On May 5, the trilogy-ending “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” was released in theaters worldwide. In the newest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Director James Gunn masterfully balances tragedy and humor to create a finale worthy of the galaxy’s quirkiest protectors.

   With the MCU on a recent run of disappointing movies, the new “Guardians of the Galaxy” film reverses the trend with a heartfelt story of compassion and family. I can confidently say that this movie is not only the best of the Guardians trilogy, but one of the best in the entire MCU. 

   Unlike the stereotypical superhero movie which uses plot as the driving force, the characters are at the center of the story. While most superhero movies have world-ending circumstances, “Guardians Vol. 3” is on a much smaller scale. Yet, the consequences of our heroes failing weighs heavier because of our connection to the characters.

   Through the past two “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, Gunn has carefully crafted each main character with a depth and complexity that is rarely seen with other heroes in the MCU. As a result of this, the connection between the character and the viewer becomes stronger.

   While the movie relies heavily on the complete cast, this is undoubtedly Rocket Racoon’s movie. Voiced by Bradley Cooper, Rocket is the most intriguing and essential character in the entire film. Cooper’s performance as a voice actor is phenomenal, including a gut-wrenching scream that left my theater teary-eyed. 

   Some other notable performances include Chris Pratt as Peter Quill or Star-Lord, who carries more emotional baggage than he did in the previous two movies. Dave Bautista, who plays Drax the Destroyer, is also effective in his role as the comic relief, adding bone-headed remarks that had viewers cackling. 

   Like its predecessors, Volume 3 is hilarious. However, unlike the other movies, the tragedy and heartbreak match the comedy. The exploration of a certain character’s backstory is scattered throughout the film through flashbacks which contain some of the most agonizing scenes in the entire MCU, while still providing important context. 

   As with the other movies in the trilogy, the soundtrack is a stand-out aspect. The use of ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s music from Star-Lord’s Walkman fit perfectly into their accompanying scenes, adding that extra bit of detail that takes this movie over the top. This includes the best use of “Creep” by Radiohead that I have ever seen.

   By far my favorite aspects of the film are the overall themes of compassion and family. Since the movie is almost entirely character-driven, the Guardian’s chemistry is emphasized repeatedly throughout the story. As a result of this, compassion becomes an integral part of the character’s motivations.

   “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” breaks the mold of superhero movies by focusing its story on the characters, making for a more emotional experience. The finale not only wraps up the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy perfectly but cements itself as one of the greatest Marvel movies of all time.