In Another Galaxy Far, Far Away

Rating: 8/10 (4 August 2014)

This film is recommended.
Finally a comic book blockbuster that doesn't take itself so seriously and never gets bogged down with all of its mythological narratives and sci-fi claptrap as so many do. Here is a film which also gives itself time to establish interesting characters and situations before all the CGI kicks in, with full doses of humor and wit to spare. Such is this unexpected surprise called Guardians of the Galaxy. Yes, one can easily see the Marvel franchise concocting sequel after sequel of this motley crew and their fool-hardy adventures in future installments, but just sit back and enjoy this original source while you can.
This film is a fine send-up to the 1977 granddaddy of them all, George Lucas' Star Wars. It even follows its characters and plot somewhat. Just substitute Hans Solo, Luke, Princess Leia, Chewbecca, and the droids for this new group of space age crusaders: Peter Quill (Chris Pratt, totally buff, confidently sexy, and channeling a young Harrison Ford), a handsome daredevil of a pilot, Gamora , a Xena-like warrior princess (played by Zoe Saldona a.k.a. the reigning Sci- Fi Queen, thanks to an impressive resume that includes Avatar and the Star Trek films), and, as comic relief, a trio of cohorts including Drax (overly muscled WWF wrestler Dave Bautista), Groot (a walking talking stick figure voiced by Vin Diesel) and a CGI wise-cracking gun-toting raccoon named Rocket, who gets most of the best comic one-liners (superbly delivered by Bradley Cooper). Yes, a new generation of misfit heroes for a new generation has arrived.
The far-too-convoluted yet simple-minded plot revolves around a missing and most powerful orb that can destroy the universe. (Shades of The Green Lantern!) Of course, there are an onslaught of villains, far too many, to serve as obstacles for our gang of heroes: Nebula (Karen Gillan), Korath (Djimon Hounsou), and as our modern day Darth Vader, a black hooded figure named Ronan (Lee Pace). Also aboard for the ride are: Glenn Close, Benicio Del Toro, and John C. Reilly in small and seemingly insignificant parts (at least in this first chapter). But none of that really matters. It's the exciting action sequences and the interrelationship between the film's characters that are the important elements for this film to succeed, and succeed it does! While much of the battle sequences lack visual focus with invasive upfront close- ups and shaky camera-work, the essence of comic book pandemonium is still up there on the screen.
Solidly directed by James Gunn, with a clever screenplay by Nicole Perlman and Gunn himself, Guardians of the Galaxy is a nostalgic throwback to more innocent times. Its purposeful 70's pop music score helps bask in the glory of a happier era, when science fiction was once king, so long before all the gore and violence seeped into its core. But that was a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...GRADE: B