The most fun I've had at the cinema in years

Rating: 10/10 (8 January 2015)

Prior to watching the movie, I didn't really have any significant expectations. Much like most people, I'd never heard of these characters before and the trailers made it seem a little too silly.But I was astounded by how fun this movie actually is. I've watched it a couple of times now and I still enjoy it very much. The story has a Star-Wars adventure-like vibe to it that works perfectly and fits the characters and the world (or should I say Galaxy?) they're in.
The plot isn't terribly original but it doesn't have to be. Like the title implies the movie is mostly about the Guardians themselves and director Gunn nails that aspect of the movie completely. It's a blast seeing them mouth each other off and the humor is just spot on, by far the funniest marvel movie to date. Chris Pine and Bradley Cooper do a tremendous job with nailing the comedic aspect of the characters. Dave Bautista is, surprisingly, a little bit of a revelation in this movie and is equally hilarious, expect to see him in more movies from now on. It's not all fun and games though, the Guardians also have a vulnerable side to them which the actors portray brilliantly.
The action sequences are equally great, although the last act feels a little too familiar in its setup to a couple of other Marvel movies (namely Thor 2 and The Avengers).
All in all, this is the best comic book movie I've seen since the Dark Knight and one of the best movies of the year 2014.