Movie Review: "Guardians of the Galaxy"

Movie Review: "Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014)

 

Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper (the voice of Rocket), Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Glenn Close, Benicio del Toro

 

Director: James Gunn

 

The superhero movie "Guardians of the Galaxy" is the tenth movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

 

My 30 Second No Spoilers Intro

 

For anyone who hasn't seen the movie, I don't even want to state what happens in the beginning; it's just that powerful. So I'm approaching this intro differently. ~~ "Guardians of the Galaxy" is not so much a movie about misfits as it is a movie about a group of people who are dealing with incredible pain and unspeakable losses. The music we hear throughout this superhero movie (songs such as Redbone's "Come And Get Your Love") is music that Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) received from his mother and that he plays on a "Walkman" cassette.  The music, along with other reasons, as I'm sure those who have seen the movie and those who will see the film would agree, makes "Guardians of the Galaxy" a powerful, emotional movie that is more than just superheroes.  In fact, the superhero part, with its action scenes, its heroes and villains, and its focus on an orb, seems almost secondary in this Marvel film.

 

Who Was Good, and Who Wasn't?

 

I want to give props to Zoe Saldana in this one. She is an underrated actress who plays the character of Gamora with a sultry coolness that's never forced.

 

What I Liked, and What I Didn't Like

 

Like:  As I said in my intro, the theme of unfortunate pasts is strong with this one, more so than just the typical superhero vs. villain theme. The way Marvel handles this theme is remarkable.  It makes "Guardians of the Galaxy" much more than just a superhero film.

 

Like: Korath, played by Djimon Hounsou, who is Beninese, is a villain, and I'm not too fond of villains.  However, I loved the way he looked.  Marvel took a dark-skinned man and gave him bright blue eyes. The contrast is beautiful. Bravo to Marvel for the diversity in this film.  It's not just that they include black characters. In "Guardians of the Galaxy," we have all sorts of creatures and races mixing.

 

Like: The music played throughout the film was spot-on for every scene.  Again, there's a reason for the type of music which you'll understand if you've seen the movie or will see the film.

Like: I wish I could visit the planet Xander.  It looks awesome!

 

Dislike: There's a prison scene that annoyed me because even though this is all fantasy, the guards in this movie leave a lot to be desired.  

 

Who Will Like This Movie?

 

"Guardians of the Galaxy" is excellent for ANYONE, whether they like superhero/villain movies or not due to what I think is the dominant theme.

 

Rating?

 

I have a five star scale for my movie reviews.  However, I give "Guardians of the Galaxy" SIX STARS. I'm still reviewing all of the MCU movies, and there are some I haven't seen.  But so far, next to "Black Panther," this is my favorite MCU film.

 

Final Words:

 

As always, stay until after the credits!