Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3

Plot Summary: This is the third installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film goes into the details of Rocket's backstory and his motivations. In the beginning he is almost killed by Adam Warlock. The Rest of the Guardians have to travel to Orgocorp headquarters because there is a kill switch embedded in Rocket that will kill him if he is operated on. They find the file that should reverse the kill switch, but it isn't there. As the Guardians are trying to find the real file and rescue Rocket, and others as well, the High Evolutionary, who created, tortured, and planned to kill Rocket, is trying to find him. The High Evolutionary is also trying to create a perfect species and society, but destroys it whenever something doesn't turn out how he wants it to. Will Rocket live? Are the Guardians able to defeat the High Evolutionary and save those he wants to kill?

Author Background: James Gunn made his first 8mm films when he was twelve-years-old. He has also been in a rock band and written books and comic strips. He received a Masters of Fine Art (MFA) from Columbia University. After attending the Cannes Film Festival he moved to Los Angeles where he started acting and writing scripts for Hollywood movies. The first movie he helped write and act in was called The Specials. His first time directing a major film was in 2006 when he directed Slither (IMDb, n.d.-b).

Critical Evaluation: This movie has a lot going for it. There is almost constant action. Of course, that is needed for a superhero movie. The jokes told throughout, both in words and actions, were hilarious. The movie also has deep themes. The flashbacks to Rocket's life before being a Guardian really add to the movie. You can see where Rocket got to where he is (no spoilers, I promise). This movie completes many character arcs that began with the earlier films. Having friendship and love being juxtaposed with the genocidal and eugenic wants of the High Evolutionary was a master stroke of script writing. It was a great sendoff of the Guardian characters (IMDb, n.d.-a). Also, the soundtrack is going to be AMAZING!

Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer: When Rocket is seriously injured the Guardians come together to help save him. In the process they all become better friends and face their individual and collective fears.

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:  Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3 has plenty of violence, swearing, and some suggestive humor. Star Lord is drunk, because of grief, in the opening scene. Despite this, the movie as a whole teaches good lessons about friendship and the dangers of power. Teens can gain an appreciation for their own uniqueness and that of even the closest friends by watching this movie.

Reason for Inclusion: Sometimes it is believed that superhero movies are made for kids. The plots often stick to simple good verses evil. However, this movie goes deep. The exploration of friendship, loss, and power is at a level that teens will understand and appreciate more than younger children.

References

Entertainment Tonight. (2023, April 29). Bradley Cooper cried watching guardians of the galaxy vol. 3 (exclusive). [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftu643CTrSg.

Fandango. (2023, April 3). Guardians of the galaxy : vol. 3's Chris Pratt and Karen Gillen on the emotional end to the trilogy. [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6pPhNrft7I.

IMDb. (n.d.-a). Guardians of the galaxy vol. 3- user reviews. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6791350/reviews?ref_=tt_urv.

IMDb. (n.d.-b). James Gunn- biography. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0348181/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm.

Marvel Entertainment. (2023, February 12). Marvel studios' guardians of the galaxy vol. 3 / new trailer. [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqcncLPi9zw.