Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Another big farewell party in full swing. Rocket’s origin story is the main pull of the third outing and it certainly did not disappoint. Yet, he's not the main star and the team gets a balanced roster, giving James Gunn a chance to say goodbye to everyone. The traditional story is wrapped in novel ideas and details that will simply grab you by the heart. Quill's depression, Nebula's care and Adam Warlock's unexpected devotion to his mother all have their place and are used appropriately. Still, it seems to me that Gunn is turning on demand and not with the gusto of Suicide Squad 2 – he plays it safe everywhere. But he still he managed to give us the best villain in the series. Chukwudi Iwuji gives everything, too, his High Evolutionary is a complex character who won't settle for anything less than perfection. This time, there was too much music for taste, and it overwhelmed Murphy’s excellent orchestral score. Even though we will never see this bunch together again, they say goodbye with the message that everyone is different, we need to respect that or at least get used to it and love each other just the way we are. Yeah, and it’s also important to give a second chance, something that Gunn himself got, and he doesn’t take it lightly. So, adios, and we’ll see each other again in another universe, with Superman. (05/09/2023)

Marvel has managed to move me a few times, but it has never managed to do it so many times in one film. This is simply a triumph, and it's a joy to see what it looks like when a series is lovingly nurtured by a man who understands it – James Gunn. The farewell to the Guardians of the Galaxy is not quite flawless, I was a little bothered by the not-so-smooth transitions from comedy to drama, for example, but in the end it's such a beautiful film that I can't be mad at it, and not just because of the raccoon eyes. So thanks, from the very first film it's been a beautiful, always imaginative, stylish and memorable ride. What will happen next, we’ll see. (05/05/2023)

The MCU’s swan song. I’m afraid that the third installment of Guardians of the Galaxy is (and probably will be for a long time) the last MCU movie which made me care about the story and the fate of its characters. Most importantly, it's an awesome movie packed with emotion, great moments, and, as we’ve come to expect of Gunn, an absolutely amazing soundtrack. Yes, it's a bit overelaborate, it does get cringy at times, and there are way too many characters. However, since the end of Phase Three, there hasn’t been anything this intriguing, entertaining, and moving (not just the ending). A last look into the good old world which, whether I admit it or not, has very much influenced my taste in movies, my interest in comic books, and just me personally in general. Thanks, Kevin. (05/25/2023)

For God's sake, give this bunch of lovable oddballs some dignity. If the first and second films were overstuffed but benefited from the fact that the main characters looked so "different and funny" compared to most others, the third film looks like a stale and generic colouring book without any innovation and freshness. There are lots of characters that aren't even worth talking about and the only thing that has a solid pull and gets some emotion out of the viewer is the line with the raccoon and a couple of funny jokes with Bautista. A film that starts 30 minutes and ends at about 45, already quite a nightmare with all the banging and shooting. Star Lord and co. can take a well-deserved break now no one will hold a grudge. (05/22/2023)

Third time’s the best. Rocket's origin, along with an emotionally drained Star-Lord and Gunn's most confident direction yet, brings the Guardians of the Galaxy to adulthood. Well, almost. In the more serious moments, the atmosphere thickens more than ever, but then another joke or the thirtieth song comes along. This exuberant gang stays true to themselves with all the good (mostly), but sometimes some of the bad too. This time, however, I was the least short of perfection. (05/03/2023)