Launched in 1969 in the January issue of ‘Marvel Super-Heroes’ Guardians of the Galaxy has been reinvented several times over the decades. This summer director/writer James Gunn and Marvel Studios bring the motley crew of intergalactic misfits back to the big screen with a brilliant 80s soundtrack in tow.
In a universe far, far away treasure hunter Peter Quill, aka Star-Lord, (Chris Pratt) hops from planet to planet scavenging for loot and dancing (literally) his way through life. Mentally, and dance move wise, stuck back in the 80s he justifies his wayward and selfish behaviour on the fact that he was abducted from earth as boy.
But when he stumbles on a mysterious orb the true adventure begins as it puts him in the crosshairs of the feared Korath (Djimon Hounsou) and the fanatic Ronan (Lee Pace). Soon he has a whole slew of interstellar bounty hunters on his heels, one is even his ‘mentor’ the bandit Yondu Udonta (Michael Rooker).
Of course Quill isn’t left to defend himself, and the galaxy, on his own and finds help in the most unlikely, and strangest, of guises: the stunningly red Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista) a cross between the Hulk and Forest Gump, a hyper genetically engineered raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and the gentle living tree Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel).
Saving the orb is their main job but things are never simple, so with a sturdy walkman and a tape filled with 80s classics the Guardians dance and quip their way out of any danger hurdling towards them.
Guardians of the Galaxy is another Marvel movie that relies on clever writing and big effects. However why Gunn uses 3D is a questionable as he doesn’t really utilise it, however this may be a good thing as the fast-paced filming works better without.
Pratt is well cast as the self-obsessed, but loveable rouge, Quill, aka Star-Lord, and his dancing and love for all things 80s gives Guardians of the Galaxy a much needed infusion of originality.
Saldana is a tightly leather clad nerds wet dream, however she is a little bit bland even if red. But the secret hero of the film is Groot, even if Vin Diesel really doesn’t have much to say.
Guardians of the Galaxy is a fun-filled film, predictable but entertaining and brimming with visual oddities and auditory delights.
jensinewall 