Guardians of the Galaxy Review: You’re Welcome

Review by Nolan P. Smith

(Victorville)— Marvel Comics is known for their iconic characters: Captain American, Spider-Man, Thor, Iron Man, Wolverine, the list goes on and on. So when it was announced that the latest Marvel film would be Guardians of the Galaxy, many looked in dismay and shock. Who? You take an outlaw, a talking raccoon, a humanoid tree, an assassin and a destroyer, and what do you get? A film that saved the summer film season: you’re welcome.

The film is based off of the space fairing adventures of Marvel’s cosmic team, which has never been considered a flagship book. But real comic fans rejoiced when this was announced; because we knew the craziness we would be experiencing. The hero of this story is no cookie cutter hero: he’s Star Lord (Chris Pratt), “legendary” outlaw and one of the most down to Earth heroes we have seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We follow him and his “teammates”, Drax (Dave Bautista) the green skinned destroyer, the assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana), the roughneck raccoon Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and the walking tree, Groot (Vin Diesel). Hooked yet? You will be.

The story follows this makeshift group of misfits as they try to save the universe from Ronin the Accuser (Lee Pace). This may all sound like a straightforward action flick, but it’s not. It’s a sci-fi adventure at heart, like what Star Wars should look and feel like in this day and age. The humor is riddled throughout the movie, from beginning to end, and it hits its mark every single time. The goofiness of Star Lord, the dumbfounded nature of Drax, and even the emotion of the one line Groot delivers the whole film; I am Groot.

One aspect of the film that ties the entire thing together has to be the soundtrack: Star Lord’s “Awesome Mix” from Earth, which is jam packed with 70’s and 80’s hits, makes this film more of an experience. “Hooked on a Feeling”, “Fooled Around and Fell in Love”, “Spirit in the Sky” are only a few of the songs that make the film connect on a whole different level. I am a firm believer that music is the ultimate expression of life, and this film utilizes it masterfully.

By the end of the film, you will be amazed, smiling, and wanting more. Marvel surprised all the naysayers with this gem of a film, making kids want action figures of “third string” characters like Star Lord and Groot. I have seen the film multiple times already, and I am not done yet. This is the must see film of the year right now, hands down. You’re welcome.