The Best Opening In Marvel History. (Guardians of The Galaxy 3) 

Gonna be completely honest, this might just be my favorite marvel movie of all time...

I love that James Gunn isn't afraid to make the obvious, on the nose, song choice when it is also the perfect song choice. The use of Folsom Prison Blues in Suicide Squad is another example.

The first five minutes is “show, don’t tell” storytelling at its absolute finest. That’s screenwriting right there

You missed one thing. The lyrics hit "I wish I was special. You're so very special." just as Rocket enters the same frame as Peter. As soon as I saw it the first time, I was like, "Oh, shit. I didn't get it before. That's why Rocket always acts so rude to Quill, trying to tear him down and make him self-conscious." Rocket feels bad about himself, and then here's this goofy outlaw who somehow manages to become a hero and their leader, and *then* turns out to be some kind of half-god, and it's not that he doesn't like Quill but he can't help envy him. It's even more understandable when we get to the point where we discover the High Evolutionary's perfect creatures are always more humanoid.

I honestly don't know how anyone could have forgotten Rocket's outburst from Volume 1-- it was probably the most shockingly emotional moment in the whole film.

The bad guy was really well acted and written. The visuals were staggeringly beautiful. The gritty scenes with Rocket's animal friends were hard to watch, but had nice emotional redemptive payoffs. Solid flick.

I felt when the camera followed Rocket, the world seemed so big and uneasy. Along with the fact he was wandering around and wistfully singing to himself. It really made me epathize with how vulnerable and alienated Rocket felt

I think the line "I don't care if it hurts, I want to have control" is so good for a character like Rocket. I feel his whole character has fought for both literal and metaphorical control of his life, the desire to control his own narrative despite what people and society place on him due to his appearance and uniqueness. Reminds me a lot of how in gotg 2 Yondu and him are fighting and Yondu says "you push away anyone willing to put up with you because just a little bit love reminds you of how big and empty that hole inside you actually is". Perfect summary of that dialog: I don't care if it hurts, I want to have control

I knew Vol. 3 was going to be emotional, but I was actually caught off-guard by just how much I was moved throughout the film; just another example of why James Gunn is one of my favorite directors!

This movie was a total emotional rollercoaster. The scream that Rocket let out when Lila was killed broke my heart. I made that same sound, that same dying cry when I found out my brother passed. Excellent writing, and spot on wrap up intro for Gunn and the poster. Thankx

Good job explaining why James Gunn is so good at his craft

The opening scene of this was something that will stick with me for life. It's the kind of music where that song will always remind you of that movie. Unbelievable.

The best trilogy for sure. Likeable characters, comedy and the music from the 70's has always been my favourite.

My favorite part of the opening is the fact that Rocket is, indeed, singing. His love of music has spanned the entirety of his appearances in the MCU: Humming nonsense to himself twice in the first installment. Rigging up quills music at the start of Vol. 2. Having The Chain on when the team is leaving him behind to fix the ship. Singing "Southern Nights" when he kicks Ravenger ass on Berhart, having practically memorized it; he listens to music alot, has even made copies for when he doesn't have Quill's Walkman. Putting music on when Yondu, Groot, and he escape the Ravengers. Listening to music while he and Stark are making the time travel pad, while all his friends are gone. Singing along to Creep. SPOILERS AHOY Singing along to This Is The Day while Peter is counting down before the space battle, tuning himself in to whatever may come, a song that is actually about looking into your past and changing. Finding true happiness by finally dancing to Dog Days. And then, finally, him choosing "Come and Get Your Love". The very first song of this Guardians adventure. It means a new beginng, with a worthy Captain. The correct leader. Eventually, he seems to get more comfort and focus from music than even Quill. He loves it. It's a natural part of who he is. SPOILERS AHOY! When the Zune is handed off to Rocket at the end of Vol. 3, it signifies his completion of who he is, the fact that he has become a far more whole person, happier with himself than he's ever been. He's READY to be in control, ready to care about others more than himself and not be afraid of what pain it may bring. He understands who he is. His adoration of music has always been my favorite aspect of his character, and his journey.

I was weeping hard at the scenes with Lylla. But I can think of other MCU stuff that got me crying and feeling deeply: Black Widow's "let me go." The shame and confusion from Peter Parker when Iron Man demoted him. Iron Man holding Spiderman as he dusts.. The funeral for Tony and Happy talking to Tony's child daughter about cheeseburgers. America Chavez' (interrupted) sacrifice of her own body to save Dr. Strange and the multiverse. Some of the loss during the blip, Steve Rogers almost constant pain around Peggy. And I was really moved by Wanda's loss of Vision and her family during Wandavision. But Guardians 3 beats them all.. you're right.

Only one video on this channel? You're a natural. Very well articulated and organized thoughts. Keep at it, man.

The fact Rocket is a RH fan warms my cold emo heart ♥️ 🤘🏻

I like the fact that the line "She's running out again" from the song here can refer both to Gamora abandoning the group at the end, or Lylla meeting Rocket and leaving him again, depending on how you interpret it. Truly a perfect song choice

This movie was absolutely incredible, the openings are usually very bright and full of color but this one is more heavy-hitting, seeing Peter drunk and passing out was simply devastating to watch, and the implication that this has happened before makes it more sad. James Gunn did a great job with the Guardians, it's a great trilogy he's made

This legitimately became my favorite movie in general. Saw it twice. GotG 1/2 were always far up there, but how perfectly the ending of their stories were made 3 my favorite film in general. No other film hit me with a flurry of emotions like GOTG 3 did.

Even hearing the first few notes during the intro, you can't help but feel emotional because you start to recognize the song. Choosing Creep in it's acoustic version feels more raw and touches your heart more. Excellent song choice. Best Marvel movie, in my opinion.

The Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy are the only movies in the MCU where I've seen all of them twice. I love this band of misfits and its love for music, and how they're a found family that, even though they bicker A LOT, would do anything for each other.

I haven't gone to the movie theater to see a movie more than once since 2003. I went to see Guardians because I wanted to see Gamora and Quill back together, but what I got was so much more moving and emotional and funny. I was shocked and went again to see it!

Great essay, honestly amazed because it's not often that someone's first essay is as well written and edited as this was. Personally I think "she's running out again" is actually referring to Lylla. Every time the song talks about her, "you're just like an angel", "you're so very special"... but Rocket "couldn't look you in the eye" because he's a creep. We see from the scene after this, when he picks up the keycard, that he's thinking about her (and Floor and Teefs). Rocket hates himself for their deaths, he dealt with this by pushing others away, but by the end of Vol. 2 this changes and now that his coping mechanism is gone, all he's left with is guilt because he never came to peace with his past. So in the earlier movies he'd push those thoughts away but now that he's more vulnerable, he's thinking about Lylla, Floor and Teefs again.

Honestly a solid video especially for the first on the channel. I was expecting to see way more views and subscribers than it has. I’m probably just seeing this video because I can’t get enough of the guardians of the galaxy; you probably feel the same too. Literally my favorite movies of all time.

the opening for vol 3 having creep by radiohead play and seeing rocket is one of the best openings by far of this film we can tell that this movie was going for a much different tone!

I’ve been a huge Guardians fan ever since I can remember. Im scared to see this movie because I’m afraid of being reduced to a blubbering crying mess in the theater. But I think I’m gonna go see it this coming weekend.

Always loved "Creep" by Radiohead. If you haven't seen the Christmas special, you're missing out! It's a total gem. Definitely making it part of my required Christmas specials watch list from now on.

Volume Three is my favorite of the trilogy. I just love everything done with it. Excellent analysis.

I always knew Rocket has suffered but this scene really did a good job visualizing it. All the self hatred, trauma, and loneliness all summarized perfectly using such a great Radiohead song. This was a really good analysis and I’m surprised it’s only your first video. Definitely subbing to you after this!

Incredible video. I didn’t realize how Gunn caught the audience up so flawlessly without being obvious. When I first watched this movie it was my third favorite Guardians movie, but as i have rewatched it and seen video essays on the movie I appreciate it much more and it is definitely becoming one of my favorites.

I love that the first time "I'm a creep" is uttered in the song, James Gunn made Sean Gunn's name pop up. Classic big brother energy.

Amazing analysis dude. My mom hadn’t watched any Marvel movies before, but because of this opening, I just had to explain who Gamora is/what happened to her (and a few details here and there, such as Drax’s past, but that came later) for her to understand the rest of the movie. It was such a pleasant surprise, and seeing someone analyze why was really cool

I have watched multiple MCU movies. But this was the first that I truly felt gutted. I felt sorrow at the deaths that have happened in the previous movies. But this, had a deeper and more relatable pain to it. I would not say this was the best movie in the MCU universe, but damn, it hit hard as hell, emotionally.

Something I have been thinking about since watching it a second time was how the movie felt like Gunns commentary on the current MCU. The opening being a really good example of that. He is building up with the Left overs of the galaxy while laying it to rest at the same time. You simultaneously feel hope for the future watching them put the sign up and then sadness over watching the state of Quill. Like oh we are moving on but need to put this guy down first. Feels like something Gunn would do.

I watched with my 15 yr old daughter. As soon as music played we were weeping. Opening awesome. Movie great. My daughter even pointed out how at the end when they all salute Rocket, it reminded her of "Return of the King" when everyone bowed to the Hobbits.😢

This movie was incredible

Zack Snyder WISHES he was James Gunn when it comes to film song choices. I remember when he talked about his musical choices for the Watchmen and literally picked songs that was playing random on his iPod or something and they were so jarring. Gunn puts thought into it and he does an amazing job. This opening worked PERFECTLY to make me remember why I empathize with these characters. Not just Rocket. For example, when Nebula put Peter in bed and Pete, in his drunken stupor reached out and caressed her and said "I love you Gamora" I could see her die just a little inside and Karen Gilliam played it perfect with her wordless reaction. You could see the pain of her sisters loss, of being touched like that but not really because someone wanted a cybernetically enhanced killer and also for how she knows what Pete is going through and gently puts his arms in and puts him to bed. I mean WOW, that scene killed it.Everyone in that short opening had been reconnected to the audience in moments with that opening. I loved it!

1: i watched the movie in theaters, didnt cross my mind that this was meant to be a sad intro for anyone BUT Peter snd Rocket. Seeing Knowhere built into a city is kinda heartwarming really. 2: the one thing this movie missed, IMO, was not showing the first time Rocket and Groot met. Given the bond theymy have and Rocket's devastation when Groot dies, they are incredibly close.

It is (imo) the best movie James Gunn has done so far and my favorite MCU movie

I've seen every marvel movie at least twice, and I have to say GotG Vol:3 is probably my favorite one... its just so well written, the action scenes are awesome, character design and sound design was great, High Evolutionary is one of the best villains ever, Adam Warlock was badass, Star-Lord tackling that scientist out the window was one of the best camera shots I've ever seen, MCU lost a real one with James Gunn

One of my Fav's Dave Bautista makes my day watched every of his movies also

A lot of people have seen reviews of the Holiday Special. So....but yeah it's all emotional. From Nebula becoming a main focus character with growth. Not imagined after the first and Peter going back to his Grandfather was a great thing to use story wise.

Wow, this is incredible! The intro to this movie blew me away, and I also thought about making a video essay about it, but I think you said everything I would have and more (seriously, great analysis)! One extra detail I appreciate about this intro and the song choice is that the lines that connect to and reflect Rocket’s internal struggle the most are the lines that he sings along with (“I want a perfect body”). James Gunn doesn’t miss with his intros (or really most of the rest of the movies)!

Knowing the backstory, knowing the song 15 seconds into the movie and I'm BAWLING

Crushed the Intro. Especially "When Your Not Around"

Great breakdown on the scene. I’m thinking about making a character study video on Rocket himself. His story in this entire franchise and trilogy is so compelling.

You must have other channels ? This is on the same level as any movie breakdown - review I have ever watched and you really did break that intro down perfectly.

I love all of this. But I don’t understand why you think the guardians have regressed, other then Peter. I’d say they have grown up, now settling down as nowhere as a permanent home and becoming real leaders. They are not the young adventurers anymore and realise they have different priorities. That’s life, and further to your point is evidence Gunn is all about character growth

"I want a perfect body, I want a perfect soul..." Creep signifies Rocket's mental state and these lyrics really cut deep

Bro this is awesome that this is your first video! Great quality and analysis of the film. I think you earned a sub from me

I thought Rocket's slow pace at the start was a sign he was getting very old or something. It had been 12 years since Guardians 1, and raccoons only live for 20 at most if given all the care of a domestic animal. We don't know how old he was in Guardians 1, other than he was fully grown, which is about one and a half years (or so) for raccoons, which we now know that Rocket is. Turns out he's probably not aging too much, despite the comment about having "not that long of a lifespan anyway", which increasingly seems like a throwaway joke now.

This is an v well edited video for your first. Well narrated. Interested to see more.

Easily one of the best movies I've watched in a long long time. I can't remember the last movie I wanted to watch again only 2 days after seeing it the first time.

I watched the Holiday Special after seeing G3 at the cinema and OMG it explains SO MUCH.

With the tone how GOTG appeared in Thor L&T is completely different when they all first appeared in the third GOTG film

This movie had me crying but left feeling good. Amazing movie!

I really enjoyed the scene where the Guardians are in space suits, each coloured differently, and they are trying to gain access to the bad guy's headquarters. You can immediately tell which one is Mantis by her adeptness in zero gee. Yes, yes... not part of the opening, but you did show it here briefly so I consider it fair game for comment.

This video is a masterclass in repeating the same footage over and over and over and…

I was so hyped for this movie! And lemme tell you, it didn't let me down, such an amazing MCU film by far of the 2020s

I love guardians of the galaxy and am so glad I listened to your analysis of the opening of 3. It is so spot on. Also the Christmas Special is my new favorite Christmas movie of all time.

This is the best of the guardians trilogy for me, I didn't think James could top the first two but he did. It's phenomenal.

100% agreed. GOTG 3 finally beats endgame which I thought will never happen

When I watched this movie for the first time, I wasn’t even a minute in and I already knew I was gonna regret watching it cause of the tone the intro was setting 😭

I loved your comment about the Russo Brothers throwing the Guardians story into a blender and handing it to James Gunn. It's almost like they wanted him (it) to fail. Best opening sequence. And best GotG!

Id like to note that gunn was actually fine with them killing gamora and bringing her back. He says it in an interview.

This is the first time I have seen a movie twice at the theater! The second time I brought my tissues

Yeah this movie floored me. I was laughing and crying constantly in the 3rd act. Every character got an arc and closed off nicely. The action was amazing and the VFX looked so so good. Best VFX since Avengers Infinity War IMO. The writing was top notch and the acting was amazing. That corridor action sequence was like, the best "oner" action scene we've ever seen on film. And Floor, Teefs, Lyla and Rocket melted my heart. What a great film

"I don't care if it hurts, I wanna have control, I want a perfect body, I want a perfect soul." Could also be seen as foreshadowing for his backstory. How the High Evolutionary doesn't care he is hurting all the animals. He just wants control over a perfect species.

I cried and laughed and cried and laughed multiple times in this movie - perfectly written and a perfect but sad way to end it and say goodbye to some of the cast and their characters.

This is by far the best Marvel movie that has come out recently, especially after watching Ant-man 3🤮. Great video as well, hope you make more👍👍.

Agree with you - out of all MCU films, this is now my favorite! And this is coming from someone who in 2014 saw the trailer for the first Guardians and cringed at that “oh yeah” coming out a …raccoon!?!?! But my goodness, James Gunn, you did it! Absolute masterpiece of a finale to a masterpiece trilogy 👏 ❤

9:03 - I couldn't agree MORE with EVERYTHING you said.

Drunk star lord… as my favorite reaction to rocket just screaming

Guardians of the Galaxy has always been my favorite when the first part came out. I don't really have much impression for the second part but watching the third part makes me fall in love with them all over again. Great soundtrack. Many parts got me choked up and the ending and Dog Days Are Over song is just french kiss!

Love your insight into the opening and the overall quality of the guardians series. I couldn't think of a better way to put!

Another thought I had while listening to it, was that this movie had the music that was most recent. The previous installments were late sixties, seventies and early 80s. Volume 3 brought the time of the songs much closer to now. It serves as both a tonal shift, and is symbolic of their journey. They were stuck in the past with their trauma, but by the end they are ready to come back down to Earth. Literally in Peter's case.

Thankfully this wasn't a Marvel Movie. It was a James Gunn movie. Calling it a Marvel movie gives us hope that the other upcoming Marvel movies can be anywhere near as good as this one, but, even if they do improve, I don't see them being able to rise to this level. Partly because James is leaving, and partly because there's a large gap between what James has proven he can do, and the quality of what other movie directors have been achieving in the Marvel universe as of late.

i've seen this movie like a 5 times and i don't get tired of it.

Baby Groot dancing to Mr. Blue Sky was epic and hard to beat.

Absolutely loved this movie, made me truly believe the MCU can make good movies again

Thanks so much for making this. Loved the analysis

It's not that Gamora doesn't remember the Guardians. This Gamora never knew the Guardians.

Helluva movie. Loved all 3 of the gotg movies, even more than any of the rest of the mcu. Even when the guardians entered in infinity war, my daughter and I were giddy and shaking each other in the theater

Guardians 3 was the final return to the golden age of Marvel, the last movie we'll watch before we say our final goodbye to the characters we love. Yes there are other marvel movies coming, but they're not the same. Thanks Gunn ❤

Anytime a movie starts with a Radiohead song you know it's going deal with heavy character-driven moments, and not disappoint.

i love video essays and i love marvel, i subbed and checked your channel surprised it’s one video, this video feels so professional and its probably one of my favorite video essays on this film

I don't know if they were trying to do this, but when the line "she's runnin' out again" play's, Drax says "again" when Thom Yorke sings does.

Good breakdown. It was the most emotionally intense marvel movie by far. Lots of deep meaning and conclusions to character arch’s. The most bittersweet ending I’ve ever seen.

Amazing video dude! Hope to see more soon!

The intro made me tear up. So well written ❤

I almost cried to the opening just by listening to the song.

Perfectly explained, I agree with everything you've said. Awesome job Mason. I am subscribing to your channel, I dig your vibe.

Excellent review, and your first upload!! ❤

This is the best MCU movie by far

Great observations. Very emotional. Thank you. Subscribed and.. Loved.

Well done man! Good stuff 💯

GOTG Vol. 3 is the reason why we didn't cancel Disney+. Saw the movie in the theater, now can watch it over and over at home.

This movie was sadly something that is underestimated, it did better than I initially thought going into the theaters but I’m glad I ended up watching it. It really unpacked a lot of Rocket’s origins and how much he means to the team. The humor was just right, the seriousness had its moment of not being overcast by too many one shots comedy punches, but letting the story unfold without going stale. It’s tragic that Marvel didn’t push this story better, Gunn gave his character the respect some didn’t get in the Avenger finales.

That was a very good and thoughtful analysis. You deserve more subs.