It's like a Tarantino version of Star Wars

Rating: Null/10 (29 August 2014)

Now, when I say Guardians of the Galaxy is like a Quinton Tarantino directed Star Wars, some might think I mean its bloody and violent. It's not. It has action in it sure but nothing that doesn't fit nicely in a PG-13 film, acceptable for family viewing in the living room. What I mean is that Guardians of the Galaxy has the kind of space adventure vibe you would expect from Star Wars, with lots of action and roguish characters; but what makes the movie special is that it has an appreciation for the nostalgic, loads of pop culture references, and an offbeat sense of humor.
The song 'Hooked on a Feeling' was featured in the first trailer as well as a scene in the movie. It is also in the Tarantino directed 'Reservoir Dogs' (one of my favorite movies of all time). The connection to Tarantino was instant in my mind. The whole movies sound track is like this, with memorable scenes made better with memorable 70's songs played over them. Just like a Tarantino film.
Nostalgia is a core component of Peter Quills character in the film and it's prevalent throughout the movie but the movies style itself is also reminiscent of a 70's sci-fi film right down to the opening credits sequence. On a side note, I've noticed recently that most blockbuster movies won't have credits at the beginning of the film; in order to get the audience into the story more quickly. I've also noticed that they won't even put up a title card till the movie is over. Which is wired 'cause I already know what the movie is called so why show it at the end of the movie. But I digress.... Guardians of the Galaxy not only has a title card at the beginning of the film, with a full credit sequence, but it puts up the title card with a good bit of fanfare. Not to mention the title sequence is now one of my favorite opening sequences in movies.
Guardians of the Galaxy is not just a Space Adventure it's a Space Adventure/Comedy. When you walk out of the theater you will have probably laughed more times than you would have from most comedy movies. In the middle of tense action scenes or moving character moments little comedy bits are slipped in...also like a Tarantino movie. The way it treats comedy gives the film a unique tone, which is kind of like when guys never want to show their true feelings, so they try to turn everything into a joke. That's what this whole movie is and I love it. It not only reflects the main characters overall attitude and motivation, but lets you know the film has a heart, without ever getting overly melodramatic.
The only thing that kind of got in the way of me enjoying the film was the overall plot did get a bit confusing and convoluted. The conflict was there but at no time did I really care how it turned out. This is really only a minor complaint though since the real heart of the movie is the characters themselves. While I didn't care what happened to that one planet, that I can't remember its name; I did care about what happened to the central characters Peter Quill a.k.a Starlord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), Groot (Vin Diesel), and Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista). The movie not only did an excellent job of introducing the characters but making me care about them. The movie did such a good job with these characters, much of it due to good actors, that by the end of the movie I just wanted to hang out these guys. I can't wait to see them all again in the already announced sequel.
I AM GROOT!
SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS! SPOILERS!
The final scene that shows after the credits however shows kind of a famous character from the 80 'sHoward the Duck. The movie theater I was in had a guy in the back yelling at the screen "Howard the Duck?! We waited all that time for that?!" I kind of understand how he feels despite my annoyance at his outburst. 'Howard the Duck' was a terrible George Lucas movie made in the 80's based on a Marvel Comics property. It's hardly something to be excited about especially if it is a hint at future appearances from this crude character. I found it funny though and perfectly fitting with the overall tone of the film. When you go to see a Marvel movie you know there is going to be an end credits scene and since this is the last movie before Avengers: Age of Ultron, it's only reasonable that audiences were expecting a tease about that movie. Especial since the last end credits scene before the first Avengers movie was an actual trailer for the Avengers. The movie punk-ed us just like Peter Quill would do. It took a serious moment of anticipation and made a joke about an old 80's reference. Just like Kevin Bacon.