Hooked on a feeling...!

Rating: 8/10 (22 August 2014)

Well I've just got back from cinema and I have to say that I am definitely hooked on a feeling - and that feeling is that this film is awesome! Right from the first sequence you are hooked and instantly charmed by Peter Quill as he scavenges for an artifact - an opening act which instantly sets the light-hearted tone of the movie and witty writing makes this character one of the best of the Marvel universe to hit the big screen - even possibly surpassing Tony Stark...! The movie doesn't mess around and you're quickly introduced to the rest of the gang and that's where it ups a notch or two - the bickering between the characters is fantastically well written and continues to progress and develop all of the characters as the film goes on. The group dynamic between the 5 heroes is also brilliantly portrayed and by the end you really feel that the characters care for each other - most notably a tree and a raccoon! As with all the Marvel films the action sequences and special effects are great and, if you haven't already, then get your geek on because Thanos is in the movie! (Ooh! Aah!) I know there is already a sequel in the plans but I can easily see a trilogy for the Guardians already. Unlike most Marvel movies there is always a thought in the back of your mind that there are other superheroes out there, certainly in the phase two movies you can't help wondering where the other avengers are - but this film you completely forget about them and at times forget it is a Marvel film at all - it's actually a great standalone sci-fi movie! The casting for the film is spot on; Chris Pratt - never heard of him before this film but think he has a great future ahead of him, Zoe Saldana continues to show her acting talents, Bradley Cooper brings a soul to a gun toting Racoon, Dave Bautista uses all of his acting skills picked up from his wrestling days and Vin Diesel fits perfectly in as Groot (I am resisting any temptation to make a reference to wooden acting...). But credit should also go to Lee Pace as Ronan the Accuser. Again a character not many would have heard of but he is not just some stock bad guy and we are given a small insight into his back story and I thought his calmly menacing presence throughout the movie was fantastic.
So I'm sure everyone who wants to see this film has already seen it so this review won't make any difference to you but if you haven't seen it and can't decide whether to or not, then get in your spaceship and fly across the galaxy to your nearest screening - it's fantastic! Great soundtrack too!!!!