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Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Daniel's Review
Marvel’s first non-sequel movie, and you can even go as far and call it an ‘original' film, since 2011’s ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’, and the result is a knockout winner from start to finish. ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ may look silly to the general movie going audience from the trailers and marketing, but it is quite the opposite of that, as it was at times really funny, I mean laugh out loud funny, and at times can be serious of exciting action sequences. Director James Gunn balanced these two elements brilliantly.
The movie resolves around Peter Quill, an outlaw from Earth who tries to steal an orb so he can earn big money, but that doesn’t go according to plan and runs into a group of misfits that include Drax, Gamora, Rocket and Groot.
Star-Lord is obviously the most developed character in the film, as we see his life story right from the beginning which makes him relatable, the other Guardians aren’t as developed, but hint on their past lives. Drax, Gamora, Rocket and Groot are great fun to see as they interact with each other.
The visual effects are breathtakingly gorgeous.
The script is pretty solid, while some jokes didn’t were a bit of a miss, I’d say most of the humour was pretty much spot-on and the characterisation of these characters were pretty well developed with their mannerisms that do subway the plot a little at times, involving a scene with Star-Lord, but I didn’t have a problem with this as it build upon the way his character reacts and behaves.
The soundtrack of the film incorporating 70's and 80's songs actually fitted perfectly within's the film's weird and quirky world that director James Gunn has built up so perfectly.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ is quite the opposite for a blockbuster, but it is that reason alone for its originality and its strength on being different from other movies this year that makes this film work terrifically.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ is funny, heart-felt and emotional. It’s just a big ball of fun.
Score: 8.6/10
Published: August 10th, 2014
Details
Review
Release Date: August 7th, 2014
Studio: Marvel Studios, Disney
Runtime: 121 mins
Rated: M
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Nic's Review
When Marvel announced two years ago that they were making a film about the Guardians of the Galaxy, many people, myself included, shouted 'Who?' much as Korath does when he encounters Star-Lord at the beginning of the film.
Well, now no one has an excuse not to know this bizarre bunch of antiheroes any more, because 'Guardians of the Galaxy' is a fantastic sci-fi romp that is the most 'must-see' film of the year.
Director James Gunn has managed to do the impossible; he has introduced five main characters in one film, including a talking raccoon and a tree creature, and made them not only likeable but loveable too. Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer, Groot and Rocket should easily become household names by the end of the month, and everyone will have a different favourite.
'Guardians of the Galaxy' is the most fun you'll have in a cinema this year. It is funny, exciting and fresh, with cues taken from many classic blockbuster adventures, most notably 'Star Wars'. This film feels more like 'Star Wars' than the prequel trilogy ever did, yet it is also its own thing.
As good as 'Star Wars' is, it did not have 'Guardians' brilliant soundtrack, from 'Hooked on a Feeling' to 'Come and Get Your Love', these 70s and 80s hits feel oddly right at home against the backdrop of alien planets and omnipotent artefacts.
The jokes are aplenty and everyone gets their share. There is one scene in particular towards the end of the film that is risky but it pays off because of its sheer hilarity. What's remarkable is that Gunn has managed to forge connections not only within the group as a whole but between individual characters.
Chris Pratt fits the role of Peter Quill as well as Robert Downey Jr fits Tony Stark and is the true breakout star of the film, even if Dave Bautista surprises with his acting talent. Rocket and Groot also feel like believable characters and deliver the most heartfelt moments of the film. In fact, what is most surprising is that Gunn has managed to juggle so much within one two-hour film.
'Guardians of the Galaxy' never feels silly or redundant, but authentic and vibrant.
The villains perhaps are thinly drawn but they are menacing, an improvement over 'Thor: The Dark World's Malekith.
And honestly, I wouldn't want a 'Guardians of the Galaxy' film that was any different. It's everything I ever wanted.
Never change, Marvel.
Score: 9.8/10