And now, it’s time for the grand finale before fully focusing on his new gig: taking over the, shows, and more. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, because his final entry into the Marvel universe is well worth our attention.The marketing for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has had “bittersweet ending” written all over it, and the movie does indeed pack a punch, yet most fans should walk out of it with a big smile on their faces.
As expected, Vol. 3 largely feels like one final test for the team and the bonds that unite them. With Thanos defeated, the known universe saved, and the original Gamora dead, the Guardians are trying to rebuild Knowhere into a respectable place that welcomes everyone who has lost something.
Nebula and alternate timeline Gamora also find themselves in unexpected places, each trying to get over their father’s abuses and the many shocks that came with the war for the Infinity Stones. For Nebula, the path forward might be one of protecting those who have suffered like her, and that starts with her new comrades. Gillan once again delivers a nuanced performance that highlights how Nebula has had one of the wildest character arcs in the entire MCU and one we won’t soon forget.
Drax and Mantis are still the finest comedic duo of the Guardians, capable of derailing almost any serious conversation with child-like innocence, bad jokes, and unfiltered comments. It’s a testament to the actors’ talent how many gags that could’ve landed flat or quickly become annoying totally work time and again. Everyone is on the same page and knows what to aim for with every little moment. And yes, both Drax and Mantis get powerful dramatic beats as well.
Groot , Kraglin , and Cosmo perhaps get the short end of the stick in this really packed third installment, yet all of them have plenty of moments to shine and big payoffs. The script puts them wherever they can make the biggest impact, but knows its focus should be elsewhere. In other movies that deal with sizable teams of heroes, it’s easy to see characters that could be removed altogether from the equation, but James Gunn worked his magic once again here to make everyone feel irreplaceable.