This post is not spoiler free. You have been warned.
Guardians of the Galaxy is an adventure packed thrill ride based on the Marvel Comics team of the same name. It follows a band of misfits after their chance meeting when Peter Quill (aka Starlord), and the leader of our group, steals a mysterious orb that brings them together to change the fate of the universe. The ensemble cast includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon and Vin Diesel as Groot. It also features Lee Pace, Karen Gillan, Michael Rooker, John C. Reilly, Djimon Hounsou, Benecio Del Toro and Glenn Close.
Guardians of the Galaxy is the latest in the long line of Marvel Films and has been the first film in awhile to stray from the narrative of our Avengers storyline but still very much existing in the same universe. Introducing new fans and old fans alike to a band of misfits we have trouble not falling in love with.
The film begins with an emotional bang queue 26 years later and the movie sets the tone for the entire film. We meet our hero Peter Quill sauntering through a planet landscape with ease while his "Awesome Mix Vol.1" blares in the background. The soundtrack plays a huge role in the film and makes our lead one of the most accessible characters in the film.
Quill seems to be a man out of time perpetually stuck in the 80s (ie troll dolls, tape decks and walkmans). The older tunes (usually 70s hits) his mom has made him on mixed tapes keeps Peter human and tethered to earth. The soundtrack itself becomes a sort of character within the film. The gift his mother gives to him that Peter finally opens at the end of the film (Awesome Mix Vol. 2) promises us a second round of this great adventure.
Despite the films humorous tone there are some lovely emotional moments throughout the film. Each character shows us a side of them that we are not expecting and gives each character so much debt in the small time that we get to know them. Peter feels the loss of his mother and the guilt he felt for his actions in her last moments.
We can feel Gamora's anger and hurt and the years it has built up inside of her as she worked close with her enemies.
We understand Drax's anger and how lonely he has become.
Rocket is the one of the most compelling of all the character his angry exterior a mask for the pain he feels everyday being an experiment. He is a character who is far more intelligent than people give him credit for.
And then there is Groot, a creature of few words, who so profoundly reaches beyond his limits to aid those around him.
I have been excited about this film since the initial announcement. When the casting news started it just got better and when the reviews started coming in I was completely sold. Of course I was scared that I was hyping the movie but it did not disappointing. From start to finish I was completely involved. When the film ended I didn't even realize 2 hours had passed. It's biggest downfall was possibly that it was underdeveloped. I just wanted more.
The film was so visually stunning. I always love when comic book movies go back to source material, when the artistic direction feels very comic. This film is a must see for everyone. You don't need to be a comic book fan to love this film. You just need to love having a good time. To be in love with friendship and ready for adventure. Oh and also if you love Kevin Bacon.
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