The names Rocket, Rocket Raccoon.

The world has changed quite a lot since we were first introduced to James Gunn’s band of misfits back in 2014, and with a mixed bag of recent MCU projects, does the new guardians film share the same charm that the original had? Let’s find out on Gaber’s Two Cents.

Rocket has always been in my opinion one of the most underused characters on the guardians team. That’s not to say that he hasn’t had times to shine throughout his cinematic universe stay, but I always wondered what his backstory was. Vol. 3 examines Rocket thoroughly, with a backstory that pulls on the heartstrings and provides a triumphant hurrah in the films third act. We are shown how Rocket was given his technological advancements and why he holds such a pessimistic world view of those around him. It’s really great stuff that allows us to see this character whom we have known for so long, shown under a completely new light. James Gunn’s writing within these flashbacks throughout the film is so confident and gripping, that you almost forget you are watching a backstory for a wisecracking racoon.

Rocket’s flashbacks are quite dark, even for MCU standards. With the animal cruelty scenes in particular being quite hard to stomach for some, especially children. However, Gunn is so easy at deflecting such overwhelming dread with perfectly timed jokes that helps to remind the audience that they are watching a Marvel film, not a PETA commercial. The High Evolutionary, the villain of the film, is perfectly contrasted against the young and innocent rocket. In showing just how much of a bank slate rocket used to be, his development as a character when jumping back to the present is abundantly clear and satisfying. With the High Evolutionary claiming Rockets only purpose is the search for perfection, it makes so much more sense now why Rocket is never satisfied with himself or those around him. This full circle moment is at the heart of the film, and it compliments the plot with an extremely emotional backdrop that inspires, while also providing much needed hope.

So Rocket makes a great impression, but what about the rest of the guardians? Star Lord is still reeling from the loss of his teammate/lover Gamora, while the rest of the crew tolerate his archaic drinking binges. It’s interesting because we have never seen Star Lord like quite like this. Definitely the more jolly of the crew, despite Drax, It sets the stage perfectly by showing us the aftermath of Gamora’s loss. Something that the rightfully overstuffed Avengers: Endgame failed to do. Without going into too much spoiler territory, a severely injured Rocket is what gets Star Lord out of his depressing funk, as he now finally has a another reason to fight for. Other characters like Drax, Groot, and Nebula are great too, with Drax being a tad underused per usual. Which is fine, since he has already been one of the more unexplored characters apart of the squad.

Surprisingly, Mantis, the sister of Star Lord who was introduced in the previous film, has a lot more development occur with her character. Not to say that she was bad by any means in the last film, but it seemed as if her sole purpose was to bounce one liners off of Drax rather than provide anything meaningful to the story. Thankfully this is not the case in Vol. 3, and the combined chemistry of Drax, Nebula, and Mantis is a continuous treat throughout the film. With Mantis finding her own strength while also continuing to be the emotional anchor of the group. For someone that can control others emotions, it’s interesting to see Mantis struggle with her own feelings, and piece together who she is, rather than being regulated to the sidelines.

I am not the biggest fan of Marvel’s recent trend to add a joke every five seconds within their films in this particular phase. Like the annoying and repetitive gags used in Thor: Love and Thunder, but with the guardians it feels organic and does not seem forced at all, which goes to show the strength of Gunn’s writing. Hopefully with Gunn exiting the MCU, they can follow suit with his stylistic choices and refine his trademark restrained situational humor. Rather than continuously approving scripts that seem like thrown out SNL skits.

Alright character development and a tight script/plot is great, but how about the action? Reserved is the word I would use in describing the action contained in the film. While that might seem like a negative jab, it’s quite the opposite. Again without spoiling too much, the film starts off with an explosive bang. Newcomer Adam Warlock is an ambiguous threat, that demonstrates just how much of a danger he is right from the jump. Providing a thrilling fight to open the film, with all guardians struggling to contain the cosmic being. Additionally, it must be said, Warlocks entrance catapulting straight towards the Guardians HQ with rock roaring in the score is just *Chefs kiss*.

There’s not too much action in this film, but when there is, it puts you on the edge of your seat with badass moments that exhilarate, rather than just being a mish mash of unfinished CGI. One scene in particular contained within the third act has all of the guardians finally reunited, and they are forced to go straight through the High Revolutionary’s enemy forces. The choreography in this scene is incredible, and every character gets their chance to shine by showing their unique and powerful abilities. It is arguably the best action sequence in the entire trilogy, and there is not much room for debate.

One tiny qualm, and I do mean tiny, is how Gunn consistently places his loved ones within his films. Whether it be his brother, Sean Gunn, or Gunn’s own wife Jennifer Holland. They don’t detract from the film as a whole, but occasionally don’t have the acting chops to compete with their fellow cast members. With Sean Gunn being the main perpetrator with this issue. Nonetheless, it doesn’t harm the film in any substantial way, other than a minor annoyance.

All in all, if this truly is the last time we see the Guardians of the Galaxy it’s a fitting send off for Marvels loveable band of misfits. With a stellar script, emotional plot points, and exquisite action, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hits all of the high notes with a smooth falsetto that will leave fans crooning for more. All that and more is why Guardians received this particular Cent Score.

Cent Score: 4 Cents

Not a masterpiece, but as close as one can get.

Thanks for checking out this weeks Film & TV post, feel free to tap that thumb’s up button down below and subscribe if you want to be notified for new posts each week, and check back next week for an all new comic book piece. I’ll see you all next time on Gaber’s Two Cents.