​Every generation has its stories from wars long gone. We know what happened at the beaches of Normandy. We understand the nightmare that was Vietnam simply because of the fact that film helps to make sure these stories are told.

Yet, all of us have been witness to one of the bloodiest and longest conflicts this country has ever known, and well, it's one that at this moment is still close to home, making it quite the touchy subject. And because of that, only a handful of stories from this conflict are being told on the silver screen and one of those rare tales, American Sniper, quite frankly, took me by surprise when it first arrived in theaters because of what it chose to focus upon when it comes to the spoils of war.

Now this film takes us through the life and times of Chris Kyle, a man credited as being the most lethal sniper in American Military History and he just so happened to earn that title by way of his four tours of duty in Iraq during some of the bloodiest conflicts that took place there. That's quite frankly all that I am going to say about the plot because what it portrays when it comes to Chris and his life and his experiences in the war are what matter more. But, before we get into that, one cannot talk about this film without mentioning the fact that it generated quite the controversy upon its release since so many believed this movie had a political agenda behind it.

However, I simply don't subscribe to that idea, and I honestly feel any ‘controversy’ generated came about from the fact that this conflict is and will forever be divisive amongst Americans and that all draws attention away from what matters most in this story; the fact that this motion picture flat out shows us the horrors of war, in a no holds barred fashion. The action is intense, and there is a clear air of danger that hangs over every single moment we join Chris in the middle of the War Zone. In fact, the tension is so strong at times, I found myself holding my breath, waiting for the moment to pass, and I most certainly heard others doing this in the theater as well when I first saw it. You're truly on the front lines here, buried in this nightmare with Chris and his fellow soldiers. 

But in between those gut-wrenching scenes, you're also witness to Chris' decline in mental health as the war begins to take its toll on him and that that's perhaps the part of the film that speaks the most about the impact of the war. The fact that good men and women signed up to fight for a cause that completely and utterly broke them. It's fascinating and heartbreaking all at once, but all of these pieces make for an incredible and visceral motion picture that in all honesty, does not leave you feeling great after it has come to an end, but it does remind you harshly of the fact that well... war is a terrible thing. 

This is definitely one to see, simply because there are not enough stories out there about this conflict, and because of the fact it's an incredible story revolving around what war does to a man inside and out. And really, it is that frank portrayal of war and its impact on the human mind and psyche that took me by surprise because you just so rarely see that in films such as this. We tend to glorify this stuff on the silver screen and that honesty removes any political agenda or propaganda, it instead just presents us with a slice of an American life, and an earnest look at the bloody battle that our nation has taken part in, one that has managed to touch all of us and our families in some form or fashion.

One big reason that we pick up comic books and collect them en masse… is to learn more about the human experience. For the comic book is a world where everyone is represented equally and without judgment and those powerful stories, help us to learn so much about the lives of others and also who we are and how we live and that is why this medium has endured and it is another big reason as to why the comic book movie is enjoying unprecedented success and sustainability at the box office. Because at long last, everyone is being represented on the silver screen and the majesty being portrayed in that light, alongside that incredible success, has slowly allowed for the comic book movie to evolve, and provide its viewer with storytelling that goes above and beyond.
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Which is why we are starting to see stories about superheroes, deal with very real and powerful topics that the medium doesn’t often touch upon. Such as the power of grief via trauma and loss and the difficult journeys we all go through in life as we try to heal and make a path that sustains us emotionally and one particular set of comic book films that have led the charge in these types of explorations are the Guardians of the Galaxy stories. Because James Gunn’s brilliant scripts and brilliant work behind the camera has allowed for us to examine stories about what it means to belong in the modern world, and the struggles that real family can bring and the benefits of extended family and now, to close out the trilogy, Gunn and the Guardians are tackling some of the heaviest topics they’ve handled to date. 

A feat that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 accomplishes, by offering up one of the most unique Marvel Cinematic Universe stories to date. For this is that rare MCU flick that doesn’t feature a grandiose super villain that is eager to conquer the galaxy and dominate all that they see. No instead, the Guardians square off against an egotistical maniac that reminds us of some of the ‘innovators’ present in our current world and while the evil and twisted machinations of The High Evolutionary are indeed worthy of the MCU, his desires to have things his way and only his way, instead forces our heroes to confront something that they and few of us ever enjoy confronting… our past. Which is an unexpected exploration to find in the MCU, for this is the kind of stuff we tend to find only in dramas, not a big budget comic book extravaganza.

But that is what this film focuses upon and that leads to some powerful moments for the Guardians and for the audience. The kind that moves you and of course teaches the audience grand lessons along the way. Wherein we are taught to always face that which hurts us and that which defines us, because to ignore that which fundamentally changes us leaves us stagnant and static in life, and we will never have inner peace or agency, or personal growth without that grand moment when we stand before yesterday. And it is simply incredible to see an MCU film tackle a topic that most people don’t start to understand or properly face until they are well into adulthood, but it is welcome to see here. Since it inspires the viewer and speaks to the evolution of the genre and perhaps hints at deeper things to come for the MCU.
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However, while it is indeed wonderful that James Gunn goes all out in this particular story to offer us something new and beautiful for the genre, we’d be remiss to not discuss the two-ton Abilisk in the room. For this is in fact, the end of the trilogy, and the swan song for the Guardians as well, and endings are important. Because what can make or break a trilogy is whether or not it ends in a manner that satisfies the fans and the good news here, is that Gunn has brought forth a beautiful ending to his beautiful and meaningful saga. One that brings forth happiness and joy and the sense of satisfaction that we crave when it comes to the end of a story. But make no mistake about it, while we have indeed discussed how this motion picture is home to some heavy themes and some moving farewells… this is also a story that stays true to its roots.

For the action and adventure present here remains top-notch and there are indeed heroic acts for the Guardians to perform. Not to mention, the soundtrack, a vital component to this saga, fits perfectly once again and above all… the fun factor is still here. Courtesy of well-timed humor, some epic cameos and the outright heart that is exclusive to James Gunn’s work. And of course, the cast turns in amazing performances here to sell the deeper moments and the majesty of growth and well, all of these elements make this a must-see movie. In part, because it is a revolutionary comic book film in what it presents to the audience. But more so because… there’s no better way to bid farewell to these beloved characters and this moving saga, than the same way our relationship with them started; in a theater, amongst strangers, sharing in the joy of an honest and moving story about life and the wild places it takes us.