The review embargo has lifted for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and it appears Marvel Studios has a hit on its hands.
James Gunn will bid farewell to the franchise after the movie is released next week in order to focus on running DC Studios and taking the helm of Superman: Legacy, and it's clear that the filmmaker intends to go out on a high.
The Hollywood Reporter gives the threequel the thumbs up, saying, "The film’s wildly imaginative visuals are another plus, with the proceedings feeling so bizarrely trippy at times it’s as if Gunn is aiming to create a midnight cult classic rather than a blockbuster superhero film."
However, after pointing out that the filmmaker's "distinctively anarchic style is on full display here," they "wonder how he’s going to tone it down when he tackles such iconic characters less suitable for irreverent humor as Superman."
IGN awards the movie an 8/10 score and concludes with, "The Guardians of the Galaxy deliver their swan song in Vol. 3 and it’s a rockin’ good time. Rocket's tragic origins, great action and effects, and James Gunn's soulful style send them out on an emotional high note."
Digital Spy was similarly impressed and its 4* verdict promises, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 should give the boost that Marvel needed, as well as giving fans exactly what they want." Empire gives it the same score and declares, "A return to form for the MCU and for the Guardians, this is tear-jerking and heart-warming in equal measure, keeping its characters in focus despite all the chaos and colour swirling around them."
Less impressed was Mashable, with the site kicking off its review by saying the movie features the "flickering remnants of fun times, but mostly maudlin bullshit." The Telegraph only gives Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 2* but seemed relieved that, "It’s more worthwhile than Ant-Man 3, Doctor Strange 2 and Black Panther 2, at least – and mercifully, I don’t think the multiverse is ever mentioned."
Of course, the best indication of how Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is doing with critics is that all-important Rotten Tomatoes score.
As we write this, the finale to this trilogy has 91%. That's sure to fluctuate wildly in the days ahead as more reviews are counted, but with a strong start like this, we'd expect the movie to easily achieve "Certified Fresh" status in the next week or so.
Stay tuned for updates.