The following article contains major spoilers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, now playing in theaters.
James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hit theaters this weekend, and many viewers are challenging the film's PG-13 rating, citing "disturbing" and "violent" content.
"It is violent, dark and brutal," one unspecified social media user cautioned, as reported by The Independent. "They definitely push the PG-13 rating as far as possible. Disturbing imagery and thematic elements."
"There’s animal cruelty, tons of violence, gore and quite a lot of swearing for Disney/Marvel," cited another. "Not for the very young or easily upset."
Why Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Shouldn't Have Been PG-13
The film reveals the troubling origin of Rocket Raccoon, the Guardians' resident smart-talking, raccoon-like fan-favorite adventurer. Rocket, voiced by Bradley Cooper, is a product of the alien scientist known at the High Evolutionary. The geneticist, played by Chukwudi Iwuji, subjects young Rocket and other animal subjects to cruel experimentation. The experiments drastically accelerate their genetic evolution. Rocket, as it turns out, actually is evolved from a North American raccoon species.
Rocket befriends a genetically advanced otter named Lyla, and attempts to escape with two more of their fellow inmates. Amidst the attempt, though, Lyla and the others are killed. Rocket exacts his revenge by savagely attacking the Evolutionary, seriously disfiguring him.
The movie also features the Orgosphere, a scientific outpost composed entirely of organic matter. The Guardians infiltrate the structure by cutting through its fleshy exterior.
While retaining in parts the humor-laden nature of the two previous films, Vol. 3 also exhibits a darker tone. The Evolutionary at one point commits planetary genocide by destroying his experimental world called Counter-Earth. Counter-Earth housed the population of the Evolutionary's evolved creations. The creatures largely lived peaceful lives until their sudden destruction.
The film also featured the Marvel Cinematic Universe's first usage of the f-word, uttered by Peter Quill, played by Chris Pratt.
"Maybe it was just [be]cause James Gunn is leaving the MCU, but it really felt like Guardians Vol. 3 really pushed the boat out as far as rating/gore," one social media user commented. "By far the most expletive and graphic MCU project so far."
Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is Gunn's third and final cinematic installment of the franchise, and his final project for Marvel Studios. The film is now playing in theaters.
Source: The Independent