Film & TV

Film Review: Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy

Space pilot Peter Quill steals a powerful Orb and engages a bunch of shady characters to protect it by any foul means possible.

 

Guardians of the GalaxyOver the last few years, Marvel comics have had a cinematic bonanza. Their characters of Spider-man, Iron Man and Thor have enjoyed massive big screen success.

With those accolades comes the temptation to rest on laurels and churn out the same type of dollar-making movie. Guardians of the Galaxy provides evidence that taking a risk can work. Capturing what has made previous Marvel films so good, this wacky and exciting caper does the trick in bringing new heroes to viewers’ universe.

When space pilot Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) steals a powerful Orb, he becomes a moving target. On the run from various parties determined to obtain it, including the evil warrior Ronan (Lee Pace), Peter figures he needs help. This arrives in a form of a bunch of shady people willing to do anything for a buck. Realising the Orb’s awesome power and what it means for the galaxy, the motley-crew aim to protect their territory by any foul means possible.

Guardians of the Galaxy is an excellent example of how strong characters make stories work. From the antics of Peter and his gang to Ronan’s hiss-able escapades, each contribute to an enjoyable experience. This is helped by a simple plot allowing for genuine character engagement. You truly believe in their actions and of the dazzling world in which they live. Under James Gunn’s energetic direction, the performers bring their roles to colourful life.

This colour and movement mirrors the film’s ethos in providing pure fun. There’s no room for insular darkness; just a thrill-ride from start to finish. The CGI and action scenes are amazingly rendered and the script tightly structured. Pleasingly for a Marvel–based movie, it mostly discards any cumbersome references to other films. Right from the beginning it goes full-throttle into its own space-opera full of humour, danger and sparkling excitement.

Guardians of the Galaxy is a film anyone can enjoy as it’s full of vigour, exhilaration and most importantly, fun. Easily the best of Marvel’s recent output, fans of pure escapism will have a blast spending time with this peculiar but entertaining crew.

Reviewed by Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14

Rating out of 10:  9

 

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