Excels At Being Fun

Rating: 8/10 (14 September 2014)

Directed by James Gunn Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista, Lee Pace, Karen Gillan, Michael Rooker, Glenn Close, John C Reilly, Benicio Del Toro Certificate: 12A Running time: 121 Minutes Budget: 170 Million
After being abducted by a spaceship at an early age and discovering a mysterious orb in another part of the galaxy somewhat twenty six years later. Peter Quill from Earth, also known as Star Lord, becomes the target of a manhunt led by maniac and fanatic Ronan The Accuser. Whilst being hunted across the galaxy, Quill groups up with a team of misfits and criminals with contrasting and temperament personalities. Together, they must fight Ronan and his mercenaries to prevent the galaxies destruction and become recognised as "The Guardians of the Galaxy".
The brand new instalment, brought to you by Marvel Studios is here. The Guardians of the Galaxy is an action, adventure, science fiction, superhero film, based on the marvel comic series of the same name. Already a critical and financial success, "Guardians of the Galaxy" is the tenth instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and with a sequel already announced, it is the next franchise at Marvel Studios. It becomes the fourteenth movie in 2014 to surpass $300 million worldwide at the box office, which it did in only a mere ten days. The film itself has been said to have "injected life" into an otherwise lower than normal summer box office
Personally, I have never read The Guardians of the Galaxy comic books, however I have always had an interest in Marvel movies, like much of the world. To me, I could not understand why Marvel gave this project the green light. After all, it was shot on a budget of $170 million. They were taking an extreme risk as a title unfamiliar to most and an actor also unknown to most, could potentially wound Marvels reputation, especially after the release of the critical acclaimed "The Avengers".
Although I have previously been let down in the Marvel Universe with movies such as Iron Man 3, X-Men The Last Stand and the horrific supernatural Ghost Rider movies. I will continue to watch Marvel features, as long as they are released, this is because of the variation of pictures they now deliver to there audience and the enjoyment they usually bring. When I first recognised that Guardians of the Galaxy was announced I became intrigued as to how it may pan out. With James Gunn attached to the Directing duty, I was somewhat worried for the movie. No disrespect to the individual, but as I associate him with Scooby-Doo and its sequel, I presumed that this movie was going to be of a poor standard. However, I decided not to make a judgement, until I viewed a cinematic trailer. The trailer itself, blew me away.
I had great expectations for Guardians of the Galaxy, certainly after the trailers release and they paid off. It is one of the best Marvel features in recent times and a personal favourite of mine. The film contains emotion, humour, a superb plot and fascinating characters with CGI to drool over. The casting choices are fantastic, however I do believe that John C. Reilly and Glenn Close, could have been used to a fuller effect. The performances are of a good standard, specifically Chris Pratts portrayal of Star Lord. However it is of course, Vin Diesels Groot what steals the show. It excels at being fun, which is its primary function after all and although there are a few minor plot holes, I believe the writing to be at its finest.
I would recommend that you watch this movie in theatres as soon as you get the chance. And Most of all, it is a gamble that pays off for Marvel. In addition to this, I loved the soundtrack and the jokes and comedy lessen the tension and keep the scenes light and unique. I would imagine, that this is to really differentiate itself from Avengers Assemble, which could be made as a comparison due to there still being a team of individuals, saving a region, in this case the Galaxy of course. Guardians of the Galaxy is inventive, creative, innovative and quite frankly, I cannot wait for a sequel which I expect James Gunn and co- writer Nicole Perlman, to deliver only the best once again.