WARWICK SHOWCASE

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Vol. 3
* * *
(So-so sci-fi Finale)

We got hooked on the fascinating, funny creatures in the first two “Guardians”, especially Groot, the tree-like character voiced by Vin Diesel and Rocket the racoon, voiced by Bradley Cooper.

Both play major roles in Volume 3, and they are fun to watch.

It’s just a shame that they are not enough to carry this discombobulated movie that has our farcical guardians flying all around the universe searching for a cure for Rocky who is close to death.

The battles grow tedious as the search goes on way too long.

The Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) has his own personal battles with women, while attempting to lead his motley crew to save the world . . .or at least save Rocket before retiring and turning over the reins to (You’ll probably guess who.)

The humor is still there.

There’s the dog who just wants her master to say, “Good Dog!”

There’s Groot who in a touching scene, finally says something other than “I am Groot”.

And there are some clever one-liners scattered throughout the mayhem.

The highlight of the movie goes to the designers and mask makers who come out with the most outlandish costumes and heads. Every creature has a different and wildly unique head.

Marvel fans know that you must sit through the endless credits to receive a clue as to what is coming next. While we have been forewarned that this is supposed to be the finale of the Guardians series, the final words suggest there is more coming.

NETFLIX

QUEEN CHARLOTTE: A Bridgerton Story
* * * *

If you liked Bridgerton, you’ll love this six-episode prequel.

India Amertiefio plays the young German who weds King George (Cory Mylchrest) in an arranged marriage, planned to guarantee an heir and continuation of a long line of Georges.

The marriage is part of a plan to create the “Great Experiment” which combines two races of English society, united but not equal.

The subtleties of racism are close to the surface, as entitlement carries titles, but little else.

The story centers around Charlotte, the young lady (17 years old when she marries George) who gains her independence and helps the mentally ill king survive. Much attention is given to how society and medicine view and treat mental illness.

The period piece displays beautiful costumes and silly customs. Politics is forefront and royalty towers over the common folk. There is romance, intrigue and mystery, all wrapped up in a clver look at how English royalty evolved.