Guardians of the GalaxyComic Book/Action Adventure/Science Fiction/Comedy, 2014
2 hours, 1 minute
Written by James Gunn and Nicole Perlman
Based on the comic book series "Guardians of the Galaxy" by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Directed by James Gunn
Rated PG-13 for "intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action and for some language"
Starring
Chris Pratt
Zoe Saldana
Dave Batista
Vin Diesel
Bradley Cooper
Lee Pace
Michael Rooker
Karen Gillan
Benicio Del Toro
Sean Gunn
John C. Reilly
Glenn Close
"I am Groot!"
For the past several years, Marvel has cashed in on their sizable cast of A-list comic book characters. Iron Man has already received the trilogy treatment with Captain America and Thor in the process of getting theirs. These characters are, and have always been, significant in the Marvel comic universe. So it came as a bit of a surprise when Marvel announced they were turning to the B-list to expand their universe. "Guardians of the Galaxy" is the first time that Marvel has taken a big risk in their cinematic universe. The heroes are virtually unknown to those outside the comic book fandom. Thankfully, "Guardians" is a stellar addition to Marvel's Cinematic Universe as well as a great standalone science fiction epic.
The film begins with Peter Quill (Chris Pratt of "Parks and Recreation" fame) uncovering an ancient artifact among ruins of a destroyed planet. However, the artifact is highly sought after by a few dangerous parties. Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace), a powerful enemy who wishes to use the artifact to destroy planets, sends assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana) to recover it from Quill... anyway, a bunch of stuff happens at this point, I don't want to go into every single detail. Basically, Quill and Gamora end up in prison along with a genetically modified, wise-cracking raccoon named Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and a humanoid tree named Groot (motion captured and voiced by Vin Diesel). Once in jail, they meet Drax (Dave Batista), a powerful warrior with a vendetta against Ronan for murdering his family. While Quill, Gamora, Rocket and Groot want huge sums of money for the artifact, Drax only wants revenge. The five work together as a team to escape and sell the artifact, but once the artifact's true power is discovered and Ronan's plan is revealed, the five decide to destroy Ronan and save the galaxy from certain doom.
Marvel films are known for their off-brand humor, and "Guardians" is certainly no exception. It's as much a comedy as it is a science fiction film with humor that will entertain both young and old audiences. The humor stems from the brilliant character work from the entire main cast. Peter Quill, AKA Star Lord, is basically a more intelligent version of Andy Dwyer from "Parks and Recreation." He's got great taste in music, and while he may be a bit of a bastard at first, he is instantly relatable and sympathetic. He always knows exactly when to say and when to say it, and although he might not be as proficient in combat as his companions, he rises to the occasion and becomes more than just a leader. Drax, the one character that nobody expected to be funny, actually manages to steal a few great moments. The only reason Drax is so funny is because his people do not understand sarcasm or metaphor, only the literal. You can imagine what happens with someone as sarcastic as Rocket on their team. Speaking of Rocket, he and Groot work like a modern day Han Solo and Chewbacca. Rocket is a weapons expert who isn't afraid to say what's on his mind, regardless of the repercussions. He just doesn't give a fuck. As great as Rocket might be, he's nothing without his pal Groot. Groot, who can literally only say the words "I am Groot" in that order, is equal parts vicious warrior and sweetheart. He'll ruthlessly kill a bunch of bad guys while wailing a battle cry, then turn around and give you a warm smile. If there's any scene stealer in the film, it's Groot.
And then there's Gamora... Gamora isn't exactly a bad character, but she suffers from what pretty much every Marvel movie suffers from: an uninteresting female protagonist. Okay, maybe uninteresting isn't the best word, but in comparison to the rest of the four, what does she have? She's a vicious warrior assassin with green skin. There isn't much to set her apart from the rest of the team. That's not to say she doesn't have good moments, but by the time you walk out of the theater, you'll only be talking about everyone else EXCEPT Gamora. Which is a shame, because in a film with a diverse cast of characters, she's easily the blandest.
Every character has their moment to shine. The first hour or so focuses mostly on what makes the central characters relatable. We learn about Drax, Quill, and Gamora's past. We also learn about Rocket's horrifying past of being nothing more than a lab rat before he escaped. The film focuses on what each of them has lost, but by the end of the film, they have become good friends. Because, you know, it's a somewhat predictable Hollywood blockbuster. It has to have a happy ending that sets up for a sequel. Yet it still manages to keep you on your toes.
And because it's a Hollywood blockbuster, you know the visuals are going to kick ass. And they do. It's a beautiful film with gorgeous cityscapes and colorful nebulas. Even Rocket and Groot look pretty good for CGI characters.
Overall, "Guardians of the Galaxy" is a badass movie with the charms of a Marvel movie and a standalone science fiction epic. I can't remember the last time I had such a great time watching a Marvel film. Probably not since "The Avengers." But it might even be better than "The Avengers!" Considering this does fit within Marvel's canon of comic book films, I would definitely put it right up there at the top above the first "Iron Man" and "Captain America: The Winter Soldier." So yeah, it might be better than "The Avengers," and everybody loves "The Avengers."
You don't need to have seen the other films to appreciate just how much fun "Guardians" is. Sci-fi fans and comic book nerds will go ape-shit over it. This was my #2 most anticipated movie of the year, and it was TOTALLY worth the wait.
9.7/10
