If you’re thinking about taking the kids to see Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 this weekend, fair warning: they may have a tough time with it, as well as anyone else who’s got a soft spot for furry critters.
Now, we’re not dipping into spoilers, nor are we leveling this as a negative criticism of the movie. In fact, IGN’s Joshua Yehl gave Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 an 8/10, saying the trilogy-capper adds “unexpected darkness in the form of Rocket’s genuinely disturbing origin story,” told in “a series of harrowing flashbacks.”
And reader, be warned: these flashbacks are indeed harrowing. Again, we won’t reveal any plot details beyond what’s already been said, but just know that there are multiple scenes that might be hard to watch for anyone who’s squeamish in regards to animal cruelty. And even if you think you’re primed with the trailers and director James Gunn teasing Rocket’s emotional arc in Vol. 3, it may still be more disturbing than you’d expect an MCU movie to be.
In fact, several of those who got to attend early screenings of the movie have called this out, with one journalist calling the animal abuse depicted in the movie “visceral, graphic, extensive, and shocking.”
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 is a non-stop emotional manipulation, in ways that mostly worked for me, though the strings are real visible. It’s also the first MCU movie I think needs trigger warnings. The (CG) animal abuse is visceral, graphic, extensive, and shocking. pic.twitter.com/LiwtZKeM4b
— Tasha Robinson (@TashaRobinson) April 28, 2023
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL 3, James Gunn bets the house on a, surprisingly, emotional story centered on Rocket and the love and friendship between these characters. Bets and wins. It’s pretty incredible (animal lovers, there are a couple tough scenes) #GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) April 28, 2023
There is animal cruelty in the film and audiences should be prepared for it. I thought the film balanced it well, but yes it is harsh at times
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) April 28, 2023
Word of warning though: I would *not* recommend #GotGVol3 for families with small children. This chapter earns its PG-13 rating with some bleak, disturbing imagery (body horror with animals/ animal cruelty with a pro-animal rights purpose).
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) April 28, 2023
#GotGVol3: To elaborate on GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3, I could not stop crying throughout. Surprisingly moving and heartwrenching. It’s rare to see a mainstream film expose animal cruelty and condemn animal testing in such a sensitive, thoughtful way. I loved it.
— Megan Kearns (@OpinionessWorld) April 28, 2023
The MPAA has given Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 a PG-13 rating (the same as all other MCU movies) for “intense sequences of violence and action, strong language, suggestive/drug references, and thematic elements.”
So, to be clear, we’re not telling you not to see Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but go into it braced for some hard-to-watch scenes. If you are going to see it this weekend, check out our spoiler-free breakdown on if you should expect post- and mid-credits scenes.
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.
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