While we may never again see a fantasy series generate the awe of the Star Wars trilogy, the Marvel films would have to come close, and would certainly claim to define this generation of sci-fi adventure film lovers.
Guardians of the Galaxy is the latest addition, and it’s going to be well loved. We begin on planet earth where a young Peter Quill witnesses his mum’s death. In his distress, he runs outside in the dark of the night only to be abducted by aliens.
Years later, we re-join the now grown Peter somewhere in the galaxy. A lone galactic ranger of sorts, he is exploring a deserted planet when he stumbles upon an orb. Not knowing its value, but knowing he can find a buyer, he knows he has hit the jackpot when others soon show up to fight him for it.
He escapes the planet, but not the interest of the galaxy’s underworld and soon finds himself being chased by a couple of bounty hunters, in the form of a biologically weaponised racoon called Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and a tree-like organism called Groot (Vin Diesel).
The bounty hunters are not alone, and Gamora (Zoe Saldana) is also keen to get her hands on the orb. Her intentions are not yet clear, but her intriguing motives as well as her wicked fighting skills soon command Peter’s attention.
Their fight ends poorly, with the whole group arrested and sent to a high security prison. This oddly matched group, soon find themselves as each other’s allies and with the addition of a muscular inmate Drax (David Bautista), they must fight a whole range of evil forces to protect the orb from falling into the wrong hands and destroying the universe.
Guardians of the Galaxy brings together five rather likeable characters, whose adventure you can’t help but enjoy to be apart of. The multitude of worlds that are made spectacularly and seemingly effortlessly, the intense action sequences and a script that is punctuated by witty repartees is a delight to behold. Even the legend that is Kevin Bacon gets a welcome run here.
It’s almost a pity that it’s rated M, because a bit of adult language and violence will mean many children will have to hold off on this fantastic adventure for a few more years; sadly missing it on the big screen where it clearly belongs.
Perhaps the true testament of this film is that the character of Groot, who speaks all of four words throughout the entire film, yet is able to win your affection and evoke your emotions. Chris Pratt in the lead role is charming and self-deprecating—a warmer version of the loveable rogues that have come before him. And Saldana’s Gamora offers a kick-ass heroine who, thankfully, doesn’t fall in love with the first swashbuckler to lay a line on her.
Glen Close as the military captain, Nova Prime, is also fabulous and her hair is equally striking. All in all, we have a winner here, and as with all Marvel creations there is promise of many more to come.
Forgive the pun, but this film truly is an out of this world adventure!
Directed by: James Gunn
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Glenn Close
Rating: M
Runtime: 121mins
Release Date: August 7
Reviewer rating: 4/5
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