The Guardians are now based on Knowhere, living with friends old and new as some of them wrestle with the ghosts of their past (especially Starlord mourning for Gamora). Their lives aren't perfect, but they are getting by and making do. But everything is about to change . . . Rocket's creator, the High Evolutionary, wants him back. And a great deal more besides—his goal is to keep tinkering with species until he can create the perfect society. Rocket was his greatest achievement . . . and the High Evolutionary wants that raccoon's brain. Can the team overcome this powerful foe and his army of both genetically-modified creatures and Sovereigns like Adam Warlock?
While Volume 3 maintains some of the visual spectacle, amazing effects, and zany humor of the other two offerings, this film features a pervasive sadness. We see a lot of Rocket's backstory, and it is not pleasant (there are dark moments here). The High Evolutionary claims to seek perfection and improvement but his cruelty and willingness to destroy his creations indicates that this is not a good person or benevolent creator . . . this is a psychopath, whom Rocket correctly accuses: "You didn't want to make things perfect. You just hated things the way they are." That theme pervades the movie: the Guardians grapple with what it means to be a friend when you (and others) are broken people. Is friendship based on the abilities and skills of others? Or do we need to take people as they are and befriend them despite their failures and faults? And when we fail, do we deserve a second chance?
The theme of friendship despite brokenness is a good one, though it can be taken too far. Accepting ourselves and others as they are is important, but if taken to extremes, it becomes "your sins don't matter" and "you don't need to change a thing." So the film/message has positive elements but becomes mixed as it fails to address how we should treat our (and others') brokenness. There is more to chew on here . . . I felt bombarded with characters, imagery, and messages that I need to process further. Overall, I liked the film, but not as much as its predecessor.
Rating: A-
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