The third film in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie franchise, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3, is now available on digital platforms. The film will be available on Blu-ray, DVD and Ultra 4K HD on August 1, 2023.
I was super excited to see this film. I have seen the other two in the movie franchise, but I missed seeing this film when it was in theaters. I’m glad that I finally had the opportunity to see this film. I did receive a free digital code in order to view the film and write this review.
Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 brings back all the characters the previous two films – Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillan, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel (voice of Groot), Bradley Cooper (voice of Rocket), Sean Gunn, and Pom Klementieff. The film also features Will Poulter, Sylvester Stallone, Nathan Fillion, Chukwudi Iwuji and a brief appearance by Michael Rooker.
Normally I write my own film synopsis, but there is so much going on in this film, plus I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so I’ll just use the official film synopsis.
In Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, our beloved band of misfits is looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), still reeling from a terrible loss, must rally his team and embark on a dicey, action-packed mission to defend the universe and protect Rocket. Meanwhile, a new, unpredictable force threatens to bring the Guardians down for good. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is written and directed by James Gunn.
WOW! This film really tugged at my heart strings. Dare I say that I almost cried! And not just once, several times. This story line is very sad.
There is a very good reason why Rocket does not like to speak about his past and how he came to be a highly intelligent talking raccoon. He was created to help the “Master Creator” learn how to create the perfect civilization. The only problem is, the Master Creator didn’t realize just how smart Rocket truly was, and that was a threat to him.
I will forewarn you that Rocket has friends when he was younger (pre-Guardians days). They were super adorable (notice I said “were”). What happened to Rocket was VERY traumatic, so it’s no wonder he doesn’t talk about it and tries not to think about it.
What happens to Rocket in this film is also traumatic. It’s heart breaking to watch how much Quill and the others are agonizing over Rocket’s state of being.
Chriss Pratt was looking a bit rough too in this film. I’m not sure if it was intentional or not. After all, Peter Quill (Pratt) “lost” someone who meant the world to him – Gamora. That might be why he looks the way he does.
This film puts a lot more focus on Nebula, Drax and Mantis than it did in previous films (at least in my opinion).
It was an interesting choice putting Will Poulter in the role of Adam Warlock. He’s grown up so much since his We’re the Millers and Narnia days. I like that he was able to keep his true British accent in this film.
There are a lot of super adorable critters in this film. Even “Adam Warlock” has an axolotl looking creature as a pet (it looks like a furry brown one).
As far as special effects go, this is a Marvel movie, so you KNOW you will be getting high-tech, mind-blowing special effects throughout the entire film. The special effects in this film did not disappoint. Take for example the first world they came to. It looked like human intestines and when you cut into them puss-like fluid came out. Gross, but cool at the same time.
The ending of this film really surprised me, especially when it came to Quill. I didn’t see his ending story happening AT ALL.
As with all Marvel movies, there are “Easter Eggs” in the ending credits. I suggest you watch them because there are things there you won’t want to miss. There is also a hint to a possible Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 4. I sure hope so!
There is plenty of bonus content for this film.
Bonus Features*
FEATURETTES
- The Imperfect, Perfect Family – View the evolution of the Guardians through the cast and crew’s passion for each other and the entire franchise. Join this tight knit “found family” as they leave behind a legacy and recount their best memories wrapping up this epic trilogy’s final film.
- Creating Rocket Raccoon – Director James Gunn talks about bringing Rocket to life and how personal the character is to him. Uncover BTS footage, the research and development of the visual effects process, and the inspiration for Rocket through conversations with cast and crew.
DELETED SCENES
- A Bit Much – Adam Warlock explains to Ayesha what he plans to do with the Guardians.
- A Lending Hand – Peter lends a hand to an injured humanimal on Counter-Earth and shows he means no harm.
- Drax’s Analogies and Metaphors – Drax gives Peter some interesting life analogies and metaphors.
- The Perfect Society – The High Evolutionary reveals his mission to perfect the universe.
- The Search for 89P13 – Behemoth brings not-so-good news to The High Evolutionary.
- Annoyed Peter – Peter gets annoyed while altering the shield.
- A Burning Escape – Peter runs back to grab his music player before escaping a blazing inferno on the Arête.
- Knowhere After the Battle – The High Evolutionary is brought back to Knowhere and locked up while Kraglin recruits Adam Warlock.
GAG REEL
- Take a look at some of the fun outtakes on set with the cast and crew of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
DIRECTOR’S COMMENTARY
- Watch the film with audio commentary by director James Gunn.
*Bonus features vary by product and retailer
Be sure to follow the film franchise and Marvel Studios on social media too.
Social Media
Twitter: @MarvelStudios; @Guardians
Facebook: @MarvelStudios; @guardiansofthe galaxy
Instagram: @marvelstudios; @guardiansofthegalaxy
#GotGVol3
Below if the film’s trailer for you enjoyment. This is the theatrical trailer. The film is not longer in theaters.
Kimberly
*I received a free copy of the film in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.