Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. 5/5.
I thought the second film was overbearing with the jokes, which weigh down the movie a lot. Thankfully, it didn't hindered the film as much in this one. Honestly, Gunn and all the talented cast did wonders to make this film an wonderful send off. I love everyone's character arcs (although Drax had the less compared to all of them), and the villain was downright frightening. Also, my theater was full of tears lol. Rocket's backstory was soul-crushing.
"YOU'RE NOTHING BUT AN ABOMNINATOIN!! NOTIHNG BUT A STEP IN MY PATH!!" "THERE IS NO GOD!! THAT'S WHY I STEPPED IN!"
The very idea that High Evolutionary was sent to the very edge moment Rocket managed to solved something he couldn't, and it worked on top on it was just *chef's kiss*, excellent. I love me some villains that are just evil and nothing else. No sad backstory. No noble cause. Just completely unhinged, unapologetic and outright cruel (boiling point is when he's mockingly fake cry during Rocket's breakdown over his dead friend). Chukwudi Iwuji was amazing, and his acting is so on point. Makes me want to see his other works from the DC universe (mainly Peacemaker). One of my favorite moments is when his grunts basically had enough of his irrational obessesion with Rocket and turned on him, and High Evolutionary literally let out raw energy and blasted everyone away. Once we returned to that scene, there was a beautiful shot where he just stands there in the room he set ablaze. Thought that, ontop of everything else, was a powerful moment of how far in the deep end he fell. On top of that, the ending where he's on the verge of breakdown, literally shouting at Rocket "NOI" in his ranting. Man, that sent chills--but also gives a good feeling when the Guardians just beat the tard out of him. No quips, no jokes. Just straight up beatdown. Kang is cool, but High Evolutionary sold it as the most "terrifying villain" aspect for me. Mainly because he had connections to the main cast, rather than Kang, who's distant at the moment.
I also found it hilarious when High Evolutionary had to use the step stool to look at High Priestess in the eyes. Mainly because the more meta since Elizabeth Debicki, who plays her, is rocking at 6'3. Giant woman!!!
I thought the fight scenes were excellent and well-choreographed, and the CGI was pretty stellar too! Hallway fight was pretty fucking epic. Adam Warlock didn't get much screentime, but at the same time, the time he was there was great. Can't wait to see what the future holds for him and the new guardians. I think this is the best film since No Way Home and Multiverse of Madness for me.
Phew, this was a long reason for my rating, but who cares! Loved this film lmao.