Enjoyable romp across the stars

Rating: 9/10 (15 August 2014)

Here is another successful Marvel adaptation for the big screen and the birth of another potentially long-running (and profitable) franchise. Chris Pratt stars as Peter Quill, or Star Lord as he prefers to be known as, an adventurer who lives by his wits and finds himself the quarry of menacing forces intent on retrieving a dangerous artifact he has stolen.
He falls in with four unlikely comrades each with their own purpose, who at first are enemies but form an alliance that grows stronger throughout the movie, culminating with their friendship. This friendship overcomes all adversity and saves the day, and restores security to a peaceful world.
It's not much of a plot but who cares? The film is supremely entertaining, with eye-popping CGI, a cheeky script, interesting and likable characters, warmth, humour, and a refreshing intent to not take itself at all seriously. The non-human characters, Rocket in particular, generate a surprising amount of sympathy and connect very well with the audience. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Dave Bautista all carry the movie very well with a lightness of touch and an emotional depth many comic book adaptations lack.
The politics behind the plot I felt was a little too complicated but necessary I suppose to hang future episodes on and to provide a framework for the five adventurers to continue their dubious path on both sides of the law. A sequel is planned for 2017 which I am already looking forwards to.
See this film! Two hours will flash by in what seems like minutes, it will be a fun evening and money well spent.