Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy, Opens at theaters August 1, 2014

So, the summer’s best action-adventure-comedy has made it to theaters. This is perhaps the singularly most anticipated superhero-space-comedy-adventure to date…no, I am not kidding. Most of the viewing audience has no idea who this odd bunch of ruffians are. Even within the comic book community, the Guardians are a blip in the history of the medium. This is truly an advantage. And, director James Gunn takes full advantage. Gunn has so much more freedom to develop these characters and story without a myopic backlash from Marvel purest.

The film offers a balance of humor, action, and emotion coupled with the best graphics compilation in the industry. Plus, a rather quirky, yet successful use of music tidies up some rather disparate items. Imagine a well-worn music of the ’70-80s cassette mix-tape made by your middle aged mom playing a key role in defining the primary character (and film’s mood). Sounds insane right? Well it is and its absolutely perfect for this film. The audience I watched this otherworldly film with embraced even the sappiest of love ballads (Fooled Around and Fell in Love by Elvin Bishop). Director James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy stars Chris Pratt (Peter Quill, Star-Lord), Zoe Saldana (Gamora) Vinn Diesel (Groot) Dave Bautista (Drax the Destroyer) and Bradley Cooper (Rocket Racoon). Their the good/bad guys who grapple with friendship and the moral dilemma of saving the universe or getting paid. Then there’s Lee Pace who embodies a truly evil Ronan the Accuser, “ya gotta have dat bad guy!”.

Though the film’s primary theme (save the universe from the big bad guy Ronan) can be seen as overly simplified, one needs to remember that this film is about having a GOOD TIME! And that is where Gunn, his cast, and the editors of this soon to be mega-hit get it right. You do NOT have to be current on the comic book characters or history to really enjoy this film.

The screen writers deliver a playful and intelligent script that references metaphor (ask Drax), can be opaque (I am Groot), singularity and repetition (I am Groot), and deaf tone verse (a diversion via Peter Quill).

Simply put, the whole experience will be fun, playful, smart, and you will want to catch this one a second time, without doubt.

So, go see this film! But, please beware that there is a bit of violence and adult language/humor. But heck, what do you expect with a chattering raccoon called “Rocket” carrying a larger-than-life gun running the show?

Review by Chester Alamo-Costello