An exceptional film that could've been a cluster

Rating: 8/10 (21 August 2014)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe's focus on Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor has become routine or even a tad rote, but here comes a potent blast of fresh air in the form of the Guardians of the Galaxy. A type of pop space opera, the film pairs a Earth-born outlaw with four dysfunctional alien compatriots, including a machine-gun-wielding raccoon and a scene-stealing living tree (an adorable monster and my personal favourite). Together, they combat outer-space evil. It may build to an unsurprising—though still involving—sequence of race-to-save-the-world combat and pursuit, but there are so many exciting, hilarious, and/or riveting details and detours along the way. In fighting shape for the role which will forever change his promising career, Chris Pratt shines, exuding intense man-of-action confidence while also dispensing wry one-liners with an expert's ease. As one of the other guardians, a musclebound alien dead-set on avenging his slain family, martial artist and wrestler Dave Bautista is a pleasant surprise. His imposing physique is complemented by unexpectedly spot-on deadpan comic timing. The protagonists in general are wonderful; the tensions and bonds within the fresh-faced cosmic superhero team are not only introduced, but also deeply felt. Their worlds, too, are intriguing, overflowing with vivid colours and numerous retro art-direction flourishes.
Spry and humorous, the film is simply a very pleasant way to spend two hours. Its enormous charms compensate for a few not-insignificant flaws, including a couple squandered side players, including Glenn Close and, sadly, Benicio Del Toro, whose absurd, yet quietly menacing intergalactic "Collector" I hope to see again in future films. The antagonist, Lee Pace's genocidal Ronan the Accuser, is also unmemorable, particularly compared to the instant-classic heroes. Pace is a gifted actor, and he tries to bolster the role with a catalogue of growls and scowls, but the macabre-generic design of the character leaves much to be desired, and the motives behind his destruction are barely explored.