HCA Gradebook: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”

Movie: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Plot: In Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 our beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.
Cast: Chris Pratt, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Sean Gunn, Will Poulter, Maria Bakalova and Chukwudi Iwuji.
Director: James Gunn
Release Date: May 5, 2023
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Number of Graders: 54
Overall Grade: B+

Zachary Pope says, “After seeing Guardians of the Galaxy 3 I feel pretty confident in saying a few things:
1. Rocket Raccoon is the best MCU Character 
2. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 might be my favorite MCU film
3. This is the best COMIC Book Movie Trilogy for me”
Grade: A+

Nikki Fowler says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a stunning end to the trilogy full of heart and emotion that explores Rocket Raccoon’s backstory, centered around him and his four furry friends. It’s not only a very traumatic and violent one, but it’s also full of emotional and very touching moments, alongside incredible action and colorful otherworldly production. The High Evolutionary portrayed by Chukwudi Iwuji, who is a hideous villain with skin stretched across his face and clipped into place like a Hobby Lobby crafting board steals some of the thunder of the film, giving a stellar and completely evil performance. Bradley Cooper, who reprised his role as Rocket, will have you emotionally. invested, and Zoe Saldana and Chris Patt bring that love-lost relationship banter of losing someone you love and having no recollection of who you once knew. Viewers will be able to relate to many of these storylines, as they will be able to see some of their personalities in themselves — they overwhelmingly tug at the heart.

Quill is joined by Drax (Dave Bautista), Mantis (Pom Klementieff), and Nebula (Karen Gillan), who all have their own equally funny and emotional personalities and stories that are blended perfectly together. You laugh and almost cry at the way they all try to find their way as these lost ones, who are just trying to get by protecting the galaxy and realizing that they are more connected than most families, yet you never wonder why any particular character exists. It’s an elegant dance that Dunn performs with such a vast cast as well as bringing in newcomers Kraglin (Sean Gunn) and his dog Cosmo (Maria Bakalova), who have dynamic personalities and battles that will easily draw you in wanting more. They really do get the humor just right. The production of this film will wow you, there was so much to look at and take in, and the world-building was coming at you in high dosage with incredible set design and incredible color. The CGI does get a little convoluted at times, as do some of the storylines as you flip back and forth between Rocket’s story, sometimes having to interpret timelines quickly before shifting to another story. Some of the content comes with a trigger warning as there are implications of animal cruelty, but also some really powerful moments with Rocket and his furry friends as he confronts being consumed with guilt and finding his way out of fear, and letting others down. It never gets weird; you are deeply connected to these creatures, just like any character. That’s how powerful the story is, you just might have to hold back tears.”
Grade: A+

John Nguyen says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the most emotional adventure of the trilogy. We’ve grown to love these characters, and Rocket’s tragic past will pull on your heartstring. The “one-shot” action was brutal, and James Gunn pushed the limits of the PG-13 rating.”
Grade: A+

Mark Pacis says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a beautiful send-off for our favorite band of a-holes. It’s emotional, action-packed, and offers the main Guardians a complete and proper arc. At the same time, it delivers a great introduction to the newer characters like Cosmo and Adam Warlock. Also, Rocket… I’ve always loved him in the comics, and I love how James Gunn will make audiences love him as much as I do because this is HIS movie, and like he is on the Guardians, he’s the heart and soul of the film.”
Grade: A+

Tessa Smith says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is easily the best MCU film since Avengers: Endgame. That is how you do a trilogy! I laughed, cheered, sang along, and cried so, so many tears. The stakes were high this time around. James Gunn knows how to work with an ensemble cast and give every character the time they deserve. This third film delivers many payoffs for fans who have been around since the first movie, tying so many things together. All of the character arcs were beautiful and touching. They pushed the envelope with this one in terms of darkness, but it works, making the movie that much more powerful. High Evolutionary is absolutely terrifying and one of the best MCU villains. What a perfect ending. What a perfect new beginning.”
Grade: A+

Griffin Schiller says, “HOLY hell what a picture! The purest extension of James Gunn put to film tonal pivots & all. A film about creators, their creations, friends, how they shape us, & how we grow beyond our mistakes & trauma. A fucking plea for empathy & 2nd chances. Sentimental & heartfelt. Adored it. A superhero movie that’s actually interested in confronting the role of heroes – finding the empathy w/in themselves & each other so that they can act w/love going forward & pass it on to those who need it. A but overwrought but like, that’s life man. That’s GUNN!

The most handcrafted an MCU film has ever felt and probably will ever be allowed to feel. A musical odyssey that demands we act on emotional impulses, love, & faith in each other even when logic dictates otherwise. We’re all fucking scared, so lend an arm & lead w/love. This is the affirmation of the mission of the Guardians. And fuck dude Peter has never been better. Oh my god I LOVED him, LOVED him. Resonated so deeply with his character, his fears and insecurities. My fav character. Him and Mantis.

Sublime. Fucking sublime. Not only the crowning achievement of the MCU, but downright one of the greatest CBM’s and trilogy cappers of all time. This thing packs Return of the Jedi levels of climactic heart and joy. Just absolutely floored this thing exists, this trilogy exists. These are the kind of cape flicks we need…but perhaps not the ones we deserve, but nevertheless are fortunate enough to be gifted with.”
Grade: A+

Kit Stone says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the best Marvel film since the Infinity Saga. James Gunn brings us back to the beginning with a story that blends humor, emotion, epic fights, and a bomb soundtrack. You’ll laugh, cry, and groove to its beats — a solid farewell.”
Grade: A

James White says, “James Gunn most definitely sticks the landing with his trilogy capper, an emotional, successful and wild final adventure for this incarnation of the Guardians team. Almost completely free of Marvel connective tissue (beyond some mild set-up for potential future Guardians team members), this instead focuses on rounding out our heroes’ stories and digging into the past of Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper but brought to life via performance capture by Sean Gunn). There’s tragedy here, and some will be affected by (CG) animal cruelty, but there’s also triumph on many levels, and of course, great music tracks.”
Grade: A

Michael Lee says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a bittersweet conclusion to a story about our favorite dysfunctional family of misfits and outsiders. It’s music filled finale that’s goofy, sick, and heartbreaking. They let James Gunn loose with this and he certainly delivers. What a way to go.”
Grade: A

Andrea Towers says, “It’s not easy to tie up a trilogy but James Gunn does it — and does it beautifully, with all the heart, humor, and nuance that made the first two films so beloved. Gunn manages to not only tie up narrative storylines in a cohesive way, he also weaves a story that gives a spotlight to two characters who have become significant parts of the team and emotional depth and payoff to a longtime one. The best film to come out of Phase 5 so far? Definitely.”
Grade: A

David Gonzalez says, “Its epic performances, scope, & soundtrack cement this gem as one of the MCU’s best. When I think of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and the MCU, I think of Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part III, “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.”
Grade: A

Kolby Mac says, “An epic conclusion to the greatest trilogy within the MCU. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 earns every laugh, every tear, every tug at your heart through its touching story, great performances and clear direction. The Guardians weren’t supposed to work but remind us all to be exactly who we are whether we work or not!”
Grade: A

Mike Manalo says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is James Gunn’s Marvel magnum opus. It is arguably the best film Gunn has ever crafted for Marvel Studios. By scaling back on the physical stakes and playing up the emotional stakes, Gunn is able to tell a story that feels refreshing, yet poignant, but no less urgent. The emotion — the big beating heart of this movie – is exactly why it’s the best of the three films, as Vol. 3 is the payoff to the personal journeys each and every single one of these characters has been on all this time. It is an absolute feast for the eyes, the ears, and the heart. From a visual standpoint, this movie is so incredibly gorgeous to look at. And the action in this installment is the best we’ve seen in the franchise, with the highlight being a climactic, cinematic “single take” scene set to Beastie Boys. The ensemble also gives their best performances in these roles ever. If there is one complaint I have about the movie, it’s that the ending feels a bit rushed, but nothing ever feels unearned. And as we send off these characters into the forever, that beautiful sky, we can’t help but get weepy eyed saying goodbye to, perhaps, the most fleshed out, interesting, and relatable ensemble of superheroes ever put to screen. I know I’ll be missing these a-holes a great deal.”
Grade: A

Zoë Rose Bryant says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a rousing and resonant conclusion to the greatest franchise in the MCU and perhaps the greatest superhero trilogy of all-time, featuring complex and compassionate character work, staggeringly well-staged action setpieces, and tender themes that tie all the threads of this supremely sentimental (and decade-long) story of found family and second chances together in deeply felt fashion.”
Grade: A

Alexander Robinson says, “Going from the worst film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania to one of the best is like going from night to day in the snap of a finger. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is James Gunn’s final project with Marvel before jumping ship over to DC, and boy did he really put his heart and soul into this one. The final film ends up being the darkest entry for what is Marvel’s more comedic series, but also acts as the perfect goodbye to the lovable group of misfits that we’ve grown to love these past nine years. The cast is the best they’ve ever been and we are given definitive reasons for why each member belongs in this group to the point where they treat each other like family. It also features possibly the cruelest MCU villain to date with the High Evolutionary. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a villain that I despised as much as I did here and the two-and-a-half-hour wait to see him get what he deserves is absolutely worth it. While it has a few minor issues, this film is a visually stunning and heartfelt spectacle that ends up being a great start to the summer blockbuster season!”
Grade: A

Connor Petrey says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a fitting conclusion to this vigorous trilogy and Gunn manages to create an experience filled with tears both deeply saddening and joyous.”
Grade: A

Scott Menzel says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the perfect conclusion to the Guardians saga while also being a welcome return to form for the MCU. James Gunn loves these characters and wanted to ensure their final chapter would make fans happy. The film is darker than most Marvel films and is far more emotional. Gunn isn’t afraid to explore themes that will push the boundaries of the typical Hollywood Blockbuster. I love that some characters are angry this time, as it allows the Guardians to be more than a ragtag team of jokesters. Chris Pratt and Karen Gillan also deliver the best performances of their careers in this film. While it’s a bit too long and tries to juggle too much, I have to say that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is easily one of my personal favorite Marvel films. It’s easily in my top five and reminded me why I love these characters. James Gunn leaves the MCU on a high note.”
Grade: A

Zaki Hasan says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is overstuffed and a tad too long. But it’s also a humorous, heartfelt farewell by Gunn to his band of misfits.”
Grade: A-

Jonathan Fujii says, “A fitting send-off for our favorite group of misfits from James Gunn. A film filled with some of the darkest moments in the MCU coupled with some of the most cathartic. Gunn’s love of the characters fills the screen each second of the movie, invoking that same feeling of why we fell for them in the first movie nine years ago.”
Grade: A-

Brandon Katz says, “A satisfying and cathartic conclusion to Marvel’s most singular and well-designed standalone franchise, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 deftly alternates between hilarity, emotional resonance and flat out entertainment. James Gunn proves once again that he is one of the few filmmakers able to carve out fresh territory — both in aesthetic and character development — in the sea of sameness that is comic book Hollywood.”
Grade: A-

Leo Rydel says, “Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 delivers an excellent balance of emotional moments, action-packed scenes, and comedy. Soundtrack choices are the best of the MCU, per usual, and James Gunn’s finale will have you reaching for tissues. While the story feels a little crowded, the character development and visual effects are some of Marvel’s best since Avengers: Endgame. A touching close to the brilliant Guardians family!”
Grade: A-

Scott Mendelson says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is too long, and the action climax is (like Vol. 2) overdone. However, it’s a visually spectacular, superbly acted and shockingly somber finale. It ends very well, and the whole film has a melancholy vibe like a knowing funeral for the notion of MCU movies as a dominant pop culture force. It reminded me of the fourth Rambo.”
Grade: A-

Maggie Lovitt says, “Gunn has a very distinct brand of humor and a flare for visual chaos which has helped to set this trilogy apart from the rest, and with The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 he stuffs it full of all of his hallmarks to craft a fitting send-off for this band of misfits. The film is a certified heartfelt feast, even if there is a lot to process all at once.”
Grade: B+

Aaron Neuwirth says, “For writer/director James Gunn, this is the end of the line for his take on this particular team of Guardians. With that in mind, he pushes many emotional buttons to deliver a bittersweet finale but still finds time to be action-packed and hilarious. Whether or not this film hits every idea out of the park, it’s still a visual dazzler and quite the awesome mix of sci-fi/superhero fun.”
Grade: B+

Nicholas Spake says, “It might not be as fun as its predecessors, but Vol. 3 completes Gunn’s Marvel tenure with physical stakes that match the emotional stakes. After the Ant-Man trilogy ended on one of the MCU’s lower notes, the Guardians are going out on top. Vol. 3 rounds out arguably the MCU’s best trilogy, although Captain America may have something to say about that. At the very least, this is Marvel’s most consistent trilogy with virtually every character receiving a fitting sendoff. There are plot points that leave something to be desired, including an attraction between Star-Lord and Nebula that ends faster than it begins. Coming off one of this franchise’s most complicated productions, though, this is the happiest ending we could’ve hoped for.”
Grade: B+

Catalina Combs says, “The story told in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is not one to be taken lightly. It is intense and grabs hold of the audience’s emotions from the beginning to the end. Gunn’s screenplay takes what we know and intricately weaves in backstory while enhancing the universe. Even after two standalone films and numerous appearances in other Marvel hero films, this film proves there’s always more the audience can learn about these characters. The film also highlights that the heroes themselves can still learn a thing or two about each other. Emotional and tense moments of the movie are gently diffused with humor. It’s great writing performed by a great cast with great direction.”
Grade: B+

David Chen says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a rip-roaring sci-fi space adventure full of heartbreak and wonder. Great action, moving character work, and interesting ideas. It does suffer from a bit of Marvel-itis, by which I mean it feels stuffed to the gills and has a handful of characters/beats that feel short-changed, as though they’re here to serve as setups for other movies. But it’s a worthy conclusion to this gang’s adventures and reminds us of what a skilled director like James Gunn is capable of when given a massive budget and a fun universe to play around in.”
Grade: B+

Jeandra Lebeauf says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a fever dream laced with fun. It expands on the back stories of our most beloved characters while introducing a number of unique looking beings to support the storytelling I would have liked more Gomorrah focus storytelling, but it was super cool to see “mean Gamora” in action.”
Grade: B+

Rodrigo Salem says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a fun and emotional farewell for James Gunn and some of his protagonists. Rocket’s origin is so heartbreaking that it fills in some shallow points in the script. Despite certain hype and repetition, the film has something Marvel seemed to have forgotten amidst the wild action: heart and soul. Adam Warlock’s fight sequences made me excited for what’s coming in the new Superman movie.”
Grade: B+

Jon Negroni says, “Despite its issues — including a hyperactive third act, groan-worthy humor in spurts, and a few too many indulgent look cool for the camera moments — Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is far and away the best Marvel movie since Avengers: Endgame. Yes, that includes the TV shows, and admittedly, it’s not like the bar has been terribly high lately. The three pillars of this film’s success lie in its spectacularly inventive visuals, the best action ever in the series, and most importantly its emotional structure and payoffs. The real bar to clear in these respects was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Vol. 3 manages to pull it off in stride.”
Grade: B+

Chelsea Schwartz says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 delivers a perfect bookend on the trilogy. Another killer soundtrack, incredible character growth, and all the emotions. A brilliant closing chapter to James Gunn’s time within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”
Grade: B+

Maggie Ma says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is loud, bold and emotional. Lots of exciting fighting sequences and fun aliens & creatures. It’s a perfect ending of the trilogy. I had doubts about Will Poulter’s Adam Warlock before but he turns out to be likable. Hope to see more of him.”
Grade: B+

Kevin Taft says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 does the impossible and effectively makes an entertaining ensemble romp, but packs it with genuine emotion and some bigger messages about acceptance that are delicately played. 

Rocket is front and center with a back story that is genuinely heartbreaking and becomes the emotional core of… well, everything the Guardians stand for. 

It looks terrific and even utilizes more practical effects than expected. It is a wee long and a final battle has a 5-10 minute stretch of “this chaos again?” but manages to find its empathic pull and tug us back in. Sure, the banter isn’t as hilarious as it used to be. (You can almost predict some of the one-liners.) But the characters are engrossing, fun, and well-drawn. 

It’ll definitely have the tears flowing and is a fitting end to this part of the Marvel universe. 

I’m confident James Gunn will take care of DC just fine.”
Grade: B+

Matthew Creith says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will tug at the heartstrings no matter how much you try to prevent it. James Gunn is a gifted storyteller who understands his characters to the point that each Guardian gets their moment to shine unexpectedly. By the time the end credits roll, the cast has prepared its audience to accept fate and head in a direction not seen in recent Marvel movies. It’s well executed, semi-expected, and marvelously self-aware.”
Grade: B

Kristen Maldonado says, “After so much superhero movie fatigue, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 is a refreshing and unexpected joy to watch. It carries tons of emotional weight, laughs, and action. There were a few moments that surprised me in mixed ways, but it’s a beautiful tribute to friends who are like family.”
Grade: B

Ryan McQuade says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was weirdly a movie I needed right now. Fun action set pieces/hilarious side missions are mixed with a dark yet emotionally captivating backstory for Rocket Raccoon to create a fitting ending to Gunn’s trilogy. The returning cast was fantastic as usually, with a worthy villain to spare against them. Runs a little long but still a fun way to kick off the summer. And yes, the soundtrack is killer!”
Grade: B

Don Shanahan says, “When it comes to coolness, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is an air conditioner of a blockbuster movie. Its comic book movie breeze is crisp and non-stop, making any hot room feel stupendous. The compressors are chugging on full blast and the thermostat is set low for maximum chill. But, like any air conditioner, you can run that machine too long. It’ll churn, rattle, need a filter or two, frost up, run out of refrigerant, or overdo the coolness for the room.”
Grade: B

Terence Johnson says, “There’s such life and energy in every aspect of the film making that even when the movie isn’t hitting on all cylinders, you trust that something amazing will be coming in the next minute (the VFX put nearly every other Marvel movie to shame). Thus Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a fitting end to the trilogy and a nice send off for James Gunn.”
Grade: B

Peggy Marie says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the last showing for Rocket & his friends. Giving us more emotional tugs this time around, doesn’t let the flaws slip by entirely. But once again, the music saves the day.”
Grade: B

Rick Hong says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 finalizes the trilogy with a lot of heart, laughs and some tears, hang on for a fun ride. ‘We are Groot!'”
Grade: B

Abbie Bernstein says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is enjoyable, has true affection for its people, and ends as it should. How much the individual viewer appreciates this is liable to be proportionate to the emotional investment they bring to this franchise.”
Grade: B

Patrick Beatty says, “With Vol. 3 director James Gunn delivers a satisfying conclusion to his story while reminding fans why writing and time are key to making a great film.”
Grade: B

Abe Friedtanzer says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 offers a welcome return to the wild world of the Guardians and their singularly silly energy, but it has difficulty balancing its tone with the darkness of the events it portrays that serve as the backdrop of the story. If audiences can surpass that hurdle, this film should be perfectly enjoyable and reliably entertaining.”
Grade: B-

Mario Szekely says, “If we are talking about the farewell of the trilogy, there are lot of goodbyes here. Those moments are very good and powerful. The story is the one that is biter in some ways, talking about the past of Rocket. With needlessly violence against animals, the movie has different moments difficult to watch. A viewer could be distracted from the joy and adventure.”
Grade: B-

Rick Bentley says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – the third and what will probably be the last film in the franchise – comes with a much darker edge than the previous two movies. And no matter what makers of future projects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have in store for the band of rogue heroes, the group will never be the same.”
Grade: B-

Nicole Ackman says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a sign that the MCU still (mostly) knows what they’re doing. Despite struggling with too many plot lines and a too-long length, it’s the strongest of the Guardians trilogy and does an excellent job of exploring Rocket’s backstory. Karen Gillan gives a strong performance (like she always does as Nebula), and Bradley Cooper’s voice work is impressive as well.”
Grade: B-

Lupe Rodriguez Haas says, “As someone sensitive to animal suffering, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was hard to enjoy despite loving the characters. One minute you’re enjoying the Guardians’ shenanigans, and then we flashback to the uncomfortable. While most fans may find it emotional, for others it may be unbearable.”
Grade: B-

Ricky Valero says, “This movie is a complete mess that struggles with its tone shifts that usually are home runs for Gunn. I wanted to feel the emotional heaviness of this being the franchise’s final film. Instead, I felt nothing and walked away from this movie, wholly underwhelmed. I understand what Gunn was trying to do with the movie, but he didn’t connect the dots in closing this chapter for good.”
Grade: C+

Nestor Bentancor says, “The technically well-crafted movie tickles with one hand, while it throws low blows with the other. Gunn achieved his mission but… What did we really accomplish?”
Grade: C+

Matthew Neglia says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 aspires for sweeping emotion, gut busting laughs & thrilling action. It sometimes succeeds but as a send off for all of these characters, it feels strangely uneven & anticlimactic. Everything involving Rocket is fantastic! Definitely the star of the movie and where the emotion was most earned. I’m glad James Gunn got to close out this trilogy on his terms for better or for worse. I think my expectations might have been too high. Maybe it’ll pull a Groot and grow on me? Features the best makeup, production design & visual effects of the trilogy but it also might be my least favorite between the three overall.”
Grade: C+

Yael Tygiel says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 provides the long overdue backstory of Rocket Raccoon, and doesn’t shy away from the intensity of his origins. Disappointingly, this movie should provide a strong Content Warning for the unbelievable amounts of graphic animal torture featured heavily throughout. Aside from that serious oversight, GotG3 is generally a playful final chapter for the team, with surprisingly low stakes and quippy humor, loaded with a killer soundtrack and all the badassery you can expect from a Gunn film.”
Grade: C+

Josie Melendez says, “Despite being a longtime admirer of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, Vol. 3 has left me unsatisfied. The film relied on memorable performances, especially from its villain played by Chukwudi Iwuji and the always wonderful Zoe Saldaña, but the story itself felt bloated, stuffed with constant needle drops and unnecessary slow motion for flair. A lot of the charm of the first two volumes were due to its laidback charm mixed in with the dire circumstances the characters faced. In Vol. 3, the tender and much more serious moments are overshadowed by hollow attempts at being overbearingly entertaining at the expense of actually having something meaningful to say. This serves as proof as to what happens when a franchise is merely treated as a product instead of a fully-formed story.”
Grade: C+

Nancy Tapia says, “The music and comedic dynamic in the film maintained its expectations. I did get an emotional feeling for the end of Guardians of the Galaxy, but not in the way I had anticipated. Unfortunately, as an animal lover a horrific scene took that feeling away and struggled to bounce back to enjoying the rest of the film. I can’t imagine how a child would feel.”

Grade: C

Mara Knopic says, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 may have many quality elements, but it is blemished in its entirety by the grotesque volume of photorealistic animal cruelty depicted in the film. Though the performances from the core cast were a step above the previous installment in the trilogy, the overall aesthetic was diminished by the excessive use of The Volume for filming. The High Evolutionary is little more than a villain archetype that uses the lowest common denominator of writing in order to elicit emotion from the audience by repeatedly ‘kicking the dog’, or in this case, the raccoon. Disney did have a big opportunity for genuine emotion regarding the fate of another member of the Guardians, but failed to capitalize on it, opting for the Luke Skywalker mentality that “No one’s ever really gone.” in its place. As one of the few persons not thoroughly enthralled with the film, it comes as no surprise that I will not be revisiting it again.”
Grade: C-