Ironically, the most obscure characters of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have ended up being one of the most successful and profitable for the studio.

Director James Gunn is back to finalise the trilogy with Vol.3, although very nearly not the case, being unceremoniously “cancelled” by the studio following old “remarks”. Only to be subsequently reinstated when the main actors refused to proceed without him, money talks and large franchise box office talks even louder.

Gunn has decided to wrap up the trilogy by focussing on the origin story for “Rocket” (Bradley Cooper – voice), whose troubled background was hinted at in previous films. Troubled being a euphemism, as the film goes dark in this extended segment. Think the original “Toy Story” Frankenstein toys in Sid’s backyard and put them on steroids.

This storyline cannot end well and so it does not, thereby creating the cynical, violent and revengeful Rocket we know and have learned to love. One would argue this segment is far too strong for younger children, be warned.

The rest of the crew “Starlord/Quill” (Chris Pratt), “Mantis” (Pom Klementieff), “Drax” (Dave Bautista), “Groot” (Vin Diesel), “Nebula” (Karen Gillan) bicker as usual with some hit and miss humour. Whilst Quill continues to make lovey dovey eyes at “Gamora” (Zoe Saldana), who if the audience have watched Vol 2, now fails to remember the previous romantic relationship they enjoyed.

The film is about “family” being there for each other but only in the same way “Fast and Furious” is about relationships. This provides a loose framework in which large battles, chases and special effects can be deployed, of which there are many here. Arguably CGI “green screens” should take top billing.

The story is largely irrelevant but does take a rather dark turn with the required “big bad” (Chukwudi Iwuji) seemingly practising eugenics to create a perfect new world order, which has dark parallels with real history, arguably somewhat unsuitable for a superhero movie.

A welcome addition to the team albeit starting out as bad guy is “Adam Warlock” (Will Poulter), Poulter doing well but could do so much more with additional screen-time.

Pratt seems to largely be dialling it in, his charisma from the first seemingly leaking away through the franchise. Great voice work from Cooper and Diesel (easy gig) and the rest of the main actors are clearly still having fun, but must be weary of the necessary prosthetics and make-up by now.

Despite some flashes of inspiration, the team are in danger of outstaying their welcome. The original film has never been topped in originality or consistent tone. However, good box office may ensure a rag-tag B-Team may continue into the future.

Summary

The law of diminishing return applies here, ironically with box office returns remaining constant. Think of the film as “content” rather than art, despite attempts to add an emotional core to the movie.

Those wanting to complete the set, will need to see how the trilogy ends. However, the film provides a faltering full stop to a hugely successful MCU run of movies, with the studios more recent efforts failing to ignite the box office.