Psychology of a Hero: ROCKET RACCOON with author BRANDON MULL

[@CinemaTherapyShow]

Use code CINEMATHERAPY50 to get 50% off your first Factor box at bit.ly/3QtX53k!

[@BurnNBoogie]

Thinking about accountability and goodness doesn't the fact we're only nice each other out fare consequences mean we're not good the fact we have to discipline children .

[@LEWS316]

love this series you guys considered looking at ellen ripley in the alien series?

[@Ahzpayne]

@@BurnNBoogie you're projecting. it creeps me out a bit but truly decent people are nice because they are nice. they aren't looking for anything. they hope for return on investment and reciprocation but the good people are going to be good people regardless of what is or is not at stake. it's alien. it's foreign. I don't 100% believe it and yet, I have seen it demonstrated on multiple occasions by multiple individuals. if I am being 100% honest it totally rubs me the wrong way but only because, like you, their existence intrudes upon my deeply held Personal Truths about the universe and its inhabitants being irredeemable. but my issues don't stop good people existing. just means they don't tend to stay in my orbit when encountered LOL

[@miratanada9853]

Could you guys pls do the Barbie movie next?

[@hipster131483]

Unrelated but can you guys explain serial monogomist?

[@Jemini4228]

I find Nebula's reaction to the fact Rocket is safe really moving. She spent the entire blip with him, giving them time to bond. They have a lot of similarities. Both have been cybernetically enhanced against their will and put through horrific pain to further the ends of a megalomaniac they initially trust. Both are very good fighters and have a scrappy resilience. Like Rocket, Nebula also has a tendancy to hide emotional vulnerability with aggression or anger. Yet here she is openly weeping with relief, cupping her mouth in her hands because the friend she loves isn't going to die. It's a beautiful moment.

[@madelinegarber7860]

I know! That moved me too. She hasn’t completely let go of her aggressive tendwncies, but she’s trying to do better and she’s grown on me enormously.

[@MauricioRPP1]

That scene was up there with the most emotional ones to be. And Karen Gillian did that under such heavy makeup, just amazing.

[@casthedemon]

It was also a beautiful moment when she admitted that what Rocket went through was worse than what she did. Something no other Marvel movie would have the balls to do.

[@Maya_hee]

@@casthedemon Though she admitted it doesn't necessarily make it true however, its the empathy and understanding that's the main focus here. To feel for someone so much that your own suffering seems miniscule in comparison is beautiful.

[@tiffanypersaud3518]

❤❤❤

[@snack_bar2474]

When he finally says “Rocket… Raccoon.” I wept. He finally accepts who he is and what he is… it really hurts.

[@CortexNewsService]

It hurts, but also powerful. I gave a very happy yell then.

[@Yibambe.]

I cheered. He finally KNOWS who he is - although one could argue the outer wrapper was irrelevant by the time he reached that point.

[@thisguy8106]

But. Up until that moment he didn't know what a raccoon was. The first time he heard the word, Quill made it seem like an insult. Something like vermin and rodent. He does accept himself..you are right. But to me it's more him finally learning his "heritage" so to say. (I hope this don't come off as a "KZbin arguing" kind of thing bc I honestly don't intend for it to be like that. I'm only pointing out that he only rejected being called a raccoon simply bc he didn't know what a raccoon was..😊)

[@Jemini4228]

I just whispered "Rocket, darling, I'm so proud of you!"

[@meganlampa3293]

I sobbed throughout and was so glad I was watching with one of my best friend hugging me. We have a rescue greyhound

[@mettatonex7221]

"He's the smartest guy in most rooms" is my new favorite way of describing Rocket.

[@jennifertehanisarreal]

My favorite Rocket line is when he tells Tony Stark something to the effect of “calm down you’re only a genius on earth.” Such a great line. Best character in the MCU for me 🦝🫶🏼

[@herloss448]

rocket is top 3 best characters in mcu and he aint 3rd place

[@risacooper]

​@@jennifertehanisarrealI was thinking about that exact scene when they were discussinh Rocket's big brain

[@Spider-Nefilo]

@@herloss448 (sshh we all know he is 1st but we don't wanna start a debate here 🤫)

[@kurisu7885]

Makes it a shame he and Tony didn't get to interact more.

[@kingofkings7388]

There has been a sincere lack of appreciation for Chukwudi Iwuji's performance as the High Evolutionary, he gave 110% effort for the narcissism and controlling rage aspects of the character and was incredible in that role.

[@DarklightNamari]

^^^ THIS!!! That's man's portrayal of the High Evolutionary was acted so phenomenally well, I personally felt it on the level of the actress who portrayed Professor Umbridge in Harry Potter! WOW, he really makes you hate him and the unbelievable amount of focus he put on the acting is just unbelievable. This dood needs an award for his acting chops!

[@sexydictator3241]

Yeah, he was really great in this movie. I honestly think the High Evolutionary truly is the Dolores Umbridge of the MCU.

[@santos8468]

"There is no God! That's why I stepped in," is pure ego and also terrifying.

[@yay29823]

It's been a while since the last time I hated a character so much. Loved it

[@woogha]

He was fantastic. I haven't enjoyed being able to hate a character so thoroughly and unapologetically since Kai Winn from Deep Space Nine. He deserves so much praise.

[@chefbanjo8139]

I’m surprised one of the best Rocket moments got left out. As soon as Tony and Nebula step out of the Milano. Tony gets medical attention, and Nebula sits down next to Rocket, and they just…hold hands. Two people who barely had a conversation with the other at any point, and in that moment…hold hands. They recognize that for a moment, the other one is the only one who can give any comfort to them.

[@SR-zp4je]

Also one of my favourite moments in the whole MCU ❤

[@Stjarna_a]

Which movie was this?

[@chefbanjo8139]

@@Stjarna_a Endgame

[@AnInsideJoke]

Yes, Rocket was always my favorite Guardian. It's kind of really sad to think that, out of all the Guardians, it was just Drax and Groot who sadly didn't have any experiences with a narcissistic, abusive father/father-like figure. Gamora, Nebula, Quill, Mantis, and now Rocket. And Rocket ended up having the worst one overall, Nebula even flat-out says it.

[@brblife6316]

Gratefully didn't have to experience that while sadly the others did*

[@IceMetalPunk]

But meanwhile, Drax's entire family was murdered, so definitely still trauma.

[@kathleensawyer2543]

look into Draxs story he was once a human

[@brewdaly1873]

​@@kathleensawyer2543in the comics, yes. And his daughter survived and became Moondragon. But neither of those are true in the MCU.

[@neurotic3015]

Yeah, right? Like, at least Thanos does kinda love his adopted daughters, Rocket's "father" did not give a shit lmao

[@tieganmccusker3034]

Why was my first thought "why are there two Alan's??" after seeing the thumbnail 😂😂

[@s.jacobi7250]

Same😂

[@blufishstar6085]

me too! I was so confused

[@crumblemuffin1257]

_they're multiplying_

[@iamsheunicorn00]

Yep me too 😂

[@Geezman1977]

Yeah. They both have the tear pooled eyes.

[@richieordeanidc536]

my favourite moment in guardians 2 is when rocket is talking at yondu’s funeral, and you can tell that quill knows he’s actually talking about himself but he doesn’t say anything, letting him have that moment of vulnerability and validating him and letting him know that he still loves him even though he tried to push him away, without calling him out on the indirect way he went about it. its a really sweet moment and i love that quill let the apology be left unsaid because he knows that’s what rocket needed from him. i really love the dynamic of the whole group but especially quill and rocket, i’m sad it’s over but it ended so perfectly.

[@TheSazukiultra23]

I love Peter’s response to Rocket too. Rocket says “they didn’t abandon him” referring to yondu, but obviously talking about himself too, and Peter just says “Of course not.” Peter Quill is honestly a really great character in the Guardians movies. I think most people just think of him as the guy who lost it when fighting Thanos, but he’s also the guy that is constantly trying to keep the Guardians together and stop them from killing each other 😂. And in 3, he takes accountability for his dumb decisions that led to Rocket getting hurt and really steps up to save him, even proving how clever and level headed he can be.

[@selonianth]

@@TheSazukiultra23 I feel like anyone who's actually angry about Peter losing it with Thanos are just... blind weirdos. Like, of course he's going to utterly lose it. *Just in that movie* it should be obvious he'd going to lose it before he does.

[@madelinegarber7860]

Agreed. It was perfect.

[@oranc8946]

​@@selonianth❤ 24:37

[@lemontree666333]

I find, something that's really underplayed is the friendship between Rocket and Nebula in Vol 3. They were the only two left after the blip from the guardians and it's so sweet how some of that friendship comes out in the 3rd movie. I.e how happy Nebula is when she hears Rockets voice and when Rocket says "Nebs and I will go to the navigation room" (or something along those lines) But he has a nickname for her which I think is so sweet.

[@davidprince6877]

I think he also made her upgrades.

[@slashclaw1014]

​@@davidprince6877he did😊

[@dj-y7018]

The bit when Nebula said that what happened to Rocket was worse than what Thanos did to her - was very powerful

[@paximilian4037]

I liked how subtle it was. It's definitely there, but done in a way to not hit you over the head with it. They trust the audience to see it.

[@ShaiLai]

I still prefer Smurfette as a nickname😂 Now has me thinking Rocket knows what smurfs are but not raccoons?

[@TheBusNinja]

I'm just one of the artists at one of the studios in the massive VFX machine- but hearing the praise of how great Rocket looks during the Medbay scene, one of the scenes I was able to work on for that show and that our team put months of effort into... if even from a few random guys on a youtube video, it really brought a smile to my face. Thanks for the shout out!

[@mr.x2567]

Awesome! You guys did so good!

[@EricRuskoski]

Nice Job! 🦝

[@ashleighelizabeth5916]

Trust me I can't watch that scene without ugly crying because Rocket is so REAL. Y'all did amazing work!

[@TheLlama90]

Thank you so much ❤❤❤

[@ashleycook300]

As someone who was also hurt by the person who birthed me, hearing the words "There were the hands that made us, and the hands that guide us" Made me weep. I saw Rocket in a different light after I rewatched GOTG with my PTSD diagnosis. Thank you all for honoring Rockets growth.

[@allysontousignant591]

Same here, I grew up with an abusive and neglectful mom but my dad was the hand that guided me

[@martystrasinger3801]

Same here. Bless you. ❤

[@TheRogueCommand]

As much as I have mixed feelings on what Infinity War/Endgame did with some of the character arcs, I think the scenes with Rocket and Thor are incredible. Partially because they haven’t turned Thor into a complete cartoonish idiot yet, but how him picking out Rocket as the leader is played as a joke, but later we see he was right. “Time to be the captain now,” Rocket sees Thor trying to act tough after all his loss, and while he’s still blunt and crass, he goes to comfort the big guy. He sets him up with a new eye, and even takes being called a rabbit in stride since he can tell there’s no cruelty behind it.

[@rmsgrey]

Yeah, that scene with Rocket and Thor is the scene that Ragnarok needed instead of an incessant stream of feeble jokes from Korg.

[@methos1999]

Haha yeah at one point Thor says "sweet rabbit"

[@adedow1333]

The funny thing for me is that even though Thor becomes a bigger himbo the further into the stories that we get, I read is ass more self-defense against all the trauma he has to deal with as well. He just leans into that devil-may-care sweetness and that makes lots of it easier to handle.

[@stephanieok5365]

I flipping love Rocket immediately clocking Thors survivor's guilt.

[@its_dey_mate]

@@adedow1333 Or is Taika an overrated director that completely fumbled the direction of Thor? Ragnarok brought just the right amount of fun to make him a better character compared to the Shakespearean hunk of boringness he was before. Infinity war was pure perfection for his character. Endgame wasn't great, because of some low-hanging-fruit jokes, but it was relatively fine and LaT was just dogshit. Any further "in-canon headcanon" is just like the SW fandom finding the most convoluted explanation to excuse a filming visual mistake from 20 years ago lmao

[@ChaosRaych]

7:06 I read this brief moment when Rocket stiffened up as an involuntary trauma response, not so much out of initially feeling condescended to, but more out of defense due to past physical abuse. Stiffening or flinching in reaction to unexpected touch is fairly common from people (& animals) who have been physically abused

[@kay-jay1581]

Oh that’s my exact thought the first time I saw that scene. I thought Rocket it’s not used to be treated with love and care. Only abuse and beating beat up

[@PdPiper-wn2nb]

But the "feeling condescended to" also makes sense considering how High Evolutionary aparently held/touched Rocket's head/face frequently in what would seem like a sweet gesture but was just a way to psychologically abuse him and reduce his worth to his brain (while also calling him stupid out of jealousy and cruelty)

[@breannaflores4175]

I’ve had my dog 2 years (he’s 4 years old) and his first owners were a couple in an abusive relationship where the guy was abusive to the dogs too. My dog is still afraid of random things falling or flinches if you reach for him too fast. Took over a year for him to stop running away form me every time I wanted to pick him up (he’s only 12 pounds). Had to whisper to him that he was safe and protected and loved like doggy affirmations.

[@RosheenQuynh]

I see it as both I think

[@AmberMetallicScorpion]

reminds me of how in portal 2 GLADoS mentions how people with a guilty conscience are easily startled by loud unexpected noises. and i find that the guilt doesn't have to be that you have done something wrong and feel bad about it, the guilt can be a result of trauma. feeling that you're broken, and feeling like it's your fault you're broken, that telling other's you're broken or trying to fix it is a bad thing. when of course it's not a bad thing to be broken, or to tell others you are, it's just that that's the message society has embedded into most people's skulls

[@NeverlandSystemPixie]

The way they humanized a racoon to make us cry soooooo damn hard is proof this movie was well-written and a WORK OF ART!

[@Bucky1836]

Lol my last nsme is Coone i live in Tx and this version of rocket NAILS my family 😂🦝 its so ironic my fam love Rocket

[@mr.x2567]

Honestly, raccoons, and many other animals in general, have a lot more in common with humans than most humans even realize already.

[@madelinegarber7860]

I know! I got so emotional at the end and when he sees his friends who he lost again.

[@stumpy1146]

After over 70 surgeries for things relating to my Spina Bifida, the "I didn't ask to get made. . . " lines have always resonated a ton with me.

[@madwombatz]

James Gunn is a master of weaponizing emotion. All 3 of these movies destroyed me in the best way possible.

[@methos1999]

I get what you're trying to say here, but I dislike the use of the term "weaponizing", it implies a shallowness to the storytelling. Gunn is good at getting us to feel empathy for characters very different from us so he can tell a compelling story.

[@animeotaku307]

@@methos1999A better way is to say that Gunn is really good at capturing the ways people respond to trauma and how it shapes them.

[@brandon_youtube]

James Gunn probably picked that up from Pixar. They've been weaponising emotions film after film

[@santos8468]

Did you get "weaponizing emotion" from Fillmento's video essay about Guardians 3?

[@jayymorris5285]

Filmento did a video on this exact subject. I highly suggest watching it!

[@digitaldevil696]

I think the big reason why Thor recognized Rocket as the leader (aside from Thor being actually insightful and matured after his own journey) is that he has been hanging out with Avengers and is immediately able to see the best of Tony who is de-facto Avengers' leader. And also he probably sees the worst of Tony's ego in Quill too, that's why he doesn't take Quill very seriously

[@lusinebaghyan8864]

Tony was not the leader though? He said "I'm not the boss he is" and shows to Cap and Thor was there. It has nothing to do with Tony and his ego or lack of it.

[@nrshocks6931]

captain america is the leader of the avengers lol

[@roor6846]

I love how Alan openly tears up, I tear up just as easily. It's really cathartic and validating. I get very immersed in movies and books, and I get caught up in the characters' thoughts and experiences

[@Spider-Nefilo]

Specially if it's a James Gunn film; and specifically if it's GOTG Vol. 3 I've watched the film about 3 times now, and really the only reason i havent watched it more times is because it's just SOO Emotionally cathartic and just...yeah i cry my SOUL out every single time i watch so i can definitely identify with Alan a LOT too 😅. Man i love Cinema (and Therapy)

[@madelinegarber7860]

Oh same. I rarely cry in my personal life unless I’m really distressed or hurt. Maybe a tear or two but that’s it. But I tear up all the time from books and movies/tv shows. Even certain songs.

[@dylanbass8451]

On the note of Rocket's intelligence, he even tells Tony "You're only a genius on Earth" and he's totally on par with Tony's intelligence.

[@celinahaas5868]

It always breaks me when Rocket says his first word and it’s “hurt”; his first word is about his pain.

[@DanyaDisko]

DO NOT forget that Sean Gunn did the physical acting for Rocket in the MoCap suit, he took on that job out of practical necessity, and then he OWNED that role for Bradley in his absence/honor so the rest of the cast could have someone to look at while shooting the films.

[@mariaclaudiafeitosa3136]

Bradley Cooper did such an amazing job voicing Rocket! He does this "silly" voice and yet conveys so much emotion. And fun and laughter and anger... I really admired his work

[@kimespartero9920]

When Jonathan said "Trauma is part of my history but it doesn't define me", this hits hard.

[@ccfreakMetal]

Rocket story in vol 3, wraps his past story up, in a heartbreaking, heart wrenching way. So good, but so sad when you compare it to vol 1. And the saving of them makes so much sense. I was worried when they were going to leave and the animals were still locked in the cages. The fact that they didn't turn to humor in his bits of the movie was fantastic!

[@KatjeKat86]

I think the humor beats in the third volume are the best of the 3 because it ebbed and flowed as needed and didn't ever overshadow the more serious moments. But at least for me it kept me from going into full sob mode in the theater.

[@ccfreakMetal]

@@KatjeKat86 yes, it had humor! And it was super real at times. Loved it!

[@EH23831]

It was tough to watch (the vivisection) but worth it

[@ccfreakMetal]

@@EH23831 painful, but good

[@graciegrimes9286]

Love how after Rocket tells his friends his name, it just cuts to Alan battling tears Love you Alan! Thank you for always expressing what all of us are feeling!

[@fandomlibrary9506]

One thing I've noticed in writing is that a good way to foreshadow something is with a joke. The audience gets a laugh and doesn't read into it too much, but it sticks in their memory regardless because it was funny. Then when the foreshadowing pays off it doesn't come out of nowhere.

[@JonathanDecker]

Well said.

[@carleeelders875]

I did not expect for almost the entirety of the movie, Rocket would be lying unconscious on a table, subconsciously revealing to us all his trauma and how much guilt he carries for when his friends got killed. I didn't realize that by the end tears would still be flowing from watching how much pain he went through, and how he was able to heal thanks to the Guardians. Of all the things I could have cried for, I can't believe it was a raccoon.

[@JordanSugarman]

They set it up so well that I felt every ounce of Rocket's anguish when he let out that primal scream as Lylla died. Stupid James Gunn ripping my heart out.

[@Monique-ps9zv]

not about Rocket but Floor screaming "Rocket, Teefs, Floor go now" ABSOLUTELY rips my heart apart

[@FearlessLeader2001]

I just watched Guardians 3 for the first time yesterday, and I gotta say it was very good. I think the moment that hit me hardest was when Nebula's facade shattered upon hearing rocket's voice, unable to steel herself the moment since it caught her off guard.

[@itsmxtwist]

One of the things I love is that Peter never really treated rocket like he was dumb or an animal. He quickly saw how smart rocket was and while they may have not gotten along at the start that was due to their personalities clashing at the start. In the end though they learned to understand each other and really became those two guys friends who may bicker for fun but will always be willing to help one another out.

[@jessicastrike5640]

“The name’s Rocket, Rocket Racoon” the utter catharsis from this moment is unrivalled! The running gag of calling Rocket other animals is paid off in the best way and he finally realises that when Quill called him a racoon it wasn’t a demeaning insult that he interpreted it is, he really is a racoon. Never before has a hero announcing their identity felt so powerful and earned

[@EthanLindner]

Brandon Mull if you are reading the comments I want to personally thank you for taking me on those adventures through Lyrian with Jason and the gang. I was in a difficult part of my childhood when I first picked up Beyonders and your worlds and characters were exactly what I needed to keep pushing though. I hope all is going well and that you know your work really makes an impact.

[@graciecat7389]

Yeah, I loved Beyonders, thanks for giving me and so many others such a great adventure.

[@hellothere7948]

Guardians of the galaxy 3 shattered me. I was crying almost the whole movie. The way his journey was shown blew my mind. It has honestly become one of my favourite movies but idk if I have the strength to watch it again. Amazing movie

[@alisiks2429]

Exactly! I love this movie so much and saw it in the theater and now that it’s available on streaming, I don’t think I’ll watch it for awhile, if ever.

[@BluBird_Rio]

Heck yes! We all love Rocket, Jono and Alan make such great choices for their heros

[@tinamckay2440]

I remember crying so hard in the theatre watching Rocket unleash all this resentment and pain. Noting how others inadvertently were dismissing him. Thinking for the first time I had the words I needed to name my trauma. I have never related to a character journey so intimately before and watching the 3rd movie brought it home to me. My journey at this time has mirrored his, opening up, finding a community and coming to accept myself fully as a person, as a leader and advocate for youth in care like me. I was so excited today to see Rocket Raccoon on my subscription feed. Thank you Cinema Therapy for covering my hero.

[@TheCommenterDragon]

It goes without saying that Rocket is one of the most well written characters in the GOTG franchise! I personally especially love his interactions with Lylla and friends speaking of Lylla GOTG V3 is literally the 2nd time Lylla has ever made an "animated" appearance outside of the comics the only other time she's ever doen that is in GOTG the TellTale series. In fact I like that version of Lylla better because at least in that incarnation the player can choose to bring Lylla back to life.

[@withalittlehelpfrom3]

I’d even say Rocket is one of the most well written characters in the MCU, and maybe in comic book movies today! Such a great arc about overcoming trauma, and holding yourself accountable to chosen family.

[@Just_Uh_Plant]

I sure hope Brandon sees this message! We've met at 2014 slc comicon and gushed over the fablehaven series you wrote and how much it meant to me! We've met at a few book fairs and signings too. In my grandmas last years she lost her sight and couldn't read anymore to her great dismay. I own the whole series on audiobook and the comfort they brought her up until her last day is something I will never be able to thank you enough for. Your writing continues to give to me after all this time!

[@muhammadkhan71]

Rocket has some of the best emotional beats but one of the most impactful ones for me happens with Drax and Mantis in the second one. When Mantis feels Drax's emotions and feels how viscerally sad he is and on the surface is still so calm and normal is such a poignant moment for him. Just incredible story telling

[@dunstonlion1342]

I know James Gunn is on record as saying Rocket was the driving force behind why he agreed to make these movies, and it just really shows. He really did such a tremendous job keeping Rocket's story consistent and so compelling.

[@Steve_Hickman]

When you're watching this, you realize why Rocket is the way he is throughout the series. Any attempt from other characters to delve into his past or connect with him on any real level, is met with a snarky comment, snide remark or something hurtful to push them away. Rocket avoided attachment to others for fear of losing them, because of the blame he placed on himself for losing his friends. It is when he's able to accept himself, his past and what happened, that Rocket is able to find his true purpose.

[@roxirock5455]

Rocket has become one of my favorite characters in the Marvel universe. His story is just so well written.

[@debbiemoore2747]

Movies literally saved my life. They were a source of support and inspiration, when around me there was none.

[@larainewhite]

I went to school with Brandons daugher. I met him at a birthday party for our mutual friend forever ago, I was just a kid. Hes a wonderful man!

[@vulpes6144]

Rocket's Arc show that vulnerabilityy can actually tough you up the right way. Once he accept his past and present, he can face his future.

[@erikbjelke4411]

I love the moment in Infinity War when Rocket, Groot, and Thor are on the way to Nidavellir, and Rocket sees Thor looking introspective in the back of the pod, turns away, sighs, and mutters to himself "Time to be the captain," and goes and talks to Thor about all the horrible stuff that's happened lately. Reaching out to someone and providing them emotional support when they clearly need it. And the way he phrases it, "time to be the captain," like this is a thing good captains should do. Quill taught him that.

[@heavycritic9554]

2:05 That first scene hit hard back when I first saw it. Just realizing that this tough little guy has apparently been through hell to get where he is now, right in the middle of a hilarious and simultaneously tense situation. After seeing how it played out in GotG 3, it genuinely brings tears to my eyes. James Gunn... He knows how to toy with my emotions.

[@Arakko-i7h]

During his early life as a test subject, Rocket was very innocent and child-like. He quickly formed a bond with the other subjects of Batch 89 and began viewing them as his family. When the High Evolutionary showed Rocket a view of the outside world, he became enamored with the blue sky and the rockets that flew outside. He wished to take his friends out into the new world in a rocket and into the blue sky. Rocket initially latched onto the High Evolutionary as a father figure. Despite his incredible intellect, Rocket was very naive. Rocket did not realize the High Evolutionary regarded Batch 89 as a group of failed experiments and assumed he would take them all to the new world. Upon the rest of Batch 89's death, Rocket blamed himself for not being able to save them and closed himself off from relationships so he won't be hurt again. However, upon meeting Groot, Rocket started to open up on relationships again as they became best friends. Also, due to the inhumane experiments done to him, Rocket became bitterly, even bitingly sarcastic, foul-mouthed and cynical, as well as generally misanthropic, but in recent years seems to have adopted a more calm and temperamental demeanor. He is also easily enraged and extremely aggressive, which, in turn, makes him exceedingly trigger-happy with an innate desire for violence. Despite his toughness, he also possesses a cruel and slightly morbid sense of humor. Rocket has an obsession with prosthetic limbs, finding it humorous to steal them - especially without the possessor knowing as shown when he asked Peter Quill to get a guy's prosthetic leg to bust them out of jail, lying about the leg to see if Quill would do it and asking him whether the guy was hopping around on one leg, laughing all the while. His obsession with prosthetic body parts stemmed from his earlier life with Batch 89, and they likely served as mementos to Rocket of his happier times with Lylla, Teefs and Floor, who also had prosthetics like him. He appears to pride himself on his abilities and professionalism, which is indicated by when he spoke harshly to Groot when he childishly drank out of a fountain then smiled about it. A true criminal, Rocket has a higher sense of self-preservation and interests than the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy. However, through Groot's convincing and having coming to care about Quill, Gamora and Drax the Destroyer, Rocket had a change of heart and decided to face Ronan with his newfound friends. Though he displays a somewhat heroic personality, such as defending Xandar from the kamikaze Necrocrafts, Rocket still has a distorted view of the logical and ethical boundaries of the law as he believes if he wants a possession more than the current possessor of such an item, it was acceptable to steal it from him. Rocket was driven by money before he joined the Guardians of the Galaxy and that trait still remains with him, but he has shown himself to be more compassionate and less greedy as time goes on. Rocket is also stunningly intelligent, as he is much more intelligent than a normal raccoon. He is able to conceive very complexly, intricate plans in a very short period of time, such as his plan to escape the Kyln. However, his genius is occasionally superseded by his emotions which appear to be exceedingly strong such as his anger over Quill going back to get his Walkman and his sadness over Groot's death. However, deep down, Rocket is incredibly lonely and carries overwhelming pain over the experimentation that was performed on him before he was a Mercenary. He covers his insecurities well, but once he is drunk, he becomes very emotional and if possible, even more violent, speaking of how he did not 'ask' to be made into what he believed was a "little monster," implying that the experiments done to him were torturous. It is perhaps because of this loneliness and pain that he despises being derided as a rodent or vermin, going so far as to attack Gamora and Drax over the slight. Despite Rocket's apparent dislike of people, he is exceedingly attached to Groot, and is the first known individual who was able to understand Groot when he spoke, even while everyone else only heard 'I am Groot.' He is obviously exceedingly attached to Groot, as seen when he started crying when Groot was apparently killed and pleading with Groot to not save them because he knew that Groot would die if he did so. His grief over Groot's apparent death lead him to angrily charge at Ronan, who was armed with his Cosmi-Rod and the Power Stone, while completely unarmed. It was also in this moment of vulnerability that he was comforted by Drax the Destroyer, which he initially flinched at before accepting the caring gesture, showing that he was not used to such gentleness or kindness. He also became very protective of Groot's offspring, caring for him in a fatherly manner and collapsed to his knees sobbing when he was erased from existence by the Infinity Gauntlet. As he got to know his fellow Guardians better, he became much more protective of them. An example of this was when he, Groot and Yondu Udonta escaped the Eclector and were going to save Quill. He initially insisted that he wanted to save Quill strictly because he wanted to prove that he was "better than him." Udonta managed to break through to the core of what Rocket is truly like on the inside, saying that they are the same type of person in the sense that, while they genuinely care about the people around them, they refuse to show it out of fear and insecurity. Quill's taste in music seems to have rubbed off on Rocket as he seems to enjoy listening to songs from Star-Lord's era, especially while working such as making sure the Guardians had music to listen to whilst battling the Abilisk, when the Ravagers attacked him on Berhert and escaping the Ravagers with Udonta, the former even Quill found to be distracting. Rocket even goes to the point of taking Quill's Zune to listen to music, which would later becomes his when Star-Lord decided to return to Earth to find his family and his way in life. While captive with Yondu Udonta, Rocket quickly bonded with him due to their similar backgrounds and the fact that they love people without saying it. Four years after the Battle on Ego's Planet, Rocket has become slightly more empathetic, showing a growing level of maturity, as seen when he consoled Thor over his multiple losses and became concerned for him after he nearly died activating the damaged neutron star, though he still has his money-driven personality, as seen when he stated they could ask for financial compensation when traveling to respond the Statesman distress call. Following the events of the Snap, Rocket has grown more affectionate to those he considers family, sitting beside Nebula and holding her hand upon reuniting. He has also grown wiser and more selfless, trying to console Thor after everything he has been through but also reminding him of their duty to the people they could still save. At first, Rocket believed that he wasn't a raccoon and thought he was unique, but he did curiously asked Quill what it was when they first meet. Also, Rocket would get upset when he was called a raccoon and would go to the point of hurting or killing people because of it. Rocket also denied being from Earth like Quill and some of his allies from the planet. He would even go so far as to deny he was a raccoon to Lylla when they conversed in the afterlife. He disliked being called a raccoon due to his uncertainty over his identity and likely because it reminded him of his time as the High Evolutionary's captive. The deaths of Batch 89 weighed deeply on his soul. He carried the guilt of believing he got them all killed because he tried to break them out of their prison. After his near-death experience and meeting the souls of his friends in the afterlife, Rocket began to experience a massive shift in character. While helping the prisoners evacuate, he came across captive animals. He saw the High Evolutionary had baby raccoons and they're from Earth, which got him to realize that Quill was right about where he came from and was right about him. Seeing the raccoons and other captive animals caused Rocket to openly weep as he was brought back to his origins and where his life began. From this, Rocket was finally able to accept both his past and his identity as a raccoon, even putting it in his name when he was confronting the High Evolutionary. Due to his emotional development, he ultimately chooses not to kill the High Evolutionary in cold blood. When Drax asked him why, Rocket replies that he's a Guardian of the Galaxy and needs to be better. When the other guardians attempt to leave, Rocket refuses to leave the other animals behind and helps them evacuate. Through this, he achieves a personal redemption by freeing the animals when he'd failed to save his friends during his childhood. It is because of his newfound maturity that Quill chooses to entrust Rocket as the new leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy. As the new leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Rocket is a very affectionate and effective leader. He bonds with the new members over their favorite music and artists. He also becomes significantly more empathetic. He admits to Phyla that he feels some guilt for killing the wild animals invading hostile villages, but knows that there's no one else who can protect them. This demonstrates how he has moved past his greedy and self-serving desires and changed into a heroic, empathetic and strong-willed leader who fights to protect the innocent.

[@crystalnigmatjonova]

Thank you for writing this

[@Arakko-i7h]

@@crystalnigmatjonova 🤝🤝🤝🤝

[@sexydictator3241]

tl;dr?

[@Bllue]

​@@sexydictator3241he basically summarized both the movies and the video.

[@AlexMetamorphCamel]

This is an essay

[@Itzasmores_]

Love seeing the cover of my favorite guardian. He's so strong in such a little body. He's a tiny giant with the soul of fierce warrior inside of him.

[@eileensnow6153]

I’d say I’ve never clicked a notification faster, but that wouldn’t be true. I had to take a few seconds to prepare myself to ugly cry before I clicked this video. Thank you as always, Cinema Therapy!

[@CinemaTherapyShow]

Thanks for watching!

[@MysterySteve]

As a person who's survived very heavy trauma over the course of the majority of my upbringing, I can't watch GOTG 3 without having a panic attack, which I say to the film's *extreme* credit. It tells a very important story better than most movies I've ever seen and in the most accessible way I think you could possibly manage while remaining effective.

[@hollyl5702]

I'm so sorry you went through your trauma and so glad you are still here with us.

[@MysterySteve]

Thank you, and same to you. It was horrible, and there were a great many times I almost *wasn't* here the next day (by my own decision, no one else was physically threatening me), but thankfully now I have been in therapy for a while and have a tremendous set of tools in my belt to use at will, and a beautiful and robust support system.@@hollyl5702 Things sure as hell ain't perfect for me rn, but there's a blazing, beaming light at the end of the tunnel that I can see so clearly, even if I can't always make out the road leading to it. I try to live every single day in a way that I feel justifies the decisions I *really* made and am now incredibly proud of. I know I'm being quite vague, but I hope this helps someone

[@carofnerds7641]

i saw it in theaters and felt sick after for 2 days, couldn't sleep well because i kept thinking about it, because it was so raw and resonant. i completely get how you feel.

[@MysterySteve]

@@carofnerds7641 Hope you're doing a little better now, that sounds real hard. Another thing that struck me about it is that the movie doesn't handle extreme and sensitive topics with gratuity like The Boys or something like that, it's as harsh as necessary and in the right places. The care that was taken in that script is clear and something I will always respect

[@andiburt1886]

A bit late to the game, but I honestly couldn’t agree more. It’s hands down the best allegory for parental abuse that I’ve ever seen and watching it was honestly brutalizing. It’s probably the best movie that I can never watch again. I had to explain to my husband after that the way you survive chronic childhood trauma like that is by not remembering most of it most of the time, and that even when you have breakthroughs you’re typically only bringing out a few pieces at a time, fitting them together and then putting them away again. That movie made me pull out what felt like every single piece and lay it all out in front of myself, and that is a profoundly crushing and painful experience. Even though watching it was so so painful, I’m so grateful for it. I’m grateful to feel so seen, and I’m grateful that it gave my husband insight into my past that is so hard to convey in words alone.

[@noahl6562]

I never would have expected you guys to get someone like Brandon Mull on the show. So much so that I didn’t recognize his name until you said what he wrote even though I have the entirety of the Fablehaven and Dragonwatch series sitting on my bookshelf.

[@JdeeGeekyGao]

I loved Rocket from the first movie he was just angry at people and that was relatable for me for when I was younger. Then he just became my fav followed by Gamora and Mantis. I am a DC fan so I'm excited to see what James does over there next.

[@tyrannosauruswrex123]

Rocket deserves all the good things in the world 😢🥺 #justice4rocket

[@AliAngelpie]

I knew we were going to get Rocket’s back story in the film but I had no idea it would be so heartbreaking 💔 Really explains why he’s so bitter and cold, limiting the connections he has for fear of another loss. He does have a soft side and he has loyalties but he’s seen how cruel the world can be and he’s not going to let it break him again

[@drmnez]

Man… when rockets friends died… oh man one of the few times my heart sank, I felt like I got punched in the gut, and I had to hold back tears all at one time. This episode was great. Keep up the good work. It’s really helped change my outlook

[@ri_grossmann]

Ohmygod Brandon Mull was my favorite author as a child! I reread/read for the first time all the Fablehaven/Dragonwatch series over quarantine and I still love them dearly! Brandon Mull is partially responsible for why I’m a writer today!

[@erikastauffer8021]

I love how grounded you guys are in what is real, normal, and healthy. It's so validating. You guys have no idea how much strength it gives me to see you call out weird things for being weird and good things for being good. Thank you.

[@silkyway4024]

I work with traumatized people (in groups) and all these characters and their stories are such a powerful metaphor for their journey and we use it a lot. And I love it when they end up saying "I am a superhero" Because they are. Not just because of surviving (which is hard enough) but being so strong to help others and spreading the message of "You are not alone and you are valuable and capable of reaching the sky" ❤

[@DonVort]

One thing that I noticed just in your closing clip when Rocket is making fun of Tazerface. There was an entire sequence in 3 where Rocket and his friends pick their names and give reasons for their names. Each of them makes him happy and helps him pick the name that most identifies who he is. So his immediate response to Tazerface picking his name was to envision the steps of picking it. Rocket's name has meaning, his friends' names had meaning. Tazerface picked a name that didn't seem to have any purpose other than to "sound cool". Part of me wonders if Rocket was actually offended by someone picking their name with so little apparent discernment. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but something about those two scenes just kinda jive.

[@PdPiper-wn2nb]

Some of the things about I love about Guardians Of The Galaxy dynamics: _They don't know why Rocket hates being called by "animal nicknames" (mainly raccoon), but they do not do it and tell others not to simply because it upsets him _During the third film you can tell everyone is worried about him even with such different personalities. Even Drax, the "dumb guy" feels valid _At first Quill doesn't want anyone to be killed, but once he learns about Rocket's past he wants everybody dead _Quill calls Rocket a raccoon in the second and third movie because he wanted to upset him (and he is the only one who knew what Rocket was talking about when he was drunk in GOTG 1 because he saw his scars) and both times he was sorry about it. This would also add even more meaning to the guilt Quill feels when his best friend got attacked, as his last words were meant to hurt Rocket in what he would discover was a incredibly deep way _In the second movie (more specifically when Quill, Gamora and Drax are leaving the ship) Quill seems to be about to apologize for Rocket for what he said, but Rocket intentionally said something that would sound so bad that Quill would give up on him _This is a more individual aspect, but I think the reason Rocket hates being called a raccoon is not because of a lack of knowledge, but because he is supposed to be a rational and superior form of life, not just an animal (and maybe High Evolutionary used this to humiliate him). Another reason for it could be Rocket's self hatred, as he hates the fact that he once was a normal being before becoming what he sees as a little monster

[@dredgen0268]

The third movie TORE ME UP inside man. God it was emotional.

[@jacobsbratify]

I met Brandon mull in 5th grade back in 2009-10, because I'd asked my librarian to get the new books and showed interest she reached out to someone I'd assume and like a month later he was there in my elementary school personally bringing new books and signing books for kids. Genuinely incredible guy whose books shaped my childhood

[@EvieRawlings]

I have never cried so much in a movie before until Guardians 3.

[@lounanotfluentinenglish]

That last movie broke me. I watched it in a theatre with my sister. She's hyper sensitive, and animal abuse is like a trigger to me (for an unknown reason). We cried SO hard, from the moment Rocket got hurt to the end, the only other movie that made me cry that hard was Schindler's List, I almost LEFT. I never left a theatre ! I never leave before the end of any movie, I don't even fall asleep while watching a movie, I just can't ! But here I very seriously considered it. We knew it was gonna be hard, even more so when the otter's name turned out to be my sister's birth mother's name (she died less than ten years ago), but when we got out we pinky swore to never watch it again, and I couldn't even hear the word "bunny" for several weeks without shivering, crying or almost throwing up. It really did break me.

[@madsdenpurchase]

Brandon Mull should be in the regular rotation of guests!

[@lukebaxter3252]

Guardians 3 truly cements Rocket as my favourite character in all of the MCU. Seeing his traumatic backstory and how he moves on from it is truly something incredible. James Gunn is such a genius. And even seeing scenes from Guardians 3 out of context from the film itself, I still well up with tears. It's truly my favourite MCU film and truly one of my favourite films with the rest of the trilogy.

[@skedizzle]

I can never not cry whenever his animal friends are on screen. Sobbing on the floor. Every time. Never forget them ✌

[@doodoo5594]

i absolutely love the fact that rocket only comes to terms with what once he literally sees where he came from, and immediately his instinct kicks in and he starts saving all the baby raccoons

[@JnJGaming]

Theres a million things to be said about these amazing movies and this heartbreaking arc, but imma point out something i only just noticed. At 7:13 when Drax is comforting Rocket, notice his tail. It starts tensed up and curled, but he lets it fall. Hes truly comforted and relaxed. That little detail was enough to make me tear up 🥲

[@Maxxarcade]

Rocket had a great character arc. I also liked how he was helping Thor in the Avengers movies. I really hope we'll get to see him again some day.

[@ellagage1256]

I'm so happy you're covering Rocket! His character arc is my favorite in the entire MCU! He was part of what allowed me to accept I was trans and that other people would accept me as well. I was so scared of letting people get close I would intentionally act like an uncaring prick and push people away... because I just assumed that's what other people would do to me once they found out who I "really was" Years later and I'm still being supported by the same group of friends I saw the movie with back in high school. Turns out it's a lot harder to lose genuine found family than just "wanting to be accepted for who you are"

[@benjovi356]

When I saw Guardians 1, the scene where Rocket said "I didn't ask to get made." struck a chord with me as I am disabled. I was born that way, and disabled people don't ask to be born that way. In Guardians 3, the scene where kid Rocket gets in the cage after his first operation and says "I hurt..." also struck a chord. My disability has hurt me off and on since childhood. I have grown from being a nerdy kid who went to physical therapy sessions to an accomplished intellectual man who is strong in ways people either cannot or refuse to see...yet because I am not physically big and strong or carry lots of importance, people do not always see what I am capable of, yet, I have a knack for impressing people. That grumpy puppy makes a good metaphor sometimes. Good episode guys. Thanks for all you do.

[@rtyria]

Rocket's interactions with Groot were probably my favorite. He always seemed to know exactly what "I am Groot" meant every time. That's awesome.

[@AspiringToFailure]

I can't look at Rocket without thinking "look at his little face!" Too cute haha

[@Dragnbreth294]

Rocket is (in my opinion) one of the best written marvel characters, love the way he portrays overcoming trauma. It really feels like genuine care was put into his story PS: Love Alan’s sunglasses tan 😎👍 thanks again for helping to make a difference for present and future writers

[@BlackParadeMarcher1]

I'm so glad he did this for Rocket's story instead of the comics origins. It was a great mislead as well because my thought when seeing teasers was he would maybe reunite with his old friends (the ones from his comic) and maybe he'd have to choose between them and the Guardians, but this went so far off and I bawled like a baby (as quietly as possible) in theaters. I like the thought I've read someone mention that Floor calls herself Floor because those robotic spider legs are constantly keeping her suspended above the ground- where bunnies prefer to be. And the only time she gets to feel the floor is when she's on her back like that.

[@AmethystOrlando]

Linda Cardellini was absolutely fantastic in Vol 3. The warmth she gave to the cybernetically enhanced otter was beyond mesmerising & the moment where she’s brutally gunned down had me in floods of tears.

[@MagdalenaMantler]

The latest Guardian film hit me very hard. Just a few months before I have seen an undercover documentation and rescue in a fur farm here in Europe, where animal rights societies broke into a fur farm and showed what it really means if you have have clothes with real fur (and many don't know that even low budget things like a pompon on that 20,- hood are often real fur not fake). It was so heartbreaking seeing those beautiful animals crowded in those cages, their feet swollen or dismembered because of the cage metal, but also their mental illness because of the isolation and not being able to run free ... They only were able to save a pair of animals, all others they had to leave behind... When I saw Guardians all those pictures came back into my mind and I wept so so hard... And on the other hand I was so amazed that this important issue was part of such a big movie. I just can hope it opened the eyes of some people about how we treat animals ...

[@Edotter]

Some of my favorite moments in the entire MCU are scenes of Rocket talking quietly with one other character. These little moments tend to be amazingly touching, well written, and well acted.

[@catleaxmas5416]

man i love guardians of the galaxy so much because i love love love found family trope so much. i love the idea of a bunch of people who are always alone their whole lives, thinking that they doesn't deserves or need anybody, meet the people that eventually love they become family. guardians of galaxy is what the avengers wanted to be but failing.

[@westerfrost3701]

Rocket’s one of my favorite characters in the MCU. Great job, guys!

[@laurabunn2993]

I remember seeing Guardians 3 in theaters just weeks after knee surgery. And having crutches and a brace while watching Emotional Damage the Movie really hit me in a different way and hard. There was always something about Rocket that got me and his arc was just so beautifully done. What a way to make me have feelings over a CGI raccoon, James Gunn. This trilogy was amazing.

[@CaydeElric]

I have cried so much for Rocket. I've probably become overly emotional in my 30s because even just seeing these clips starts the waterworks. I was seriously bawling my eyes out for at least half of Guardians Volume 3.

[@Idiot_TaylorsVersion]

I love how the 3rd movie really showed people just how terrible animal abuse/testing is but it didn't (in my opinion) feel quite as "preachy" about it as other movies tackling serious issues do

[@paulaqueirosz]

I was looking for this comment!

[@cdogthehedgehog6923]

Lol in my case it doesnt take much preaching for me to take the side against animal abuse.

[@MWSin1]

"Everybody's got dead people. It's no excuse to get everybody else dead along the way." Holy crap, that line hits after seeing GotG 3.

[@The_Phantasm]

Really hope you guys eventually do an episode for Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. I'm still unbelievably excited ever since I saw him in the yellow suit.

[@barkbarkshark3797]

I literally can not make it through the naming scene without at least a few tears. James Gunn is a genius. Thank you for highlighting that scene

[@casebycase_904]

I've always loved the guardians the best out of all marvel heroes because I love how goofy they were and not quite perfect they were. Out of all the guardians, Rocket was always my fav! But watching Rocket's story made me love the character even more!! This one is great!!

[@abigail3488]

OMG ITS BRANDON MULL!!!!!! FABLEHAVEN AND BEYONDERS MADE MY CHILDHOOD!

[@psychedelikchameleon]

I bawled my eyes out watching GOTG3 and loved every minute.

[@puzzled_pieces5172]

I'm so happy that Cinema Therapy got one of my favorite authors on the show. I'm also happy that they are covering one my favorite characters that traumatized me a couple of weeks ago. ✌️

[@laurarowland7294]

Brandon Mull, if you see this, thank you for this collab, it was awesome to watch this. I grew up with Fablehaven, and love it dearly, and got to read Dragonwatch throughout college. Thank you for your creativity and general awesomeness

[@mostamazingrace]

God, the part that makes me cry every time is when Rocket wakes up and Nebula breaks down in relief

[@wegotthechoccies]

Rocket was always a great character, and clearly had a lot of unresolved issues that he needed to address. It's unfortunate how relatable he is, but I'm glad that he was able to finally accept who he is by the 3rd film

[@shadowraider2445]

Rocket is now my favorite Guardian after watching Vol 3. I love how he was a guy who only cared about himself to someone who is a hero. His character development was everything. This movie made me cry because I relate to Rocket in a way. I believe almost all of us do. Thank you James Gunn for everything. ❤

[@cc.kanna88]

I never thought one of your Psychology of a Hero episodes would make me cry…and yet here we are, with me crying buckets (to be fair, Guardians 3 did that, too, so….guess it fits). Having been through a trauma myself (I would prefer not to elaborate), it took me YEARS to realize that while what I went through is always going to be part of me, it’s not who I am as a whole. I remember Brandon’s books from growing up, and then when I was teaching and my students got more familiar with chapter books, I introduced them to Brandon’s books. Beyonders was just so much fun and I can’t wait to pass it on. Alan and Jonathan, thank you so much for this episode and for getting Brandon Mull to join you for it.

[@unlucky_potato6383]

This entire movie was so extremely emotional in a way I haven't been in a long time. I was constantly on my toes and wailed and cheered and loved every minute of it.

[@Ditto.007]

We know Alan is gonna have a "bawl" with this one