The finale to this sci-fi superhero trilogy is a welcome pivot from a recent run of Marvel disappointments.

That leaves Rocket (Bradley Cooper), who finally takes center stage inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol.

3for an emotional arc of his own.

(L-R): Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, Dave Bautista as Drax, Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), Karen Gillan as Nebula, and Pom Klementieff as Mantis in Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

The heroes of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’.Marvel Studios

That could be a double-edged sword for younger viewers, though.

Unfortunately, sometimes this morality feels inconsistent.

But the new movie also introduces a few new elements into the mix.

Will Poulter as Adam Warlock in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’

Will Poulter as Adam Warlock in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’.Jessica Miglio/Marvel Studios

He used to run around with the Soul Stone on his forehead, and the other five eventually followed.

WhatGotG 3shares withQuantumaniais a clear influence fromRick & Mortyin its use of non-human alien characters with gibberish names.

(L-R): Miriam Shor as Recorder Vim, Chukwudi Iwuji as The High Evolutionary, and Nico Santos as Recorder Theel in Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Photo by Jessica Miglio. © 2023 MARVEL.

Miriam Shor, Chukwudi Iwuji, and Nico Santos in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’.Jessica Miglio/Marvel Studios