MUSCAT: Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been rather polarizing for fans. While many have been loving the direction Marvel Studios is taking, others have been vocally dissatisfied with how things have turned out. With Peter Parker having to start from scratch as a street-level hero and Deadpool’s first MCU appearance on the horizon, the universe is going through a rather massive change. Amidst changing factions and unlikely partnerships, came the end of an era for the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Guardians Vol.3 is one of the most beautiful films not only of Phase 4, but also of the entire MCU, and offers a much-needed origin story for Rocket Raccoon. The events of the film are catapulted from a singular moment where Adam Warlock critically injures Rocket. While trying to administer a medkit, it is seen that Rocket’s body rejects it, thanks to a killswitch placed in his body by the ones who created him that rejects anything that tries to get a full understanding of Rocket’s anatomy and his brain. Now the Guardians must face the ones who made Rocket who he is today, while the beloved raccoon fights for his life on his deathbed. 

An absolutely unpredictable rollercoaster of events comes to pass over the course of the film, with the characters finally finding themselves and getting a better understanding of themselves. After all is done, the sibling’s Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord, and Mantis part ways from the gang; Peter, because he finally wishes to reconcile with his grandpa back on Earth, and Mantis, in order to find her own purpose in the cosmos. With Rocket at the helm, Kraglin, Cosmo the dog, Nebula, Groot, and Adam Warlock form the new generation of the Guardians with some more new faces. 

Sowing a ton of anticipation about what is next for the Guardians, the film ends with the hopeful text: “The Legendary Star-Lord will return”. A bittersweet experience, Vol.3 is arguably the best and definitely the most fun Guardians film, as of now.