The Connoisseur Reviews

Marvel's cosmic side of their cinematic universe has lift off.  

It could have gone otherwise since the property is barely known by audiences. The excellent marketing drive and positive reviews will surely see it have a successful opening weekend. It will be interesting to see if that run will continue against the Teenage Ninja Mutant  Turtles, which will be opening in the following weekend. Guardians of The Galaxy, is a story about a group of misfits, who come together to save the Galaxy from a vengeful Kree, Ronan - The Accuser.  The film is directed by James Gunn, who wrote the screenplay with Nicole Perlman, and features a cast including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, and Benicio del Toro.

The story is simple and consistent. The movie does not take itself too seriously. The coming together of the group is not forced and very practical. At first, each team member has his own ulterior motive. But when they come with grips of the true power of the infinity gem, they align for their own survival and the fate of the entire galaxy. There are explosions and lot of actions but they flow with the story as opposed to Micheal's uncontrolled impulses. The banter between the group is where it shines for me. The characters are distinct and well drawn out. Even Groot's singular monologue does not get stale.

Those watching this motive in 3D will feel its richer aesthetic quality and visually appealing constructs. While nerds will freak out as most of the comic book's mythology is brought to life in the movie, the wider audience might get lost in the jargon of the intergalactic fantasy world, that James Gunn builds. This is where Gunn skillfully uses humor and action to compensate for the knowledge gap. 

Is this the best Marvel movie this year? Maybe not, Xmen: Days of Future Past and Captain America - The Winter Soldier will come above it on my list. But that might not be such a fair comparison since both properties have around for much longer and have huge following already. Guardians of the Galaxy on the other hand, was unknown and was such a huge risk. Thankfully, it was one that paid off handsomely. This movie will be the most fun you have had this summer.

Rating: 9/10