Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will make you forget you’re over superhero movies

Superhero movie fatigue may well have set in, but the Guardians sequel will make you forget you were over them.

When James Gunn took his first meeting at Marvel in 2012, an idea clicked for him on what the Guardians of the Galaxy should be.

For him, the story should centre on Rocket, the surly and brash talking raccoon with a gift for mechanical things. The mystery of Rocket and where he came from was the emotional grounding of the Guardians, and while there were hints of a traumatic past, we never got that story – until now.

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Rocket takes centre stage as the malevolent god-complex narcissist who made him, the High Evolutionary, tries to recapture him. Rocket’s life hangs in the balance as Quill and crew embark on a quest to save their friend.

A lot happens – like, a lot a lot – as they confront the cruelty of the High Evolutionary, as well as their perceptions of themselves and each other. Everyone – Quill, Nebula, Drax, Mantis, Groot and Gamora – all get to have a moment, but this is Rocket’s story.

And the flashbacks to how Rocket came to be Rocket are particularly affecting.

The Guardians story was always about Rocket. Picture: Marvel

It’s a full circle for Gunn as he’s finally able to fulfil that initial ambition in Guardians 3, his final film for the Marvel juggernaut now that he’s running the joint at rival DC Studios.

Judging by Guardians 3, that bodes well for DC. And it’s a loss for Marvel. No one else in the Marvel stable has quite managed to make the ridiculous and cosmic feel real and emotional, not even Kiwi filmmaker Taika Waititi.

And having an anthropomorphic raccoon as your emotional centre is weird, but it works. Partly it’s because Gunn has worked up to this moment in his two previous moments, plus the two Avengers movie and a Thor movie his characters were in. It’s earnt.

But mostly because Gunn imbues this strange, offbeat world with affection and love. And love really is the watchword here. Guardians 3 is a real warm and fuzzy movie that sometimes makes you forget that you’re a bit bored with the onslaught of superhero movies.

Guardians 3 is James Gunn’s last movie for Marvel – for now. Picture: Marvel

Guardians 3 is chaotic and loud – and the strains of the group is present with everyone constantly shouting at each other – but beneath the tensions and frustrations is an undeniable love. Gunn clearly loves these characters. He loves them for all their flaws and mistakes, but they’re there for each other and that love is infectious.

The cast including Chris Pratt, Karen Gillan, Dave Bautista, Sean Gunn, Zoe Saldana, Pom Klementieff and the voice talents of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel know exactly what they’re doing by this stage – and they’re still committed. That chemistry snaps, crackles and pops.

Newcomers including Will Poulter as the formidable but surprisingly goofy Adam Warlock and Maria Bakalova as a telekinetic, talking dog slide into Gunn’s world as if they’ve been there all along.

Guardians 3 is sometimes overly sentimental, but Gunn so effectively tugs those heartstrings, much is forgiven. You just want to spend more time in their company.

Adam Warlock has arrived. Picture: Jessica Miglio/Marvel

And, as always, the needle drops are perfect, starting with an acoustic version of Radiohead’s “Creep” and ending with Florence + the Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over”. In between, there’s Heart, Faith No More, The Flaming Lips and an especially clever use of Beastie Boys during a thrilling action set-piece.

Does it sometimes feel like a bunch of music videos stitched into a two-and-a-hour movie? Actually, no. Because Guardians 3 does what it needs to do. It’s visually vibrant, it’s joyous and it might even make you cry.

Rating: 3.5/5

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is in cinemas now