Up to this point, Marvel Studios didn't have it easy, but they certainly had an advantage. Mining its most popular characters to create a cinematic universe filled with heroes and villains, the fantastic highlights of icons such as Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man filled the screen with familiar moves of derring-do and outrageous power. But now it's time for a change, with the creative team turning their sights on "Guardians of the Galaxy," a relatively unknown property that traditionally earthbound action into deep space. It's a gamble that pays off splendidly for Marvel, who not only strike gold with this oddball collection of adventurers, but manage to create one of the most satisfying pictures of the series.
Abducted from Earth as an emotionally wrecked child, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) has transformed into an intergalactic scavenger nicknamed Star-Lord, working for the Ravagers, led by Yondu (Michael Rooker). Coming across an orb that houses a source of unimaginable power, Peter is instantly caught up in trouble when Gamora (Zoe Saldana), adopted daughter of the evil king Thanos (Josh Brolin), sets out to retrieve the discovery, while bounty hunters Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), a genetically engineered raccoon, and Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), a tree-like humanoid, hope to score big by capturing Peter. Soon teamed with Drax (Dave Bautista), a brute out for revenge, the team is forced to work together when a greater threat in Ronan (Lee Pace), a rogue in league with Thanos, arises, out to steal the orb and crush his enemies with assistance from Nebula (Karen Gillan).
While Marvel has become home to unusual creative participants, hiring James Gunn to co- script/direct "Guardians of the Galaxy" is one of their biggest head-scratchers. Gunn bring an unusual sensibility to the project, mixing his love for oddball, Troma-style humor and cinematic textures into a traditional arc of heroism, scored with a tastefully selected mixtape of '70s and '80s rock hits stored on Peter's beloved walkman -- his last connection to a tragic time on Earth, and a personal item he risks his life to protect. While Gunn has the potential to get a little carried away with geek-bait elements, his work here is refreshingly measured and purposed, out to generate a thrilling Marvel adaptation while preserving the idiosyncrasy that separates the Guardians from their more regal brethren. The movie is more comical, taking its lead from Peter's impish sense of humor and the barbed interplay among the characters, allowing Gunn to play to his strengths as a jester while still managing the slightly Lucasian action elevation the rest of the feature embraces wholeheartedly.
Perhaps the biggest question mark of "Guardians of the Galaxy" is its impenetrability, being the first of the films to truly pull from an obscure corner of the comic book realm, steeped in far away worlds, layers of villainy, galactic feuds, alien tech, and complex character connection. Mercifully, Gunn has anticipated such a cross-eyed reaction, and for those who spent their formative years doing something other than reading comic books, "Guardians of the Galaxy" remains blissfully accessible, with clear goals laid out for the crew, while backstories are handled with care, making sure the viewer understands what drives these personalities into battle and why the heroes develop a bond that transforms them into a powerhouse unit. Dramatic lines are distinct, threats are pure, and the emotional fragility of the crew is sincere, working to communicate the pain that drives a curiosity such as Rocket, who's sick of being dismissed as just an animal, or Drax, who's out to slaughter Ronan after the monster killed his wife and child. Gunn and co- screenwriter Nicole Perlman create a vivid realm that's never swallowed by excess, maintaining pace, awe, and excitement while introducing these rascals in a substantial way. This is exactly how a fantasy franchise should be established.
The technical achievements of "Guardians of the Galaxy" are superb, with extraordinary make-up work that provides a semi-practical wonderland of creatures, all rich with textures and detail. Nebula is a particular standout, with her robotic features triumphantly blended with Gillan's human softness. Visual effects are seamless, with Rocket and Groot truly exceptional creations, loaded with personality and fluid movement. In fact, the pair is so much fun to watch, they deserve more screen time in the inevitable sequel, finding the creatures bringing out the best in Cooper and Diesel. Performances are also top-notch, with Pratt agreeably rascally as Peter, remarkably believable in action sequences, and Pace overcoming his normal imprecision to make a mean baddie in Ronan. And Gunn deserves a parade for pulling something substantial out of Bautista, who presents the movie with blunt force and a few askew comedic beats. John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, and Benicio del Toro (playing The Collector, a flamboyant keeper of intergalactic powers) also make appearances.
"Guardians of the Galaxy" keeps to Marvel traditions, including an enormous, elongated third act showdown between good and evil, helping the film achieve its quota of explosions and panicked reactions. Shockingly, Gunn doesn't lose control of the movie. He digs into the potential of the piece, delivering a rip-roaring space saga with defined punctuation, lovable characters, and a mission that carries through the entire effort. It's balanced work and enormous fun, giving all the brand name superheroes a run for their money now that Marvel has cleared a path for the little guys to shine on the big screen.
Abducted from Earth as an emotionally wrecked child, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) has transformed into an intergalactic scavenger nicknamed Star-Lord, working for the Ravagers, led by Yondu (Michael Rooker). Coming across an orb that houses a source of unimaginable power, Peter is instantly caught up in trouble when Gamora (Zoe Saldana), adopted daughter of the evil king Thanos (Josh Brolin), sets out to retrieve the discovery, while bounty hunters Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), a genetically engineered raccoon, and Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), a tree-like humanoid, hope to score big by capturing Peter. Soon teamed with Drax (Dave Bautista), a brute out for revenge, the team is forced to work together when a greater threat in Ronan (Lee Pace), a rogue in league with Thanos, arises, out to steal the orb and crush his enemies with assistance from Nebula (Karen Gillan).
While Marvel has become home to unusual creative participants, hiring James Gunn to co- script/direct "Guardians of the Galaxy" is one of their biggest head-scratchers. Gunn bring an unusual sensibility to the project, mixing his love for oddball, Troma-style humor and cinematic textures into a traditional arc of heroism, scored with a tastefully selected mixtape of '70s and '80s rock hits stored on Peter's beloved walkman -- his last connection to a tragic time on Earth, and a personal item he risks his life to protect. While Gunn has the potential to get a little carried away with geek-bait elements, his work here is refreshingly measured and purposed, out to generate a thrilling Marvel adaptation while preserving the idiosyncrasy that separates the Guardians from their more regal brethren. The movie is more comical, taking its lead from Peter's impish sense of humor and the barbed interplay among the characters, allowing Gunn to play to his strengths as a jester while still managing the slightly Lucasian action elevation the rest of the feature embraces wholeheartedly.
Perhaps the biggest question mark of "Guardians of the Galaxy" is its impenetrability, being the first of the films to truly pull from an obscure corner of the comic book realm, steeped in far away worlds, layers of villainy, galactic feuds, alien tech, and complex character connection. Mercifully, Gunn has anticipated such a cross-eyed reaction, and for those who spent their formative years doing something other than reading comic books, "Guardians of the Galaxy" remains blissfully accessible, with clear goals laid out for the crew, while backstories are handled with care, making sure the viewer understands what drives these personalities into battle and why the heroes develop a bond that transforms them into a powerhouse unit. Dramatic lines are distinct, threats are pure, and the emotional fragility of the crew is sincere, working to communicate the pain that drives a curiosity such as Rocket, who's sick of being dismissed as just an animal, or Drax, who's out to slaughter Ronan after the monster killed his wife and child. Gunn and co- screenwriter Nicole Perlman create a vivid realm that's never swallowed by excess, maintaining pace, awe, and excitement while introducing these rascals in a substantial way. This is exactly how a fantasy franchise should be established.
The technical achievements of "Guardians of the Galaxy" are superb, with extraordinary make-up work that provides a semi-practical wonderland of creatures, all rich with textures and detail. Nebula is a particular standout, with her robotic features triumphantly blended with Gillan's human softness. Visual effects are seamless, with Rocket and Groot truly exceptional creations, loaded with personality and fluid movement. In fact, the pair is so much fun to watch, they deserve more screen time in the inevitable sequel, finding the creatures bringing out the best in Cooper and Diesel. Performances are also top-notch, with Pratt agreeably rascally as Peter, remarkably believable in action sequences, and Pace overcoming his normal imprecision to make a mean baddie in Ronan. And Gunn deserves a parade for pulling something substantial out of Bautista, who presents the movie with blunt force and a few askew comedic beats. John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, and Benicio del Toro (playing The Collector, a flamboyant keeper of intergalactic powers) also make appearances.
"Guardians of the Galaxy" keeps to Marvel traditions, including an enormous, elongated third act showdown between good and evil, helping the film achieve its quota of explosions and panicked reactions. Shockingly, Gunn doesn't lose control of the movie. He digs into the potential of the piece, delivering a rip-roaring space saga with defined punctuation, lovable characters, and a mission that carries through the entire effort. It's balanced work and enormous fun, giving all the brand name superheroes a run for their money now that Marvel has cleared a path for the little guys to shine on the big screen.