GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

When Guardians Of The Galaxy was first released in 2014, it was a huge success. It was different in comparison to any other superhero film that had been released previously and the humour that featured made it a highly entertaining motion picture. Kick-Ass was one of the first films to combine the superhero genre with comedy. It was a combination that worked well, thus leading to films like Guardians Of The Galaxy and Deadpool that also featured humour. While Guardians Of The Galaxy works well as a comedy, it is also full of action that never fails to thrill.

Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan (Lee Pace), a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits - Rocket (voice of Bradley Cooper), a gun-toting raccoon, Groot (voice of Vin Diesel), a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista). But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand - with the galaxy's fate in the balance.

I have to admit, when I first watched Guardians Of The Galaxy, I wasn't a huge fan. I found Pratt, as the main protagonist, a bit irritating. However, since then, I have re-watched it and I enjoyed it more than I did the first time. I can understand why it has become one of the most successful superhero films and why it's popular among both critics and audiences alike. The humour works really well, the majority of which comes from Pratt. Before Guardians, Pratt was best known for appearing in the sitcom series, Parks and Recreation. He handles the comedy really well, however, he is also a great superhero, which is shown in the thrilling action sequences. Because of Guardians, and other roles in films such as Jurassic World and Passengers, Pratt is one of the most well-known actors working today. Cooper is surprisingly funny as the foul-mouthed raccoon and has plenty of one-liners throughout. However, he also has a softer side which is shown in the film's final climax. Another strong performance comes from Saldana as Gamora who is almost unrecognisable underneath the green make-up. This is the third franchise Saldana has appeared in (the others being Avatar and Star Trek) and this role further proves why she's one of the most versatile actresses working today. She makes Gamora her own and a strong heroine. Diesel not only voiced Groot but also provided the motion-capture of the character as well. Despite saying the same line, 'I am Groot' repeatedly, Diesel still makes him a charming and heart-warming character. He also proves to be useful in many of the fight sequences and uses his ability to grow his branch-like arms to defeat enemies. As the main villain of the film, Pace gives a solid portrayal and, through certain actions, makes Ronan truly despicable. He has a very sick and twisted view of what morality is; strength is virtue and weakness is sin and that is what he lives by, and he is very scary because of his beliefs, which are real to him. Other recognisable names include: Karen Gillian in her first role post-Doctor Who as Gamora's sister, Nebula; John C. Reilly as Rhomann Dey; Glenn Close as Irani Rael and Benico del Toro as Taneleer Tivan. Overall, Guardians Of The Galaxy features a star-studded cast who are all solid in their roles.

Because its main setting is in outer space, Guardians works effectively well as a science-fiction film. Most superhero films are based on Earth and can lead to a predictable plot that involves the villain destroying the city. However, being set in space, the whole universe is in danger because of Ronan's evil plans. The special effects are really impressive too making it a visually stunning film. The titular galaxy is truly brought to life through this special effects. It's no surprise the visual effects were nominated for an Academy Award in 2015.

With so many superhero films being released, it must have been an incredibly daunting task for director and co-writer, James Gunn, to create a film that is unlike anything we have seen before. Fortunately, he mostly succeeds. It has a unique setting, entertaining characters and is very funny. The narrative, however, does feel quite formulaic. We have the superheros who must do what it takes to stop the villain from destroying the universe. It's been done plenty of times in previous superhero films but the non-stop action still makes it enjoyable all the same. 

In the opening of the film, we see Quill as a child and we learn he has a fondness for music and is given a walkman by his dying mother. This leads to popular songs being featured including Blue Swede's 'Hooked On A Feeling', Rupert Homes' 'Escape (The Pina Colada Song)' and The Jackson 5's 'I Want You Back'. These make the scenes even more entertaining than they already were. 

After receiving critical acclaim after its release, Guardians Of The Galaxy went on to become the fourth highest grossing film of 2014, making over $773 million at the box office. 

Despite its incredible success and popularity among critics and audiences, I doubt Guardians Of The Galaxy will appeal to everyone. There will be those who think it's overrated. However, fans of comedy and superhero films, especially those produced by Marvel Studios, should find lots to enjoy here. 

While I know Guardians Of The Galaxy is a really good film, I don't love it as much as other people do. However, I am hoping that the two upcoming sequels will improve on their predecessor and change my opinion.

Guardians Of The Galaxy is funny, thrilling, full of heart, and packed with visual splendor.

7/10