*this review will contain spoilers*

I would like to start by saying this movie felt like the OG Marvel, this is coming from a huge Marvel fan. I had high expectations going in walking in due to the hype surrounding this movie and when I left the theaters, those expectations were fulfilled. I would say I like the Guardians of the Galaxy but they wouldn’t be my favorite characters in the MCU but after this movie they definitely got higher up on that list.

This movie was oriented mainly on the character Rocket who in the past 2 movies was in denial about who he was. However, we see the backstory of this character and the environment he grew up in, which was harsh and demanding. We see that he was always cunning and smart in how he handled certain situations. It was nice seeing baby Rocket and how he grew up over the years.

The plot of the movie tied perfectly into his character and allowed for more details to pass through such as his previous friends before the guardians being Teefs, Floor, and Lylla. Also, I would like the mention the fighting sequences were AMAZING. This action kept me in my seat HOOKED to the screen whether it was them Starlord and Groot fighting on the High Evolutionary’s ship or the hallway of them all fighting, nonetheless all were amazing.

Usually, I’m a big crier when it comes to movies so I was expecting to cry and well, I did. So many moments when James Gunn really tied the scene together to make it more impactful. When Lylla told Rocket it wasn’t his time to join them yet that really got me and resonated that Lylla was a bigger impact in Rocket’s life then I had anticipated. Another moment was when Rocket went back to save the animals but specifically when he saved the baby raccoons. In that moment, when he read they were raccoons he finally was able to stop his denial and fully accept that he is Rocket the Raccoon.

I had to create a separate section just for this specific moment because it truly encompasses the ties between the Guardians and how they truly are each other’s family. When the audience hears Groot say “I love you guys” and not just “I am Groot,” that truly damaged me. It is said that James Gunn had Vin say it in that manner so that the audience is now a part of this collective “family.” Throughout the movies, the Guardians were able to fully understand what Groot was saying while us, the audience only heard “I am Groot.” I think this process of understanding what Groot is saying essentially means you are a part of the family. To back this up, this new Gamora had no idea what Groot was saying at the beginning of the movie but towards the end she easily catches on and understands what he is saying.

This film was so impactful on the way I understand the Guardians and it deserves the utmost attention. Phase 4 has produced some amazing films and this would rank high on there for me. I would recommend this movie to anyone, but you should first watch the other movies to get general knowledge on the dynamics of the guardians.

-Madison C.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

I just saw Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and wow. This one was a ride, but so is every Marvel movie. You would think I would be immune to this feeling by now, but I guess not. So let me give you a quick rundown on the story.

We start off with some already dark undertones; everyone is kind of struggling and the song Creep is playing in the background. As if they weren’t already having a rough time, the Guardians and the planet of Knowhere are attacked, leaving Rocket standing at death’s door. Now the Guardian’s have to find a way to save him before it is too late, uncovering secrets of one’s past and overcoming the hurt and trauma along with it.

This movie is dark. First it was Spider-Man, then Doctor Strange, then Wakanda, and then this. At first I was honestly a little bored. The humor they were trying was just not getting to me and it felt out of place. But then I realized maybe it was supposed to feel awkward. The entire tone of the movie was anything but comical. It was serious, dark; it even felt like a horror movie at some points. Of course there were happy moments and a couple of good one liners, but the movie made me feel very bittersweet. The movie was packed with action, amazingly directed scenes (that really helped set the tone of the movie), great song choices, and fantastic character development. 

I realized some major themes/thematic topics in the movie. Friendship, family, letting go and overcoming the past were huge aspects. Throughout the movie, you find the Guardians mention how friends are there for each other, that they care about each other because they are a family, and how they have to let go of the past. The main focus is on three groups: Rocket and his past, Gamora and Quill, and then Nebula with Drax and Mantis. These three groups go through each of these themes, in their own ways. It was fantastic to see each character grow by the end and it was even better to see how they got there. We learn about Rocket and what he went through in his past, we see how different things are now with Gamora and Quill, and we see Nebula learn more about her teammates and friends, Drax and Mantis. And of course, there is Groot, who doesn’t have too much drama, but is instead just there for his friends.

This movie was a fun one. Each scene was intense, bringing out different emotions each second. At times it would have me dancing in my seat as the characters fought, and other times it had me sitting as still as a rock as I watched traumatic events. This was an amazing movie that had me clapping at the end. I would definitely recommend watching it at some time. It was definitely worth it to see how characters grew and what they ended up doing in the end. If you’re looking for a good movie to watch, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is definitely one to take a look at.

-Nicole R.