Mega Review: Guardians of the Galaxy

Genre: Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi    Directed by:  James GunnStarring: Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper Written by:  James Gunn, Nicole Perlman
Genre: Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi
Directed by: James Gunn
Starring: Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper
Written by: James Gunn, Nicole Perlman

Synopsis: In the far reaches of space, an American pilot named Peter Quill finds himself the object of a manhunt after stealing an orb coveted by the villainous Ronan.

Ryan’s Review

 

Marvel Studios has taken advantage of their plethora of comic book storylines but Guardians of the Galaxy is an entirely new venture. At the moment, the Guardians of the Galaxy universe does not have the strong connection to other Marvel films like Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor have had in relation to The Avengers. It is an isolated storyline which gives it the opportunity to veer away from the conformity between other films with a comedic aspect. Despite my preconceived notions of this abstract storyline, Guardians of the Galaxy is a lavishly enjoyable outlier.

 

In my opinion, it seemed like Marvel’s humorous take on their own unique Star Wars story. The reluctant comradery between an unlikely group traveling the galaxy has a familiar Star Wars feel. The characters almost seem to emulate classic George Lucas characters but with a modern day infusion of humor and pop culture. While it may not be in the same league as Star Wars, the indirect similarities create a sense of enjoyable sense of comfort that puts like minded fans at ease throughout the film.

Chris Pratt's snarky retorts make RDJ seem like Ben Stein
Chris Pratt’s snarky retorts make Robert Downey Jr seem like Ben Stein

While the characters may resonate with certain niche groups, they also appeal to audiences as a whole with their own brand of snarky humor. At first I thought the amount of humor was going to be overbearing as I caught a few displaced laughs that briefly disconnected me from the film’s theme. As the film progressed, the humor seemed less displaced and I recognized it as a mechanism for connecting those disconnected audience members and I joined in with their laughter.

Why cast Vin Diesel when he only says four words?
Why cast Vin Diesel when he only says four words?

Out of all the characters I would say that Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and Drax (Dave Bautista) were the most difficult to warm up to even though I eventually grew to enjoy them. The snarky Pratt nature we’re used to in his other projects definitely came through at times and Bautista’s caveman style dialogue could almost be perceived as bad acting. But as I said, they weren’t disliked, just took some time to warm up to. Gamorra (Zoe Saldana) and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) were the most intriguing to me because they had a more interesting backstory and also seemed more emotionally engaged in dire situations. As far as Groot (Vin Diesel) goes, I enjoyed his purpose in the group but I’m a bit perplexed as to why his role was given to a more well known actor when it is a CGI character that only speaks the words “I am Groot.”

 

My favorite aspect of Guardians of the Galaxy would have to be the visuals. It is the most modern outer space film that we’ve seen from Marvel Studios and the visuals are pure eye candy. They are vibrantly fluid and rich as the characters bounce from planet to planet on their journey across the universe.

 

Overall I would say that I enjoyed this film. Its attempt at independence definitely succeeds but catches you off guard if you’re expecting a typical Marvel Studios film. The snarky humor may be a bit much at times but overall it is enjoyable and something that the entire family can enjoy. Guardians of the Galaxy is a film that I’m looking forward to seeing again and anticipating where it goes within the Marvel cinematic universe.

 

Guardians of the Galaxy – 7.5 out of 10

Marvel’s snarky version of Star Wars

 

[Anthony’s Review] [Ryan’s Review] [Kenny’s Review] [Jim’s Review]

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