Writer/Director: James Gunn
Co-Writer: Nicole Perlman
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Bradley Cooper
‘Marvel-ous Entertainment’
You’re immediately hooked on a feeling while watching “Guardians of the Galaxy”, a wildly entertaining, bizarre and out-of-the-ordinary movie, which takes a different approach to telling a superhero story. Usually, with most movies in this genre, the mood is dark and solemn. Superheroes are portrayed as flawed people with reasons for what they do. Yet, one question has haunted me for most of my life: are guys who dress up in goofy costumes meant to be taken seriously?
Director James Gunn’s latest blockbuster “Guardians of the Galaxy” proves not and that superheroes can be hilarious to watch even when they appear on the outside to be frightening. Exploding with an energy not often seen in superhero outings, this action-packed thrill ride is simply the definition of fun entertainment. Like a variety of pieces fitting into a jigsaw puzzle, each element from a fantastic cast to an electric musical score combine to create a movie that’s way too entertaining to miss. What’s most astonishing, though, is how this is a blockbuster that’s not afraid to be different. It has a sense of humor that puts a smile on your face from start to finish. When a movie can do that, especially during summer season, there’s no doubt that it’s done its job extremely well.
Not since 2012’s “The Avengers” has a superhero flick brought to screen a band of misfits that are as entertaining to watch as “Guardians of the Galaxy”. Whereas Joss Whedon’s box-office success brought together a well-known group of superheroes, “Guardians” brings a brand-new set of characters to the table. The team includes an 80’s music lover, a hot-headed raccoon, a dangerous assassin, a muscular soldier and a talking tree. It is up to these outlaws to save the galaxy from the evil forces that plan to destroy it.
As we are swept into a world filled with colorful characters, director James Gunn’s creative vision takes command like the captain of a ship. What the filmmaker, at a very young age, has accomplished here is quite an achievement. With the passion of a geek pursuing their favorite hobby, he has broken new ground of the genre by crafting a movie that’s refreshingly different. Although featuring the ingredients that we so often expect from superhero movies, like explosive action sequences, this is a film that’s constantly surprising you throughout its running time.
One of the most pleasant surprises that “Guardians of the Galaxy” has to offer is a lighthearted tone. When compared to most superhero movies, which tend to be either dark or scary, what we have here is unexpectedly a laughter-feast. Not taking itself too seriously nor diving too far into silly territory, this film has the perfect blend of laughs that keep you engaged throughout. We’re not just talking about a few chuckles, but non-stop jokes that like a roller-coaster ride leave you out of breath by the end. Superhero movies, like the recent “Amazing Spider-Man 2”, are known for having entertaining first-hours but then eventually dragging down to the last minute. Few this year have been as perfectly paced as “Guardians of the Galaxy”. At a running time of 2 hours, there’s not a single dull moment in this film.
Neither is there a weak link in the all-star cast. Despite some strange choices such as a famous wrestler being cast as an actor, each star is given there moment to shine. Particularly joyful is seeing a well-known actor like Bradley Cooper flex out his acting talents in a new way: through voice-performance. Recently on a roll with award-worthy movies like “American Hustle”, here he is given the chance to take a risk. Surprisingly, it pays off in the creation of one of the funniest superhero characters to grace the screen since the Hulk in “The Avengers”.
The supporting players are at the top of their game as well. Chris Pratt is irresistibly charming as the heroic yet unreliable Star-lord, Zoe Saldana is as always a joy to watch, and if Dave Bautista plans to have a future career as an actor he’s off to a great start. Even Vin Diesel, whose character we never completely get to know, breaks your heart as a tree known as ‘Groot’.
The last thing that’s praise-worthy is Tyler Bates’ musical score. A compilation of rock-and-roll tunes from the 1980’s, it has an unstoppable energy that makes the film all the more exciting to watch. Especially memorable is the upbeat music in the opening sequence, which like an adrenaline shot to the senses, gives you a reason to look forward to the rest of the movie.
Unfortunately, though, not everything in those two hours lives up to the genius of that opening scene. As is the re-occuring case with any superhero movie these days, the villains are as dull as a wooden board. They aren’t nearly as interesting to watch as the heroes and it’s here that your attention span has its ups and downs.
Taking everything into account, if you’re a fan of classic sci-fi entertainment like “Star Wars” combined with the pop-corn thrills of “The Avengers”, you won’t regret a minute of “Guardians of the Galaxy”. Out of all the superhero outings that have been released so far in 2014, this is easily the best. Not only is it the most fun I’ve had at the movies this year, it’s also one of the more creative blockbusters in recent memory.
If I were making a superhero movie in the next few years, I would be quite intimidated because it’s not going to be an easy job to top this one.
4/5 stars
The Film Buff 
You must be logged in to post a comment.