*May contain spoilers
Following sequences that they characterised as ‘disturbing’ and ‘graphic,’ fans have questioned the proposed age classification for the latest Marvel blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
The star-studded action thriller, which opens this week, is the last installment in James Gunn’s trilogy and was considered acceptable for an audience of 12-year-olds and older accompanied by an adult – 12A in the UK.
In the United States, the widely anticipated blockbuster received a PG13 rating, letting children to see it in theatres.
As far as we know, the third and last adventure for the Guardians focuses on Bradley Cooper’s character Rocket Raccoon and the High Evolutionary portion that experimented on him.
Following their viewing of the feature film, viewers expressed their worries regarding sequences depicting CGI supernatural animal mistreatment, resulting in disfiguring mutations onscreen characters.
Other sequences, such as those that followed the cast’s voyage to the Orgosphere – a place consisting of squishy organic components – had viewers reeling from the ‘gory’ imagery.
They resorted to social media to voice their displeasure with what they saw as an unsuitable age rating for moviegoers.
One penned: ‘So Guardians of the Galaxy vol 3 definitely earned its PG-13 rating and I would advise caution if you’re planning on taking kids under 13.
‘It is violent, dark and brutal. They definitely push the PG-13 rating as far as possible. Disturbing imagery and thematic elements [sic].’
Another said: ‘Just got back from Guardians 3 and it definitely pushes its rating [sic].’
‘Won’t go into spoilers but there’s animal cruelty, tons of violence, gore and quite alot of swearing for Disney/Marvel. Not for the very young or easily upset. Me and my 13 year old loved it [sic],’ was a social media user’s reaction after seeing the new film.
A further account commented: ‘Maybe it was just 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. By far the most expletive and graphic MCU project so far [sic].’
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3 was released in the UK on Wednesday, May 3 and in the US on Friday.