A very short review of "Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014)

Rating: 8/10 (26 December 2017)

I had fun with "Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014). I'd rate it an 8 out of 10, if a little grudgingly. For me, it started quite strong with its introduction of Chris Pratt's roguish space antihero; I actually had no idea he could be this funny. (I've only seen him once before, weighed down by the failed comedic scripting of 2015's "Jurassic World.")
I'm sorry to say that my interest in "Guardians of the Galaxy" waned just a bit as it subsequently unfolded as a cartoonish, relatively tame, family-friendly adventure - complete with a heartwarming value-of-friendship lesson. That's fine, I guess - it's cool and it makes sense that the Marvel Cinematic Universe should offer films more appropriate for younger viewers. Can you imagine, however, how hilarious this movie would be if it truly deserved its (befuddling) PG-13 rating, and really pressed the envelope? Between Pratt's wit and these offbeat character concepts, it would be amazing.
I still had fun with this, though, thanks mainly to the action and the impressive special effects. I'd recommend it, and I'm planning on seeing the sequel.
Postscript - people are saying that this is the MCU's answer to "Star Wars," and I suppose it could be. But I had a lot more fun thinking that the movie was channeling Harry Harrison's priceless science fiction book series featuring criminal-antiheroes - the "Stainless Steel Rat" adventures.