review by Quinn Marie, RCR Entertainment Writer and Host,
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I have officially had my Marvel world rocked. Although I have seen and thoroughly enjoyed Marvel’s other action packed, blockbusting, juggernaut franchises, it wasn’t until “Guardians of the Galaxy” that I truly felt the shame and disgrace I’ve brought upon my family and myself for not being a total comic book kid.
“Guardians of the Galaxy,” Marvels tenth studio film is like no other before it, I think it was a rather risky move to put out a film whose characters are only know in the most advanced of comic book circles but from what I saw, they just might have made the best movie of the summer.
Directed by James Gunn, GOTG kind of hits the ground running. I’ll try to make this synopsis brief as possible as there was so much epic-ness going on…
We open with young Earth kid, Peter Quill, who at the tender age of nine has the terrible misfortune of having to say goodbye to his ill mother. It’s mega sad and super tear jerky because all young Peter has left of his mom is her awesome mixed tape full of 70s and 80s uber jams aptly named, “Awesome Mix Vol. 1.” In his sheer devastation, Peter runs out of the hospital only to be abducted by aliens.
20 years later, Peter, (played brilliantly by Chris Pratt) who now goes by Star Lord is a charismatic outlaw known for his thievery of spacey things. During a routine snatch and grab, Peter ends up stealing this pretty intense, world ending orb causing him to be hunted by those seeking power.
One hunter in articular is a bad ass dude named Ronan (Lee Pace) who works for a super villain named Thanos. They’re basically the worst people in the galaxy and want to use the orb for mass destruction. They send one of their assassins, Gamora (Zoe Saldana) to retrieve it.
Bounty hunter and all around boss of everything Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and his trusty albeit tight-lipped sidekick Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) also have their eyes on the prize. During a mid afternoon scuffle, all four are seized and arrested for fighting. While incarcerated, they meet Drax the Destroyer, (Dave Bautista) a gigantic beast of a man who is driven by his relentless vendetta against Ronan for murdering his family.
With the addition of Drax, the band of misfits is complete and the guardians are realized. Though they’re all working on a personal mission, they also know they need one another to successfully escape the prison.
Without giving too much away, what ensues is a lot of galaxy saving and friendship forming to an awesome soundtrack with classics like Blue Swede’s “Hooked On A Feeling.”
GOTG is a perfect storm of action, humor and plot. The story takes place on another planet leaving the audience unfamiliar with their environment; this could have worked against the film if not laid out correctly. Fortunately, that was not the case, watching the film, in 3D, I might add, was like being transported to an enchanted and dangerous future where there’s perilous excitement at every turn.
Casting for GOTG was spot on, Pratt’s portrayal of Quill was charming as hell. He has just the right mixture of brooding protector and boyish appeal to garner an undying support from the audience. On a scale from pizza to baby labradoodles, Pratt’s likability is akin to some glorious mixture of the two, but wrapped up in a bangin’ bod with a killer six pack.
As the leader of the crew, Quill lays down the foundation of a family dynamic making his rapport with his fellow guardians both hilarious and heart felt. While all of the GOTG members put out an impressive performance, a special shout out goes to Bradley Cooper, who does a phenomenal job as fast talking raccoon, Rocket. His one-liners and comedic timing was basically flawless.
It’s pretty safe to say I endorse this flick, it’s super entertaining, it’s funny as hell and if that doesn’t sell you, I’ve got three words that will, Chris. Pratt. Shirtless.
For more information please visit: marvel.com/guardians. Join the Conversation on Twitter: twitter.com/GuardiansGalaxy or Like them on Facebook: facebook.com/guardiansofthegalaxy
