[four-star-rating]Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, David Bautista, Lee Pace, Benicio Del Toro, Glenn Close, John C. Reilly, Voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel[/four-star-rating]
Summer of 2014 – we’ve been waiting for what seems like forever for that fantastic popcorn flick. It’s finally arrived, happening right now in a galaxy far, far away!
Guardians of the Galaxy may not be the deepest or most scientifically sound film ever made. However, this sci-fi hero story is a visual onslaught ripe with humor, loveable characters, and derring-do. It likely marks a few people’s rightful entrance into the big leagues, including actor Chris Pratt (Mr. Anna Faris) and director/cowriter James Gunn (Slither and the new Dawn of the Dead).
Pratt is Peter Quill, or as he calls himself, “Star Lord.” He was kidnapped in 1998 from Earth and raised among interstellar pirates, thieves, and junk pickers. When he steals an ancient orb, he finds everyone is after him. Some of his pursuers are the dead-sexy green assassin Saldana, a trash-talking raccoon (Cooper), and his amazing walking tree (Diesel).
Right here, I should mention that Guardians is based on a screwy Marvel comic book series, so it does require a little suspension of disbelief. In fact, many people were worried that the comic book was too slapstick – and too obscure – for success. I mean, a talking raccoon?
However it all works fantastically, partly because everyone knows the stuff needs to be both grand and cheesy, reminiscent of ‘70s and ‘80s hero flicks and music that Guardians pays homage to. Even with all its goofiness, it commits to its world and less-than-genius characters, never winking at the audience.
That orb I mentioned – the one stolen from an alien temple in a sci-fi update of Indiana Jones? That thing can destroy the entire universe. A guy named Ronan the Destroyer (an unrecognizable Pace) wants to wipe out the planet of his enemies. Most everyone else either wants to sell it to the highest bidder or hide it away. So, keep your eye on the ball!
Besides the fact that Guardians is an absolute blast to watch, it’s extraordinarily funny. No wonder Gunn cast Pratt – a comedian who’s beefed himself up for this lead. Pratt’s swagger and timing are wonderful. In fact, all the characters are affecting, especially the mystical moving tree. Smaller parts by Benicio Del Toro, Glenn Close, and John C. Reilly only add to the fun.
[rating-key]
The only quibble to be had is that this film is a little trite. It hints at bigger, more emotional back-stories, but it doesn’t always deliver. Thought it is just over two hours, I was enjoying myself so much, I wouldn’t have minded another hour to allow filling in some of the gaps.
It’s been a rough season to get to Guardians. Box office receipts are down 20 percent. In fact, this is the worst summer in eight years. When we look at the quality of offerings, we can certainly see why. It’s sad that up to now, the substandard Transformers crud is the highest moneymaker. I have hope that whacky, entertaining Guardians can also save the summer of 2014.
You must be logged in to post a comment.