Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Guardians of the Galaxy 3 review says that with a perfect balance of fun, pathos, flashy action and a wild rock soundtrack, the film is  irresistible.

Well this was unexpected!

I’m surprised, and really quite pleased to report, that  Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is one of the best movies of the year so far. This coming from someone who, shall we say, is not the most energetic of Marvel fans. I don’t hate that particular universe, but I’m not automatically inclined to love a film just because it’s a Marvel.

I do believe that Guardians of the Galaxy is one of its strongest franchises, however. The first and second offerings were extraordinarily entertaining. But the third… oh the third! The one that some say is its last hurrah (and are probably joking) is the best yet, with a little something for everyone, from ages eight to 88 and beyond.

GG3 features the surprisingly poignant origin story of Rocket, the ‘not-a-racoon’ super weapons master, voiced by Bradley Cooper. Is his story ever a heartbreaker! Yes, I teared up. Now we know why the furry guy is so prickly.

Of course the story arch extends beyond that, and involves an evil megalomaniac plotting to take over the universe, as all Marvel baddies do. Naturally it’s up to the Guardians lead by Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill, aka Star Lord, to thwart him.

It’s a credit to the estimable skills of writer/director James Gunn, also responsible for the previous Guardians movies, that he can make all the characters so endearing, and all the action scenes so full of surprises and fun. We actually care about these brighter than life characters. Especially Groot, whose baby charm has a place of prominence on my lavender Crocs.

Yes, Vin Diesel is back as the tremendously talented tree, as is Dave Bautista as Drax, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Karen Gillan as Nebula and Pom Klementieff as Mantis. They’re all in high form, thanks to their affection for their characters and the endless engaging writing.

A special treat is my favorite new character, Cosmo the Space dog, voiced by Maria Bakalova whom you’ll remember as Borat’s daughter.

With just the right amounts of comedy, drama, sentiment, action and a soundtrack full of well-placed rock classics, Gunn has reached a cosmic balance. It’s simply too soon to say goodbye, and a tag at the end indicates we won’t have to.

Rated PG-13

2 Hours 30 Minutes

If this Guardians of the Galaxy 3 review inspires you to zoom over to your nearest cineplex, find times and tickets at Fandango.com.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Guardians of the Galaxy 3 review says that with a perfect balance of fun, pathos, flashy action and a wild rock soundtrack, the film is  irresistible.