[Review] 'Gaogal3' Rocket Rings Out, A Beautiful and Lively Farewell

Movie Review of 'Guardians of the Galaxy 3'
Main Character Rocket's Heartbreaking Past Revealed
150 Minutes Featuring a Beautiful Finale

'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' still [Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea]

This is cheating if made like this. It is the movie 'Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3' (hereafter 'GotG3'), a film that you cannot watch without crying. An emotional and warm farewell to the fans who have loved the 10-year series unfolds on screens this May. The movie, which moves you to tears and ends with a cheerful laugh and a final 'goodbye,' is drawing attention as it may wash away Marvel's recent slump.

'GotG3' was unveiled at a press screening held on the morning of the 2nd at CGV Yongsan in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The film is the third and final sequel in the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' series (2014) and 'Guardians of the Galaxy VOL. 2' (2017), loved for its spectacular visuals and action set in the galaxy. The two previous films in the series earned a worldwide box office revenue of $1.6371 billion (2.1608 trillion KRW), gaining immense popularity. The humor and action of the 'Guardians' team have also built a solid fan base.

'GotG3' tells the final story of the Guardians team, where Peter Quill, who was grieving the loss of Gamora, joins forces once again with the Guardians to protect the endangered galaxy and his comrades, embarking on a mission that might be their last if they fail.

The protagonist of the final series is Rocket. The raccoon Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) is the mascot of the Guardians team and has played a significant role in every moment. Though small in size, Rocket is agile and skilled with weapons and machinery. He is smart but prickly and quick-tempered. The character has gained popularity for his cool and lovable charm.

Director James Gunn, who made the film, said, "I wanted to show the origin of Rocket, a typical outsider filled with sorrow," adding, "I wanted to tell Rocket's story, who is like my alter ego?where his anger comes from, why he lacks empathy, and how he will live going forward." Setting Rocket, not Star-Lord (played by Chris Pratt), as the protagonist of this series seems like a smart choice.

Rocket confronts childhood trauma and a painful past. As a baby, he was captured by the mad scientist High Evolutionary (played by Chukudi Iwuji) and became test subject 89P13. The High Evolutionary conducted experiments on innocent life forms across the universe, including modifying ordinary raccoons.

Little Rocket, unaware of anything, was locked in a cold, dark cage with other baby raccoons and subjected to ruthless experiments. Bleeding from his head and barely able to speak, Rocket painfully utters "It hurts."

Other animals, also trapped and experimented on in the cage, comfort Rocket’s wounds and become his friends. Especially the otter Lylla deeply connects with him and becomes his sanctuary. Though confined in the cage, the animals endure each day dreaming of the day they can freely gaze at the vast sky.

Their story is a 'tear button.' Despite being exploited by humans, they do not lose hope thanks to 'friendship.' Supporting each other, offering pure comfort, and becoming family, they are healing just to watch. The process depicting how test subject 89P13 became Rocket is quite convincing and heartwarming, evoking tears.

The story of the Guardians team learning about Rocket’s trauma, which he had never shared before, and their efforts to save Rocket from danger is also compelling.

'GotG3' bids farewell by telling the value of pure friendship. They embrace each other's shortcomings and soothe wounds, becoming stronger. The human love that grows from understanding each other as they are is the powerful force that saves the universe.

'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' still image [Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea]

The film features Gamora (played by Zoe Saldana), who has lost her memory and joined the cosmic criminal organization Ravagers, returning to join the Guardians team. Also impressive is Adam Warlock (played by Will Poulter), an android created by the alien Sovereign race. He was previously teased in the post-credits scene of the second film. Glowing golden all over, he plays a captivating character in the third installment.

This time, the soundtrack is used to dynamically complete the story. Pop songs from the 1970s to 1990s fill the film, with Radiohead’s 'Creep' leaving a lasting impression.

The movie, which brings tears with Rocket’s story, says goodbye in a lively and cheerful way. It laughs, dances, sings, and waves to the fans who have loved it for the past 10 years. A beautiful and touching final series unfolds on the screen as a splendid finale. 'GotG3' leaves a pleasant afterglow. It opens on the 3rd. Rated 12 and over. Running time 150 minutes.

Additionally, there are two post-credits scenes. Star-Lord appears.