Just like Kevin Bacon........

Rating: 9/10 (12 August 2014)

After discovering a mysterious orb in another part of the galaxy, Peter Quill, originally from Earth, is the main target of a manhunt led, by a genocidal maniac, and New Romantic Ronan The Accuser.
Being hunted across the galaxy Quill gets together with a group of misfits that need to learn how to get along before they can become the titular heroes they are destined to be......
I'm a huge movie fan, but I haven't picked up a comic book in years, and like many, I hadn't heard of GOTG, before the film was announced. Add to the fact that I have never seen PAR, and the trailer wasn't mind blowing, I wasn't expecting much.
I don't think I've ever been so wrong about a film before, and to add to the compliments, I've not had this much fun in the cinema since I was at university. I'm not saying its one of the best film ever made, but its so much fun, and consistently brilliant, its hard not to have a good time.
First off, Pratt is brilliant as Quill, a troubled individual who wasn't given a choice about his life, and was snatched at the lowest point of his life. He is films empathy, and although he is a thief, he is seeking answers for himself.
Saldana and Bautista are good, they are totally overshadowed by Cooper and the literally Wooden Vin Diesel, as the comic relief, and the film excels whenever they are on screen. They are Marvels Han Solo and Chewbacca, and I believe that this is intentional.
The references to Star Wars are huge, and although many will disagree, this is the noughties Star Wars, this is the film that everyone will be referencing in 37 years time, this will get special editions and re-releases, because it's an event, its a film that demands repeat viewings. Not because there are so many hidden gags and background references, it's because the film is well written, has great performances, has a lot of heart, and juggles emotion, excitement, and humour just right.
For my money, it's easily Marvels finest effort, because it just doesn't take any risks, and goes bonkers on the screen for all to see and lap up. And it can do this because the script is so good, the narrative is excellent, and for once, its a fun film for all the family.
After a few years of mundane summer movies, 2014 has made up for it tenfold.
I'm guessing years ending in 4 are good for summer blockbusters
1994: Speed, True Lies, Maverick 1984: Ghostbusters, BHC, Temple Of Doom. 2014: GOTG, DOTPOTA, Godzilla.
See it, love it, see it again.
Its wonderful stuff.
And there is a little something of a new breed of hero involved too......