Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has been generating a range of reactions since its premiere, with some critics calling it the “best Marvel movie in years” and “surprisingly emotional” (Variety), while others have described it as “strangely uneven” (Polygon). The trilogy-ending film, directed by James Gunn, has a strong focus on Rocket, voiced by Bradley Cooper, particularly resonating with audiences’ emotions.
Polygon’s review observes that the movie serves as a callback to earlier Marvel films, while IGN praises it for offering a rare experience in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). BBC’s Nicholas Barber describes Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 as the weirdest installment in the trilogy, while Digital Spy reports that the film has a current Rotten Tomatoes score of 81%.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that the first reactions to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 have been pouring in following its premiere and press screenings, with some remarking on its unruliness and excessive nature. However, others like writer-director James Gunn have praised the film for knowing how to balance corporate requirements with his own personal style in blockbuster filmmaking (Roger Ebert).
Bloomberg.com commends Gunn’s last Marvel mutliverse film for not getting trapped in its sprawl and maintaining a character-driven focus. Despite being an exhaustingly grotesque adventure, The New York Post acknowledges that Gunn’s choice to center the story on Rocket is emotionally appealing.
Recent articles from Forbes and Collider report that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’s reviews barely land it inside the top 20 of the MCU and detail an unhappy Gamora’s involvement, respectively. Meanwhile, Comic Book Movie offers a clip that hints at Nebula being no match for Adam Warlock.
With its unique approach to storytelling, strong characterization, and a blend of humor and heart, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is set to be one of the most distinct and unforgettable movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on May 5, 2023.
