Wondering if Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is ok for kids? The newest installment of Guardians of the Galaxy is highly emotional, not as crass as in the past, and a fitting conclusion to this trilogy. The Guardians take us for one last ride, but some aspects of the film are not kid friendly, especially if you have young animal lovers in your home. Here’s what parents need to know in this parents guide to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
Guardians of the Galaxy Parents Guide: Is it Kid Friendly?
It’s been awhile since we’ve seen The Guardians of the Galaxy. They’ve been hanging out on Knowhere, and Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is still reeling from the loss of Gamora (Zoe Saldana), drinking his life away. When an unknown enemy attacks them and is looking for Rocket (Bradley Cooper), the crew must save him and themselves.
Rocket is badly injured and dying by the minute, so the Guardians of the Galaxy must engage in a dangerous mission to save one of their own. The more they learn about Rocket’s past, the more they realize the importance of family. They may die trying to save Rocket, but it’s a risk they’re willing to take.
Parents need to know that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has very dark scenes of animal cruelty, strong language, and violence which is not kid friendly for all ages. They upped the violence and toned down the crude content.
Age Rating: Why Is Guardians of the Galaxy Rated PG-13?
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is Rated PG-13 by the MPAA for intense violence, language, and animal cruelty which means some content may not be suitable for kids under 13.
Language in GOTG Vol 3
There is some profanity including one use of the f-word in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. You can expect to hear uses of sh*t, a**, a**hole, jacka**, son of a bi*ch, damn, and hell. There are also uses of words and phrases like d*ck, d*ckhead, douchebag, super douche, “screw you,” “piss off,” idiot, stupid, and words of Deity.
Violence: Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Too Scary for Kids?
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is going to be too intense for some kids. Violence is on par with other Marvel films, but Rocket’s backstory is very dark. One of the hardest scenes for children is going to be the animal cruelty and animals and kids in cages. Experiments are performed on animals and they are beaten, incinerated, and killed. Up close shots of wounds and needles and broken body parts can be intense. If you’re an animal lover, it’s so sad, even if it’s CGI.
There is a lot of fighting and violence including explosions, hand-to-hand combat, being blown up by blasters, characters are stabbed, beaten, and tortured. There is a lot of grief and friends and family screaming in pain.
Some giant creatures are scary, but the humor breaks up some of the intensity.
Mature Content: Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 OK for Kids?
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is not as crass and lewd as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2. However, this film is dark, and some themes and content are for mature audiences. It’s not quite Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness level, but it’s scary and dark in different ways.
One joke about inappropriate touching is made.
Characters are seen drinking alcohol and drunk. There is a reference to meth.
Themes about regret, grief, and death are prevalent.
Is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Appropriate for Kids Under 13?
The scenes of animal cruelty are the ones that are most concerning for children. If your kids love animals, then Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will be hard for them to watch. If they’ve seen the other Guardians of the Galaxy films, then they’d probably be ok watching this one, because those other Guardians films are mature, too. I’d recommend Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 for kids ages 13 and older.
The one use of f*cking may be jarring for some if they’re not used to hearing that type of language. It was completely unnecessary as it was used for a laugh, and I’m confused why they found it necessary to use. But it’s James Gunn’s movie, so he’s free to do what he wants.
My biggest issue with this and some mature content in the film is not that I believe all movies have to be kid friendly, but if you’re going to market to children with toys and plush animals, then you have some responsibility to them. Especially when they have Happy Meal toys that are GOTG themed, which is marketed to kids 3 and older. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is certainly not appropriate for any 3- or 4-year-old. But I digress.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hit all the right notes in regards to emotion, friendships, and loyalty. This film made me feel the most connected that I ever have to these characters. It also could be from the build up as the years have gone by, but I’ve enjoyed more focus on Mantis, Drax, and Nebula. Their vulnerability and courage stood out. This one was Rocket’s journey, and he proved himself to be more than just a jacked raccoon.
James Gunn does know how to tell a story. And the use of music is superb, often setting the tone. The soundtrack is once again a win.
What was most confusing for me was the role of Adam Warlock. Not to say I didn’t like him, but I didn’t understand his purpose. I don’t know much about him from comic books, but I remember fans being so excited about his character coming to the MCU. This was not the Adam Warlock I recall fans describing.
Chukwudi Iwuji plays the villain, the High Evolutionary. Why do MCU villains always have a God complex? His obsession with Rocket, perfection, and lack of conscience make him a menacing foe. He reminded me a bit of a Star Wars villain.
Admittedly, I’m feeling some Marvel fatigue. There was some added fluff, but overall a very solid ending for this trilogy. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 was the first time I’ve wanted to join this squad.
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