Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 reviews ‘Perfect ending made me cry’ | Films | Entertainment

When Guardians of the Galaxy was first announced, critics were wondering if the cosmic adventure would be Marvel’s first flop.

A talking raccoon and tree were certainly a risk, but it all paid off handsomely.

James Gunn’s MCU adventure has gone down as one of the best-loved Marvel solo movies and now his trilogy is coming to an end after a decade together.

It’s been six years since Vol 2 hit cinemas and Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord and the gang have been through Avengers Infinity War, Endgame and Thor: Love and Thunder together.

Now Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is arriving next week with 82 percent positive reviews so far promising an emotional but perhaps overlong ride.

READ MORE: Chris Pratt ‘did not want to join’ Guardians of the Galaxy

The Out Of This World reviews

Evening Standard
I loved it. It made me cry. And I’ll never forget Lylla, Teefs and Floor… Gunn, by introducing us to three tragic new characters, has found the perfect way to say goodbye.

Empire
James Gunn closes out his four-part trilogy with a triumph: a big, scrappy mix of humour and terror boasting a heart as big as Drax.

Total Film
So comfortable are the leads now in their spacesuits that they have the feel of a cosily familial ensemble. If there’s a standout, though, it’s Karen Gillan’s Nebula.

The Independent
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is a farewell to the franchise (at least from Gunn’s perspective, as he’s since hopped over to DC), that’s really a reminder that they always represented some of the very best Marvel has to offer.

The Times
Third time’s a charm for everyone’s favourite band of cosmic reprobates as the Guardians return for a threequel that’s pleasingly focused and has a dark and demented heart.

Digital Spy
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 proves to be a brilliant end to a brilliant trilogy, which now can be considered as the MCU’s strongest.

MovieWeb
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has clever laughs, the requisite groovy soundtrack, and astounding action scenes, but a powerfully dramatic story arc goes to ugly places that wrench the soul. James Gunn exits the franchise on a visceral high note.

Forbes
Bravo, everyone involved… Everything you’ve come to know, love, and expect from a Guardians of the Galaxy movie is here again, and as usually Gunn has ramped it all up even better than before.

The Midgard level reviews

The Guardian
Overlong, yes, and finally reaching for an importance and emotional closure (perhaps inspired by Gunn’s own emotional corporate redemption) that it doesn’t quite encompass… But it’s still spectacular, spirited and often funny.

BBC
This one may be the most unruly and excessive of the trilogy, but it is as sweetly touching as any film with so many slimy, tentacled monsters in it could be.

Variety
Gunn keeps the surprises coming, so audiences are actively engaged throughout, trying to manage multiple storylines and the ever-changing loyalties between characters.

The Hollywood Reporter
This edition largely succeeds like the other ones, thanks to the chemistry of the main ensemble, who have grown into their characters with relaxed ease. The interplay among them is frequently delightful.

The Knowhere near as good as the first two reviews

Daily Telegraph
And there are semi-regular flashes of Gunn brilliance here… But the plot is a mess, with little sense of meaningful cause and effect behind its wrigglings

Vanity Fair
Half of Vol. 3 is an outright drama, heavy with themes of loss and terror. It’s an odd, lumbering patchwork of a film, occasionally fascinating but otherwise bloated and aimless.

New York Post
The misfit team’s constant punchlines and I’m-just-busting-your-chops dynamic have grown exhausting. They’ve become the guy at the party who thinks he’s hilarious but is actually just drunk.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 hits cinemas on May 3, 2023.