Full disclosure: I am not familiar with Guardians of the Galaxy. Marvel Studios’ recent feature film is my first and only experience with the franchise. This flick is the 10th in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, meaning its story coexists and intertwines with recent Marvel Studios productions like The Avengers.
Here are 4 things I loved about Guardians of the Galaxy:
1. The Cast
Again, since I am unfamiliar with Guardians of the Galaxy, I am forming my opinions on the characters as they are in the movie without comparing them to the comics. That being said, I loved the casting in this production. Each character was well rounded and the actors really brought them to life. Chris Pratt is both hilarious and endearing as the cocky yet sentimental Starlord. Bradley Cooper really breathed life into Rocket Raccoon with a passionate voice performance. I was even pleasantly impressed with WWE alumni and rookie actor Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer.
2. The Make-up and Visual Effects
If there’s one thing Marvel Studios does better with each movie is the visual effects. The make-up on alien characters like Drax, Gamora and Ronan looks like skin. Some actors I didn’t recognize at all like Doctor Who’s Karen Gillan as Nebula. Even the animated characters like Groot and Rocket Raccoon are so well done, they fit and interact almost perfectly with the live-action characters.
3. The Humour
I love the humour in Marvel movies. Don’t get me wrong, I love gritt, darkness and angst but I know that when I go see a Marvel flick, I just know there will be plenty of comic relief and a Stan Lee cameo. This movie is no exception and with Chris Pratt casted as the lead role, you just know he’ll deliver.
4. Classic Tracks
Peter Quill aka Starlord leaves Earth in 1988. He carries with him a mix tape his mom put together for him. The Awesome Mix, Vol. 1 has great tracks that you’ll hear throughout the film like Blue Suedes’ Hooked on a Feeling, Marvin Gaye’s and Tammi Tarell’s Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and a personal favourite of mine, Redbone’s Come and Get Your Love.
This movie is a great way to introduce Guardians of the Galaxy to the general public but it’s far from being the best one in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Here are two things I didn’t like as much compared to its predecessors.
1. The Action Sequences
I found the action sequences to be lacking in excitement. The final battle with Ronan and his army didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat like the encounter between Captain America and The Winter Soldier did. Although you know they’ll make it through somehow, a good action sequence will have you doubting if they will succeed. This wasn’t the case in Guardians of the Galaxy. Although the battles and fights were entertaining, they weren’t thrilling. I’m hoping they’ll improve the choreography and rhythm of the fighting and action sequences for the sequel.
2. The sappiness
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for love interests, soul searching and newfound friendships however, I wasn’t a fan of how Guardians of the Galaxy addressed those parts of the story. The scene were Drax calls the rag-tag group of outlaws his friends lacked in true emotion and was reminiscent of a kid’s show. I hope the team at Marvel reviews how the characters interact and find a way to make the relationships between the characters more genuine.
The verdict: this may not be the best movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but it’s far from being the worse. It’s funny, entertaining and setting the stage for future adventures. If you do see the movie in theatres, I recommend seeing in 3D as it does enhance the special effects and CGI.