Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 oversaw the conclusion of the dearly beloved Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, directed and written by James Gunn.

One thing that has become clearer and clearer to me after each project that this cinematic experiment keeps producing is… I’m starting to not care about it anymore. After Avengers: Endgame, there were few characters that I truly cared about left. I still popped in and watched their new films just because I’ve been on this “ride” for so long that it feels like an obligation, and, also, I like being at the theater.

That’s not to say that they haven’t made anything good or, hell, great since Endgame, though.

Spider-Man: No Way Home and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever were some great experiences, but I believe part of that was that the leads of these films were established in the MCU’s “golden days.” I actually cared about these characters. But, now that all those arcs are over, there are few familiar faces left.

Except for the Guardians.

Guardians of the Galaxy has always been the black sheep of the MCU, with its first two outings being very self-contained and truly great movies (thanks in no small part to James Gunn’s writing and directing chops). Then Avengers: Infinity War and happened, which completely re-established the status quo.

So how did Gunn handle all the extra baggage that was thrust upon him?

Masterfully.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 feels like an actual movie. I’ve been mentioning the motif of a roller coaster in this review to encapsulate my thoughts of the state of the MCU because it’s starting to feel like these films aren’t quite films. They’ve become part of one big ride, not individual attractions, which is a problem. People will eventually get off that single ride.

But Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was more than just another track of the same ride. It was an actual movie, and a beautiful one at that. Even with all its touching moments, it still managed to include the best action out of the entire MCU. It was truly everything I could ask for.

James Gunn has the ability to make us truly care about his characters and their experiences. I don’t think I’ve ever been on the edge of my seat this much for a previous MCU flick. This is where many will “get off the ride,” because it’s a great place to end it.

I’ll still watch the next MCU movie, but I highly doubt it will reach the highs that the best MCU movie, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3, did.

For me, it was a 10/10.