When Marvel Studios
unveiled the title ‘Guardians of the
Galaxy’ a few years back, many comic book fans were sceptical and wondered
if they had made the right move with such an obscure property. Nearly three years
on since that announcement and Marvel have silenced all the questions and put out
the flames of doubt.
Questioning
Marvel Studios (after their success thus far) was always going to be a losing
battle and with the latest instalment into the ever-expanding MCU, they excel
phenomenally. With their tactful marketing in promoting the film, Guardians of the Galaxy puts on an
impressive display of special effects in a high-octane, witty, heartfelt and humorously
clever way.
The story (the
writing in particular) and the character development of a group of misfits that
are stranded together is so well crafted and balanced with well-timed jokes,
that it even raises the question to why no one has ever portrayed a talking
racoon and a sentient tree in a movie before!
The
Guardians themselves and the actors who play them, fit well into their
characters and their different personalities clash continuously in a humorous
yet successful way. Chris Pratt as “the legendary outlaw” Star-Lord brings in
his natural funny personality and makes his mark in the MCU as a cocky, selfishly-unselfish
leader of the new cosmic Avengers. Zoe Saldana is quickly becoming the queen of
sci-fi and dons a different colour of the spectrum (Blue – Avatar, Green here) to reiterate she is a force to be reckoned
with, as with former WWF star, Dave Batista. Bradley Cooper’s Rocket Racoon
however, steals the show with his in-your-face attitude and clear undying
loyalty to his friends but in particular, Groot.
Villain Lee
Pace, or the dastardly antagonist Ronan the Accuser, proves to be a worthy
adversary who is hell-bent on revenge and destruction, in the end only
answering to himself.
The retro
70s vibe that is cleverly woven throughout a futuristic-looking film just adds
that smart touch needed to make it a hit. As every Marvel film prior to this
one, the special effects were beyond stunning and expands the cosmos of the MCU
and establishes certain inhabitants, which will undoubtedly continue to grow
from here.
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| Say hello to your new loveable band of misfits |
For fans of
the entire MCU (and the comics) you’ll be pleased to know we get our first full
look of Thanos in this film and allows us a small glimpse into his master plan.
As well as this, another Infinity Stone/Gem is revealed, the mysterious orb
that Marvel’s Han Solo – Peter Quill – comes in possession of. And for those
looking beyond to Phases 3 & 4 of the MCU with continuous rumours and speculations
as to what the nine unannounced films might be, Nova Corps had a rather
interesting and surprisingly large part to play in this movie (as did the Kree’s)
and Marvel now have the opportunity to expand the intergalactic police force in
further properties. Click on over here to see some of my ideas to where Marvel might be heading following the events of Age of Ultron.
In the end,
what Marvel has created is a thoroughly enjoyable summer blockbuster epic that sets
itself apart from the rest of the MCU while keeping it meticulously in it. If
the ball wasn't already in Warner Bros.’ court after the Avengers, with two
different teams of superheroes they now have to compete with, it most definitely is and they’re quickly being
left in the dust…
