The best Marvel film since Endgame: Why Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is still weak

After defeating Thanos, the Guardians settled on Knowhere, where they set up their new headquarters. Meanwhile, Gamora has joined them with the Ravagers – which is causing Peter a lot. Otherwise, the life of the Guardians is relatively calm.

But this peace is soon disturbed. The mighty creature appears out of nowhere Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) and severely injures Rocket. From then on, the Guardians do everything they can to save their friend. But they also get to know the tragic past of Rocket – just like its creator, the crazy High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji).

It can be said without a doubt: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is the best MCU film since “Avengers: Endgame”. The chemistry between the actors and actresses is still phenomenal even almost ten years after the first part. And as with all previous Guardian appearances, this sequel is chock-full of jokes so wacky and genius they’ll have you laughing out loud in the cinema. Dave Bautista is again responsible for most of the gags. The ex-wrestler’s comedic talent is nothing short of spectacular.

But the newcomers in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” also know how to convince. That’s how it is Soviet space dog Cosmo (Maria Bakalova from “Borat Connection Moviefilm”) without question one of the highlights of the film. In particular, the teasing between her and Kraglin (Sean Gunn) about her not being a good dog is one of the funniest moments of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”. A big, also very funny surprise is Will Poulter as Adam Warlock. In the second part, the character was positioned as a possible big enemy for part 3. It would have fit: In the comics, the artificially created being is one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel cosmos. Instead, he becomes a goofy laugh in “Vol. 3”, which makes for some of the funniest moments – at least for those who are not yet familiar with the character. However, fans of the character or the template could be disappointed. Just think of the error in “Iron Man 3” and the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) …

Like the first two films, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” also has its serious moments. More specifically, the sequel might even be the most emotional, adult and brutal entry of the series. There are numerous scenes that should not only elicit tears or even shivers from Guardians fans. Rocket’s tragic past, which plays a major role in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”, plays a major role in this. But the other storylines also give a lot of space to the emotional. You just notice that “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” a kind of farewell should be. Dave Bautista and Zoe Saldaña have already announced that this will be their last appearance. And director James Gunn, as the new boss of the DC studios, is initially busy with a new film universe around Batman, Superman and Co.

There are many more aspects to praise about “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”: The soundtrack is fantastic once again and is likely to be the inspiration for numerous summer hits this year; the effects are strong – which is unfortunately not a matter of course in a Marvel film these days; and the many new creatures and planets are bursting with creativity and attention to detail. But “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” also has some weaknesses…

Unfortunately, in the end you realize that “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” has a similar problem as “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”. There is a compulsive attempt to bring storylines to an end, which initially existed but then kept changing and meanwhile seem empty and superfluous. For example, the love story between Star-Lord and Gamora has actually been told since she died in Avengers: Infinity War. But here, by hook or by crook, attempts are being made to get something out of it. But there is nothing more. At some point you look just as annoyed as Gamora when her pseudo ex-boyfriend tells you how much he loved his version of her. This is just one example of many. So at the end of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” there are umpteen stories, all of which are told only half-baked – except maybe Rocket’s. The result: The film feels completely overcrowded, as if it should have become two parts. Jame Gunn himself once said in several interviews that he originally had completely different plans for the Guardians. But some decisions – like Gamora’s death or the temporary joining of Thor (Chris Hemsworth) – were made without him. And so he had to spoon up the soup somehow.

Another problem is that the many new characters are neglected – especially the villain High Evolutionary. In itself, the MCU has always had the problem that its villains, with a few exceptions (e.g. Thanos or Killmonger), are very one-dimensional. But with “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” this is taken to a new level. The High Evolutionary is undoubtedly one of the most boring, annoying, and unimpressive villains in the entire MCU.

Unfortunately, all of this makes “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” seem a bit rushed, fragmented and out of round at the end.

The film cannot raise the MCU to the previous level. So you have to say that the third part is definitely the weakest of the “Guardians” series. Still, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” is a worthy conclusion. Because every character gets a good and satisfying ending. But then the stomach aches start again. If you believe the post-credit sequences, the weird troupe continues – even if not in the old constellation.

The MCU will most likely continue to fray. Because the Guardians of the Galaxy can’t save this universe, no other superhero or superheroine will be able to do it either.

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” has been in German cinemas since May 3rd.