Guardians of the Galaxy Review
The thing that makes Guardians of the Galaxy work so well is its insistence to not take itself seriously. It doesn't hold this mindset perfectly throughout its entire run time, and there were moments of gravitas. But overall, it's Marvel's most cheerfully irreverent film yet. And not only is that what sets it apart from most other comic book movies, it's also the movie's most fundamental level of appeal. It sets itself up as being this way, and we feel it is, in a way, freeing us up to just have fun with it. It's not going to be the next Christopher Nolan comic book film. And it doesn't have to be.
Guardians of the Galaxy boasts an impressive ensemble. Chris Pratt - who is in my opinion one of Hollywood's brightest up-and-coming stars - plays Star-Lord, a thief who ultimately becomes the leader of the team. He does an absolutely excellent job. Not only was he the best live action performer, he gave Rocket Raccoon a run for his money as the best character in the entire film. Speaking of the little guy, Rocket stole the show. Bradley Cooper gave a lively vocal performance that added so much to the character, and I think anyone who sees this movie will become an instant Rocket Raccoon fan. Gamora, an assassin played by Zoe Saldana, Drax, a tough-guy warrior played by Dave Bautista, and Groot, a humanoid tree voiced by Vin Diesel round out the rest of the oddball group. The chemistry between the characters is what drives this movie. Without the interplay and relationships between each one of the Guardians' members, this film would fall flat on its face.
The movie works best, as I said, when it doesn't take itself too seriously. This often times happens when the entire team is talking together. The script is as smart and witty as a top-notch comedy, and in many ways, this film is a comedy. When the quips and jokes were flying back and forth between the team members, I found myself laughing out loud a lot.
The action in this movie was adequately done. Some of the hand-to-hand combat sequences were at times a bit awkwardly choreographed. They certainly were not as incredible as those in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, but they got the job done. Now, the aerial fights and in-space battles were very well done. Not only did they look amazing, but they were able to generate much more excitement than the fights on the ground.
Marvel has done something very unique with Guardians of the Galaxy. It has meshed elements of classic science fiction with comic book material, and successfully so. Sci-fi junkies who aren't into comic books can still go to this movie and enjoy it. Which also brings up the point of this movie's independence. What I mean by that is, it's one of the few Marvel Cinematic Universe films that can really stand on its own. It doesn't try hard to connect itself with the rest of the universe. Now, it is connected, and in future phases of Marvel's universe I'm sure the Guardians of the Galaxy will play a larger role. But, as a standalone movie, it works very well too.
Where this movie falters is in the serious scenes. Not the heartfelt moments, which come surprisingly and are worked into the light-hearted tone well, but the moments where it tries too hard to get the audience interested in its plot by way of over-seriousness. Because it works so well as a flippant sci-fi action comedy, it's hard to take very seriously. I mean, the plot isn't all too inspired to begin with, and when it feels like its trying to cater to those who want a weighty movie, it doesn't work. It doesn't happen too often, but there are some tonal inconsistencies that made Guardians of the Galaxy drag a bit.
The main villain, Ronan the Accuser, is not all that great. He's no Loki or Winter Solider. He's not even Red Skull. I'd put him more on the level of Thor: The Dark World's Malekith. He was there to fill time before Thanos, who makes a brief appearance in this one, becomes the main antagonist. Lee Pace portrayed Ronan well enough, but there just wasn't enough to make him very interesting. Because the protagonists are so great, though, it wasn't that bad.
If you're a Marvel fan, I don't need to tell you to see this movie, because you probably will anyway. But, to any Marvel diehards who have yet to watch it, just expect to be pleased. It's not quite on the level of The Avengers, which executed its superhero ensemble dynamic impeccably. But it is a very good comic book team adaption. To anyone who is a casual fan of the Marvel movies, but is skeptical about this new team that you don't know anything about, I suggest seeing it as well. And anyone who doesn't watch or follow the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but is thirsting for a good time at the movies, this is a fine choice. A late summer treat that finishes up Marvel's Phase 2 with style.
Of course, it's a Marvel movie, so stay until the end of the credits. Comic book fans like myself will be thrilled by the post-credits scene in this one. You may have to explain it to the guy next to you who's never picked up a comic book.
Conclusion
An eccentric and entertaining mix of science fiction and comic book elements, Guardians of the Galaxy isn't the best or most refined entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but with enthusiastic performances, a hilarious sense of humor, and characters as delightful as the visuals are astounding, it's an imaginative and rollicking good time.
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