Review: Guardians of the Galaxy
By Christine Petralia
Image courtesy of Walt Disney Studios
August 7, 2014
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Think Avengers meets Star Wars with good music. That’s what you get when you settle in with your popcorn to watch The Guardians of the Galaxy. Chris Pratt does a great job leading the crew of misfits to … well…save the galaxy as Peter Quill AKA Starlord. He’s joined by a semi-all-star cast with Zoe Saldana as the sexy assassin Gamora, Rocket, a genetically engineered raccoon voiced by Bradley Cooper, David Bautista as Drax the Destroyer and Groot, a tree voiced by Vin Diesel. All add humor and spunk to the seriousness of the film.
The film starts in 1988 as Quill watches his mother die. On her deathbed, she implies his father is not from this planet (but this isn’t something that’s confirmed until the end of the film). After her death, he races out of the hospital where he is abducted from Earth by the Ravagers, a group of space pirates lead by Yondu (Michael Rooker). Over the years, Quill has learned to steal with ease, just like the rest of them.
Years later, Quill is on a quest to steal a sphere-like object only to be interrupted by Korath, an associate of Ronan (Lee Pace). Now more determined to hold onto the orb, he escapes and tries to sell it. However, Gamora, an assassin for Ronan, who is actually betraying him, attempts to steal it. Meanwhile, Rocket, a bounty hunter, spies Quill and attempts to capture him with Groot for a handsome reward. Before anyone gets anywhere though, they are captured by the Nova Corps. They are thrown in prison, where Gamora reveals she actually has a buyer for the orb. The four plan an escape, where they are joined by Drax, who has it out for Ronan after he killed his family.
Once out, they head to the Collector (Benicio del Toro), who reveals just how dangerous the orb is. Just as they are to collect on their reward, one of the Collector’s assistants gets greedy and activates the orb, which destroys his lab. The five escape with the orb, determined to keep it hidden. However, Drax, still determined to kill Ronan, contacts him. He arrives and the orb is stolen by Gamora’s sister, Nebula (Karen Gillan). Quill decides to team up with Yondu and the Ravagers, as he believes this is the only way to destroy Ronan and get the orb back. An all out star war ensues between the two groups. It ends with Quill activating the orb to destroy Ronan. After he is defeated, Quill gives the orb to Yondu as promised. But of course, in true Quill fashion, he actually keeps the real orb. Just before leaving the planet of Xander, Yondu makes reference to Quill’s father, so I can only assume that will be touched on in the next film.
It was noted at the end of the film that the Guardians will return, which is great because I really liked this movie. It was fun, light-hearted, had a great plot with a great cast and did I mention the music? Part of Quill’s character references 80s music. It was how he bonded wit his mother as a child, as she would make him mixed tapes. He still has the Walkman from the 80s that he was listening to when he was abducted and replays the tape over and over again. I also love how he explains dancing to Gamora as Footloose. Classic. I also really liked the relationship between Groot and Rocket. The only words uttered by Groot are ‘I am Groot,’ but Rocket seems to understand exactly what he means. It’s great.
I saw it in 3-D. It wasn’t bad in 3-D. IMAX and RPX are probably cool too during the battle scenes. Also, stay until after the credits for a great 80s reference.
Want even more about the Guardians of the Galaxy? Here's another review by Michael Rosenberger. "Guardians of the Galaxy is everything a movie should be and not just a perfect template for a comic book film. The greatness begins with the cast and the direction. The film has an excellent cast..."
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