When it comes to comic book movies, MARVEL Studios is the Pixar of that genre/medium. Not just because they are consistent with the quality of all there films and the talent behind. But also, just like Pixar, they also take big risks that pay off, and make their competition look bad in the process. An animated film that's 100 % CGI starring toys? A rat who can cook? Monsters, robots, and a grumpy old man as protagonists in family comedies? Who would be crazy enough to believe those moves can
work? Pixar.
And Pixar is so good at executing their crazy ideas, that every other competing animation studio has tried to copy their success. Just like Marvel.
A billionaire playboy who fights crime with a high-tech suit and isn't Batman? A scientist who turns into a giant green monster when he's angry? A Norse god with the power to summon thunder with his hammer? A super soldier with an Eagle Scout attitude? Bringing all those unusual characters together in an epic crossover movie? Are these people insane?!?!?! Yes. Yes they are. And what' even more insane? All of these crazy ideas paid off MARVELLOUSLY!!! (Not one of my best jokes, I know.)
And now comes arguably their riskiest movie to date (and boy is that saying a lot), Guardians of the
Galaxy. A science fiction, action/adventure directed by James Gunn (Slither, Super), starring a cocky
space scoundrel (who is NOT Han Solo), a green skinned assassin, a red skinned thug, a walking tree, and a raccoon with a machine gun...
How does MARVEL keep making this work?!?! Are they gods?!?!?
Yes people. Guardians of the Galaxy is just as amazing, exciting, and entertaining as you've heard.
And for some people, especially 80s kids, it's even more so.
Chris Pratt, coming right off the animation blockbuster The Lego Movie, is a awesome as Peter Quill
(a.k.a. Star-Lord)! He's charismatic, witty, and charming. He could very much be this generation's answer to Han Solo and Indiana Jones. Heck, if Disney and Lucasfilm are still considering that Han
Solo Origin spin-off, then my vote definitely goes to Chris Pratt for the role of young Han Solo! With this, The Lego Movie, and next year's anticipated sequel, Jurassic World, its safe to say that Chris Pratt is the next big thing!
Zoe Saldana is tough and beautiful as the green skinned Gamora. She wants revenge, but has a soft
side to her as well. She can be romantic and nourishing, but also pushy when she needs to. I can see a lot of boys crushing on her the same way boys in the 70s and 80s crushed on Carrie Fisher's Princess
Leia. As the blue skinned Nytiri in Avatar and the young Uhura in JJ Abrams' Star Trek films, Saldana is no stranger to science fiction. However, playing Gamora was no walk in the park. She had to paint her whole skin green! Even when she blew her nose or took a bath, she had green paint on her! Now she knows why Kermit the Frog sang "It's not easy being green."
Dave Bautista is tough and menacing as Drax the destroyer. He wants revenge against Ronan for killing his family, and will stop at almost nothing. For hsis first acting gig, WWE fighter Bautista isn't half bad.
| I AM GROOT! |
Vin Diesel is irresistible as Groot, a tree who only says "I AM GROOT." This character could have gotten annoying quick, but Vin Diesel and the writers make Groot a lovable, charming creature who brings warm memories of another tall, vocab limited alien creature, Chewbacca.
But the breakout character, hands down, is Rocket a Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper)!
If a sass talking raccoon with a machine gun doesn't make your inner child jump up and down with excitement, something must be wrong with you! This character easily has some of the best lines in the movie, and has great chemistry with Groot. Bradley cooper, the star of The Hangover series, American Hustle, and Silver Linings Playbook, gives a flawless voice over performance. Even my Mom, who loves Bradley Cooper, couldn't tell that was him!
The rest of the cast is great. John C. Reilly never fails to make me laugh. Karren Gillan is menacing
as Nebula. And although Ronan is a fine villain, we all know he's chopped liver compared to the real
baddie, Thanos!
The soundtrack is awesome! Featuring hit 70s songs from artists like Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Jackson 5, Joan Jett, and of course... Hooked On A Feeling by blue Swede!
My Mom and Dad had a ball naming all the artists as their songs played during the movie.
This movie could have been a mess. But James Gunn puts a lot of love into it, and gives us each something to enjoy. Whether we're seeing it as hard core comic book fans, movie fans, or just average joes looking for a great time at the movies. It has the humor of Back To The Future, the brain of
Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the heart of Star Wars.
A lot of people have been comparing this to Star Wars, and it's easy to see why. The fact that it takes place in a far away galaxy. Rocket Raccoon being the only character to understand GROOT is just like Han Solo being the only one to understand Chewbacca. And the climax at the end, without spoiling it, is just like the X-Wing battle. The release date of Star Wars Episode VII is a long way away. So if you can't wait that long, then Guardians of the Galaxy will scratch that itch for you.
In conclusion, Guardians of the Galaxy is a blast from start to finish! It has a simple, and fast paced story, loveable characters, and an unbeatable soundtrack! This is easily the most fun I've had at the movies so far this year! If you're sick of sequels and reboots, and want something a little different, then Guardians will have you... Hooked On A Feeling!
I give Guardians of the Galaxy... 4.5 Infinity Guantlets out of 5!
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