back in the saddle on the biggest week of his life here in Japan with the mega release of 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie'. As is an alternative version of Zoe Saldaña's Gamora (Sly may be in this movie, but this ain't 'Cliffhanger'). We miss their fun chemistry, but at least this movie gives this character a choice, unlike the botched 'Passengers' science fiction and abusive fact. You can find the will they, won't they love in the friendship between Dave Bautista's (so good in 'Knock At The Cabin') Drax and Pom Klementieff (about to have her own scorching summer with the 'Dead Reckoning' of a two-part 'Mission: Impossible'), continuing their 'Holiday' feeling. Hoping the Destroyer will give her a Zarg nut. But it's Karen Gillian's nuanced Nebula, with hilarious helpings of heart amongst all that action, who really is part of the team now. Unapologetic and proud. Who cares what she looks like on the poster? Temper, temper. This crew calls each other out on their bulls###...and more importantly, themselves on their own. Now how's that for a learning experience we can all take something from? 

We are Groot too when it comes to Vin Diesel burning through the summer season with this and the new and ninth 'Fast and the Furious' film that's about to leave the garage this month of May. And how about his new looks? But this is Bradley Cooper's Rocket Raccoon movie as we see a beautiful but brutal (this is not a PG-13 family or furry friendly movie) backstory that shows us baby Rocket was as cute as Baby Groot. And how about the voice of Linda Cardellini on double Marvel duty after 'Hawkeye'? Same for the Miss Minutes of Loki's Tara Strong stepping in for the voice of Miley Cyrus. Because like James' brother Sean Gunn taking over Yondu's whistle whilst he works, Sylvester Stallone and his Michael Rosenbaum Ravagers make a welcome return. But it's a shame not to see 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh who is now also a part of 'Shang-Chi's legend. 

In this 2023 space odyssey that pays spacesuit tribute to '2001', there's a whole host of family and friends from 'The Suicide Squad' and Gunn's 'Peacemaker' series who have made their own name who cameo here. Partner in crime Jennifer Holland, scene-stealer Daniela Melchior, 'Firefly' legend Nathan Fillion and many more like Nico Santos. Yet it's Maria Bakalova's Cosmo who is the really good dog with new tricks. The GOTG and GOATs of Marvel will need all the bark they can bite with the aggravated anger of an amazing Chukwudi Iwuji as a Musk-y villain hell-bent on the narcissism of manipulating the world in his own image. Thank the gold Gods for a beefed up, wild Will Poulter and his epic entrance as Adam the Warlock. Not to mention the returning Princess like Diana of Elizabeth Debicki. All the way to a comic accurate suit-up for a showstopping end to a terrific trilogy. The guard may be changing, but even a long time from now in a galaxy far, far away, we'll still feel the hook. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Guardians Of The Galaxy', 'Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2', 'The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special'.