2014 | Dir. James Gunn | 122 Minutes
"I look around at us, you know what I see? Losers. I mean, like, folks who have lost stuff. And we have, man, we have, all of us. Our homes, our families, normal lives. And usually life takes more than it gives, but not today. Today it's giving us something. It is giving us a chance."
Space pirate Peter Quill pilfers an ancient artifact from a desolate planet and is subsequently pursued by his fellow pirates and a fanatical terrorist seeking to use the destructive power housed within the relic to destroy worlds. Quill is quickly apprehended by interplanetary lawmen and thrown in prison where he bands together with a ragtag group of outcasts consisting of a deadly assassin longing to escape her master, a socially-inept warrior on a quest for vengeance, a cybernetically-enhanced raccoon-like rodent, and a sentient tree creature.
Based on one of Marvel Comics' lesser-known properties, Guardians of the Galaxy is an entertaining science fiction film featuring fun quirky characters in imaginative extraterrestrial settings and humorous action-packed situations. The first Marvel Cinematic Universe picture in which the entire narrative takes place away from planet Earth (with the exception of its brief prologue), writer/director James Gunn's unique brand of comedy provides a brilliant introduction to this remote region of Marvel Studios' shared continuum. Due in no small part to the film's excellent production design, the alien worlds featured in the picture feel lived-in and authentic from the barren wasteland of the planet Morag, to the orderly sterile cityscape of Xandar, to the bustling hovels of the remote mining colony Knowhere. Notably, the picture features numerous pop songs from '70s and '80s spinning out of Quill's treasured mix tape, a prop that is an essential part of Quill's character that also perfectly complements the tone and style of the narrative. Best of all, the film's numerous action scenes are infused with a manic and humorous energy thanks to its incredibly talented cast.
The most memorable moments of the picture feature Quill and his rough-and-tumble companions struggling to work together as a unit. Whether they're breaking out of the massive space prison known as the Kiln, or trying desperately to defeat the fearsome Kree zealot Ronan the Accuser, their unique skills and witty banter create a potent hilarious mixture. Comedic actor Chris Pratt takes center stage as Peter Quill (preferring the moniker Star-Lord), astonishingly convincing as a roguish action hero. Zoe Saldana, a reliable player in many science fiction films, does not disappoint as the warrior Gamora, a pleasure to watch in fight scenes with opportunities to show off her excellent comedic timing, although the romantic sub-plot between her character and Pratt's mostly fizzles. Dave Bautista is a revelation playing Drax the Destroyer, pulling off the tough guy who is so singled-minded that his missing sense of humor and irony becomes a running joke of its own. Bradley Cooper provides the feisty voice of Rocket (who frequently insists he is not a raccoon), instilling a surprising level of pathos to the computer-animated character who is written as the most trigger-happy member of the team but also the most emotionally vulnerable. Though the vocabulary of the giant plant monster is severely limited, action star Vin Diesel delivers Groot's dialogue with nuance and authority.
The supporting cast is essentially a small collection of fantastic character actors. Michael Rooker is both charismatic and menacing as the space pirate leader Yondu Udonta, brandishing one of the most visually impressive weapons in science fiction cinema history. Acclaimed actress Glenn Close turns in a fun performance as the leader of the Nova Corps in what amounts to an extended cameo, with comedic actors John C. Reilly and Peter Serafinowicz primarily representing the Xandarian peacekeeping force throughout the film. Lee Pace gets the thankless job of shouting his dialogue in heavy make-up and an unwieldy costume as Ronan the Accuser, although his reaction to Quill's antics during their decisive confrontation is priceless. Djimon Hounsou appears as Ronan's robotic henchman Korath but unfortunately, his presence hardly registers. Fresh off a starring role in Doctor Who, Karen Gillan is captivating as Gamora's deadly sister Nebula, emotional blank save for an intense jealousy and severely precise in battle. Benicio del Toro returns as Taneleer Tivan the Collector after briefly appearing in Thor: The Dark World, playing up the character's eccentric nature to the point where is openly mocked by Rocket. Josh Brolin makes an uncredited appearance as the Mad Titan Thanos, briefly seen in The Avengers before Brolin was cast in the part, with Alexis Denisof reprising his role as Thanos' petulant servant in a short but fatal scene.
Guardians of the Galaxy is a vibrant and fast-paced ride that takes MCU fans into exciting and unfamiliar territory. The feature is appropriately irreverent but also emotionally uplifting in unexpected ways. Ultimately, the film features perhaps the first and last occurrence of a sci-fi hero challenging an omnipotent alien overlord to a dance off in lieu of a better plan of attack.
POST-CREDITS STINGER
Sitting in the wreckage of his menagerie, Taneleer Tivan sips on an exotic drink while a dog in a space suit comforts him. The Collector is teased by one of his former captives, Howard the Duck.
STAN LEE CAMEO
Rocket spots Stan the Man romancing a young woman on Xandar and berates him
FRAGMENTS
- Quill's spaceship, the Milano, is named after actress Alyssa Milano
- Sean Gunn, director James Gunn's brother and regular cast member in Gunn's films, portrays Yondu's first mate Kraglin
- Lloyd Kaufman, co-founder of Troma Entertainment where James Gunn began his filmmaking career, has a cameo appearance as an inmate of the Kiln
- Nathan Fillion, popular science fiction star and James Gunn regular, provides the voice of the big blue inmate that harasses Quill and is quickly subdued by Groot
- Quill stating taht he has 12% of a plan is a subtle callback to Tony Stark's crack about Pepper Potts receving 12% of the credit for Stark Tower in The Avengers
- Rock star and director Rob Zombie, another James Gunn regular, provides the voice of the Ravager navigational computer
- Uncredited, comedic actor Seth Green lends his voice to Howard the Duck
007 CONNECTIONS
- Benicio del Toro (Dario in Licence to Kill)
- Dave Bautista (Mr. Hinx in Spectre)
