Guardians of the Galaxy - Review

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a Chuck Berry song: a rocking ‘n’ rolling thrill ride filled with riffs and hooks. A film that fires off like a rocket into absolute madness! Roll over Beethoven; Guardians of the Galaxy are here!

So, Guardians is Marvel’s latest franchise – and let’s face it, it’s not their most well-known motley-crue.  However - beating Marvel heavyweight Captain America: The Winter Soldier at the box office - it looks like nobody cares.

James Gunn, the writer of the live action Scooby Doo movie, proves himself that he is actually super-clever director.  The film is very funny, and though the screenplay is full of space gobble-de-gook - the plot is really well-written. However, the most energetic and fun part of the film, are the characters:

First, Peter Quill, AKA Starlord; played by Chris Pratt; a scavenger who was abducted by aliens as a child; second, Gamora - Zoe Saldana’s green, leather-clad assassin; third, Drax the Destroyer; a Dave Bautista shaped purple and red muscle man; fourth, Rocket; Bradley Cooper’s alcoholic raccoon; and fifth, Groot; an, erm, tree; voiced by Vin Diesel who only says three words: “I am Groot”, but always very meaningfully.

OK, this isn’t the most normal movie around, but it’s still amazing! The plot holes are forgotten through the enjoyment and craziness; the soundtrack is incredible; Chris Pratt performs a dance that can never be recreated; Rocket and Groot have become one of the most memorable double acts of recent times. It’s just a great time! And remember that big, fat, ugly, purple alien from the end of the Avengers? Well, he’s called Thanos and he’s back for a bit more. Plus, there are loads of easter eggs; James Gunn has really gone all out with the fan service. Plus there’s an excellent supporting cast including Lee Pace as Ronan; Josh Brolin as Thanos; Doctor Who’s Karen Gillan as Nebula; and John C. Reilly; Michael Rooker; Glenn Close; Benicio del Toro and Shaun of the Dead’s Peter Serafinowicz and many, many more.

It’s difficult to fault Guardians, because it’s just a really great movie. Star Wars meets the Avengers, Marvel’s best movie yet.

4.5/5