I did not expect to be emotionally compromised watching a Marvel movie, but there I was. Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 is a fantastic movie that beautifully closes off the various character arcs into a satisfying finish. One of the characters - Rocket - got this origin story told in this movie. Of how he came to be a talking brainiac of a raccoon. I have to say, it is heavy stuff. Director James Gunn seemingly wanting to tear our hearts out.
Lovers of animals and pet owners should be fore-cautioned - you may want to sit this chapter of Guardians out. The story of how Rocket came to be is effectively disturbing. Scenes of animal cruelty are three-dimensionally animated right in front of our eyes. I nearly lost to tears already at the beginning, when they showed a young Rocket post his traumatic transformation. A large stitched circle on his shaved head, denoting the point of entry to his brain. It is intense, and that story arc is weaved throughout the movie, never letting the audience relax.
Kudos to Sean Gunn (the acting stand-in as Rocket), Bradley Cooper (voice actor of Rocket) and the animators. A combined performance to make the drama utterly believable. Disturbing as it may be (and has to be, I would say), the audiences’ empathic connection to Rocket and his animal friends is profound. The cathartic payoff at the end is that much sweeter. Tears of horror turn into tears of joyful relief.
I did not expect to cry so much watching a Marvel movie, and I was an emotional wreck the rest of the day. The typical Guardians of the Galaxy hijinks is there, but more importantly, Volume 3 carries the message that we should always treat our animal friends with kindness and care.
Another good boy.