Photo: StillMoving.Net for Disney

Vin Diesel, Pom Klementieff, James Gunn, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Karen Gillan attend the European Premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3” in Disneyland Paris on April 22, 2023 in Paris, France.

The latest entry in James Gunn’sGuardians of the Galaxytrilogyis a fitting conclusion, critics say.

Beyond the Trailer’sGrace Randolphcalled it the best Marvel movie sinceAvengers: Endgameas she excitedly stated that “Marvel magic is back!”

“James Gunn continues to evolve as a filmmaker, growing more confident and ambitious,” Randolph said. “The cast also does stellar work to deliver a thrilling but also moving superhero movie.”

The Spool’sClint Worthington called the movie a “strange, downbeat, oddly endearing final chapter” that was a “welcome respite” from the rest of the post–Avengers: Endgamereleases.

Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Dave Bautista as Drax, Karen Gillan as Nebula in Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Though he said he’s “doubtful” that the Marvel franchise will be able to recapture the “giddy energy or visual competence” that was a highlight of theAvengersera movies,Vol. 3was a fitting finale.

“We can at least coast through one last Marvel film that, for all its faults, feels made with intention and skill and singular purpose. It’s not perfect, but we may not see its like again.”

Still, she took it one step further and called it “the best MCU film in years, and a reminder of how much fun and moving the Marvel Cinematic Universe can actually be after film-after-film of recent disappointments.”

For some, the guardians' signature nonsense and trouble-making didn’t fit the bill, asVanity Fair’s Richard Lawson called it “bloated and aimless,” and Johnny Oleksinki of theNew York Postsaid the “constant punchlines and I’m-just-busting-your-chops dynamic have grown exhausting.”

But others found that, despite the sometimes over-the-top nature of the misfit crew,Vol. 3remained enjoyable.

“Absolutely exhausting,” Aaron White said in an episode of theFeelin' Filmpodcast. “A sensory overload of CGI spectacle with oh so very much yelling. But also thoroughly hilarious & heartfelt. Gunn’s signature weird creativity is on full display & it somehow leads to a tremendously emotionally effective send-off.”

Jessica Miglio/MARVEL

Pom Klementieff as Mantis, Dave Bautista as Drax, Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, and Karen Gillan as Nebula in Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

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“The MCU isn’t about closure,” O’Sullivan continued, noting that producerKevin Feige"doesn’t like full stops," but regardless,Vol. 3felt like a fitting ending.

“LikeSpider-Man: No Way HomeandBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, this is a meditation on loss that works as a standalone story. We’ll see some of these characters again, but this feels like their finest hour.”

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3is in theaters May 5.

source: people.com