Review: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ a Marvel-ous on-screen experience

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Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Everett Collection
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(Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Everett Collection)

By Addison Lucchi

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WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS

“Guardians of the Galaxy” is the latest and greatest film in the Marvel franchise.

Let’s start from the top.

Peter “Star-Lord” Quill (Chris Pratt of “The Lego Movie”) steals a powerful orb, initiating a manhunt led by trained assassin, Gamora (Zoe Saldana, “Avatar”), who wishes to protect it from her father, Thamos. After attempting to sell the orb to Nova Corps, he is not only ambushed by Gamora, but also Rocket, a genetically engineered talking raccoon (played by two-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper), and Groot, a humanoid tree (Vin Diesel, “Fast & Furious 6”). Add a vengeful warrior named Drax the Destroyer (wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista) and you have an unstoppable team of misfits, or rather, “guardians.”

After the altercation, the team is jailed where they reconcile their differences to devise an escape plan, and it isn’t long before they break free and unite to defend the galaxy against evil.

If you think this synopsis sounds ridiculous, over-the-top and completely crazy, you are 100 percent correct. It is every one of those things, but in all of the right ways.

Filled to the brim with impressive visuals, thrilling action sequences and a breakneck pace that never falters once, one might suspect that “Guardians of the Galaxy” will only be about the fun, but fortunately, what it has in adventure it has in heart. Every character is beautifully written and developed throughout the film, and as the story unravels, nobody can’t help but love every one of them; even the interstellar bandit, Yondu (Michael Rooker, recently cast as Merle Dixon in “The Walking Dead”), is loveable in his own way.

Right from the start, “Guardians of the Galaxy” draws you in, taking you on an emotional roller coaster ride through the past. Once the opening titles play, the viewer is already introduced to a young, recently orphaned Peter Quill, abducted by space pirates to raise him as the villainous Star-Lord.

Thanks to a mix tape of classic rock songs entitled “Awesome Mix Vo. 1,” given to Quill by his late mother, the film’s action sequences and dialogue are packed with that extra punch. The music works itself into the film flawlessly so that by the end, the audience will not only be laughing and crying but tapping to the rhythm as well.

Critics and fans are already raving about Marvel’s latest film. It has received excellent ratings from popular websites such as IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes. This is a film that will appeal to audiences of all ages as well as fans and non-fans of the franchise. In addition to being filled with beautiful, bold and complex storytelling, it also has a sense of childlike wonder and adventure to it. Fans of “Doctor Who” should watch this film, expecting a masterfully chilling portrayal from Karen Gillan as the space assassin, Nebula. Those who appreciate the work of Joss Whedon may be drawn in by the film’s very “Firefly”-esque feel.

“Guardians of the Galaxy” is just the kind of film that you can’t help but enjoy. It provides excitement, emotional resonance, spaceships, riveting adventures and a talking raccoon. Really, what’s not to love?

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