Guardians Of The Galaxy - Movie Review
by Brian Wezowicz
I won't bore you with the minutiae of the film. Only a true comic book nerd could recite the intricate details of Infinity Stones, Thanos, Yondus, and the far out world of Knowhere. Basically, the Guardians have to band together (as dysfunctional as they are) to save the world from an evil overlord, Roman The Conquerer (Played devilishly by Pushing Daisies' Lee Pace), from destroying the universe. They are the Bad News Bears of the galaxy, and it's a delight to watch them come together and form a bond through their dysfunction. This movie is exciting in every way, and as far as superhero movies go, I haven't had this much fun in a long time. Here are a few reasons why:
Chris Pratt - As Peter Quill (or Star Lord as he would have you call him), Pratt totally owns this role. He's shined in other film and television roles (most notably, as the lovable goofball, Andy, on NBC's Parks and Recreation), but this film is his true breakout role. He brings a perfect blend of Han Solo cockiness and spot-on comedic timing to the role. Quill was abducted from earth in 1988, so his references are left to that era, and they are uproariously funny. His choice of music (on cassette tape!) is equally endearing. He seems like someone you would love to grab a beer with, while being enough of a badass that you wouldn't want to mess with him.
Rocket Raccoon - Bradley Cooper voices this eternally wise-cracking, gun toting, butt kicking raccoon. On paper, this character doesn't make any sense. However, in the world of Guardians Of The Galaxy, he TOTALLY works. Rocket ends up being the brains of the operation, and his transformation from "chip on my shoulder" a-hole to lovable teammate with a heart of gold is one of the better character arcs in recent Marvel movies. If I could liken it to anything, it would be how the Grinch found his heart in the classic Dr. Seuss tale.
The special effects are amazing! - I have to stop for a minute to say that we're lucky to be alive during this period of computer generated effects. I know we always complain that there's too heavy a reliance on computers, but when done right, the effects are mind blowing. I saw this movie on IMAX 3D and it was worth every added penny (special thanks to my sister for paying for this movie!). The 3D wasn't just some cheap attempt at making more money. There was depth to every scene. The CG characters weren't distracting. Every frame of this movie looked gorgeous. I felt like I was on set with these characters.
Three words: I. Am. Groot. - Never before have three words gotten so much life out of them. As Groot, the walking talking tree, Vin Diesel (thumbing his nose at all his detractors who claim his acting is "wooden) gives this character an incredible amount of life using only those three words. Pay attention to the "conversations" between Groot and Rocket where every one of Groot's responses is, you guessed it, "I am Groot."
Marvel allowed the director to make his own movie - I think that James Gunn got to make the movie he wanted without a ton of studio suggestions and notes. I don't know how else to explain it, but this movie just felt like the sole vision of a director who knew exactly what he wanted to make. It doesn't feel like a movie where every line was test screened a million times. Sometimes it's best to step back and let the directors direct.
Dave Bautista can act (who knew?) - The track record for professional wrestlers turned actors isn't the best. It's basically Duane "The Rock" Johnson and everyone else. Bautista (or Batista as he's known in WWE circles) gives a surprisingly strong performance as Drax, a tattooed alien hell bent on avenging his family. His character is very literal, which provides a ton of comedic relief. But he's more than just muscle and laughs. You get a sense that there's a genuine rage underneath his think layer of skin. His first big breakout role couldn't have been any better. Big things are in store for him.
These are just a few of the reasons why I loved this movie. I really can't wait to see it again and again. It had a huge opening weekend ($94 million+ domestically), and a sequel has already been announced. Will the Guardians have a role in next summer's Avengers: Age Of Ultron? I sure hope so!
I am giving this movie 3.5 stars out of 4. It's the best blockbuster of the summer and will certainly be on my 2014 top ten list. You don't have to have seen the other Marvel movies to enjoy this one. It stands on its own. See if on IMAX if you can, and be sure to stay through the end of the credits for the best 80s reference in the movie!
Bonus Round: Here's my list of my favorite marvel movies in order from least to most. * I like all the Marvel films, so the lower films are just some that I like LESS than the others.
10) Iron Man 2 - A total let down after one of the greatest superhero movies of all time.
9) The Incredible Hulk - With the recasting of Bruce Banner, this movie doesn't feel like it belongs in the Marvel Cinematic Universe anymore. On its own, it's still a very entertaining movie.
8) Iron Man 3 - Not a bad movie, but I had a little Tony Stark Fatigue after this one.
7) Thor: The Dark World - A solid sequel.
6) Thor - Kenneth Brannagh brings some of his Shakespeare skills to Marvel's Norse God.
5) Captain America: The First Avenger - An entertaining origin story Marvel's WWII hero.
4) Captain America: The Winter Soldier - A tense, fast paced political thriller.
3) Guardians Of The Galaxy - It's good to see a fresh take on the superhero genre.
2) The Avengers - The ultimate superhero team takes on the delightful Loki to save the world.
1) Iron Man - The one that started it all. There would be no top 10 list if it weren't for this gem.
