Jolly good fun, but where does it go?

Rating: 7/10 (12 August 2014)

There are two ways to approach a film based on a comic book, as others have doubtless remarked. You're familiar with the source material or you're not; I'm in the latter camp where GOTG is concerned.
I generally like comic book movies though, so I approached it willing to be entertained but accepting that I might not quite understand the full context for the story. Ready to judge the film and its story on its own merits, in other words.
The plot, in outline: after learning the power of a precious artefact he has stolen, Peter Quill (played by Chris Pratt) pulls together a band of misfits to prevent it being used for evil, so saving the galaxy.
The film is certainly entertaining. A witty script, intense action scenes, and pretty visual effects grab hold of your attention and keep it. The retro soundtrack is also undeniably great.
I have two quibbles. Firstly, in the film's mid-point, the story lags a little in favour of action set pieces. I found myself thinking "This is very amusing, but what does it mean?" more than once. Secondly, the character of Gomora (Zoe Saldana), supposedly an extremely able and dangerous assassin, is in one situation unable to overpower a couple of mooks. It makes no sense, and I found it made Gomora to a less powerful, less active character--rather a shame.
On the whole, however, the characters develop convincingly throughout the film. Add to that the action, the visual finery, and the 80s soundtrack and you've got yourself two hours of retro sci-fi fun.