GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Review: He Said, She Said

The blockbuster of the year hits theaters on Friday, but before you head out to your local cinema, WAMG has your review of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY – twice – with a He Said, She Said look at the film.

©Marvel 2014

By Jim Batts

It’s been nearly four months since Captain America and company took down the forces of Hydra (and dismantled SHIELD along the way), and so, after the new cinematic adventures of the X-Men and Spider-Man from Fox and Sony, film fans are eager for another trip to the Marvel Studios “movie universe”. With this new feature, that arena gets a major expansion. That’s because they’re getting away from their comfort zone. Actually light years away. We’re not trodding the same ground as Cap and Tony Stark (although much of the Thor flicks bounced between Earth and far-off Asgard). We’re probably nearby that “galaxy far, far away”. Besides the setting, the film’s characters may be seen as a gamble for the six year-old studio. While Cap is a pillar of Marvel going back 73 years (!), and Iron Man, Thor, and the Hulk were part of the core early 1960’s group, this film’s series has had a spotty comics history. It began as a one-shot try-out in the usually reprint-filled “Marvel Superheroes” book in 1969. There were follow-up miniseries in the 70’s and 90’s, but it didn’t really click with readers until the current incarnation that just began in 2008. And so, zooming into multiplexes everywhere, it’s GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY. Movie goers should strap themselves in for this Summer’s most entertaining popcorn-fueled fun ride. As fans of a certain amusement park used to say, “It’s a real ‘E’ ticket!’.

We’re clued in that something different’s going on when the film does not begin with the now familiar comics page-flipping Marvel movie logo. After an emotional, dramatic sequence ( a real heart-tugger), that logo pops in, whisking us to a brutal, far-away planet. Bouncing from rock-to-rock, dodging the local nasty beasties, is apparently an Earth man named Peter Quill AKA “Star-Lord” (Chris Pratt). He makes his way into a temple-like structure and scoops up a mysterious metal orb. But before he can leave with his booty, Quill is accosted by several heavily armed soldiers led by the no-nonsense Korath (Djimon Hounsou). After a quick escape, Korath reports to his boss, the menacing, metallic gavel-wielding Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace), an important officer of the Kree, a planet-conquering race. Ronan soon consults with his ally/superior,the ominous. powerful Thanos (we saw him with the Chitari aliens at the end of MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS) and his two adopted daughters, the bald, shiny blue Nebula (Karen Gillan) and green-skinned, magenta-haired Gamora (Zoe Saldana), who volunteers to track down Quill and retrieve the orb. Later on Xandar, home world of the Nova Corps, Quill is tracked by her and a couple of bounty hunters hired by his former partner, the blue-tinted Yondu (Michael Rooker) the leader of a band of space pirates called ‘the Ravengers”. The duo are the diminutive, genetically enhanced Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), a three-foot tall, walking, talking racoon, and the incredibly strong, eight foot-tall ambulatory tree, Groot (voice by Vin Diesel, both are CGI/motion capture creatures), who serves as Rocket’s almost monosybellic (he only says “I am Groot”) muscle. All four are quickly captured by the Nova Corps officers and sent to the floating prison planet, the Kyln. There they bond with the savage warrior, Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) who only wishes to escape in order to have his revenge against Ronan who murdered his family. But it seems that Gamora has decided to turn on Ronan also, and did not plan on giving him the orb. After breaking free, this rag-tag group must stay ahead of the Ravengers and keep the orb away from Ronan in order to save the lives of the billions on Xandar. Quill, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot must work together as the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Besides gambling on the cult-fave comics series, Marvel Studios gambled a bit in anchoring the start of their hopeful new franchise with a uncoventional leading man. The gamble really paid off. Pratt has had several supporting film roles over the years (MONEYBALL, ZERO DARK THIRTY), but may be best known for his TV work, particularly as the loveable goofball Andy Dwyer on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” (returning in the Fall for its final season). He brings much of that frisky puppy dog charm to Quill along with a Han Solo/Jim Kirk space stud swagger, but we still see his vulnerability. He knows that the odds are overwhelmingly against him, but Quill has learned to care about others after spending most of his life taking and using alongside the Ravengers. Part of that is due to his feelings for Gamora, As played by Saldana, she’s the required exotic alien babe/warrior princess with elements of her big roles in AVATAR and the rebooted STAR TREK series. She changes during the film also, as her heart begins to thaw after years under the thumb of Thanos and Ronan, and eventually Gamora chooses to be a hero. Bautista is very funny as the quite literal Drax (he doesn’t get metaphors) whose tough exterior tries to contain his still boiling grief. His acceptance into this new family helps him turn his quest for revenge into a quest for justice. If those three are the mom, dad, and uncle of said family then Rocket and Groot are the mischievous kids. Cooper gives the masked critter a 40’s tough guy vocal attitude much like that Oscar-winning “wascally wabbit” while he also shows us his melancholy side as he bemoans being one of a kind (this is spurred on by many outta’ this world beverages). He’s a mechanical genius, rattling off items needed for a new gadget, while finding time for a prank (“Naw, I need it..heh, heh…it…I really..heh..do!”). But his heart is best shown in his big brother relationship with Groot. For much of the movie Rocket interprets for him, much as Han Solo did with Chewbacca, but thanks to Diesel’s vocal nuances, we get the gist of his intentions. Yes, he only says three little words, but it’s how he says them that matters. These five, each worthy of  solo adventures, meld together for a great screen team.

Well, there are lots of great actors in addition to the five title principals. On the side of the good guys is the ruler of Xandar, Nova Prime played by the great Glenn Close who projects a  gravitas that gives an urgency to the film’s big final battles. She’s aided by two high-ranking Nova Corpsmen including the affable John C. Reilly (away from the Apatow/Will Ferrell universe) as Dey who sees something special and perhaps noble in this group that his cohort Denarian Saal played by the hilariously deadpan Peter Serafinowicz calls “a bunch of A-holes” (you’ve seen it in all the trailers and teasers). Wavering on the fence between the heroes and villains is the crafty Collector (we saw him at the end of THOR: THE DARK WORLD) played by a mysterious effete Benicio Del Toro. Definitely leaning towards the villainous is Rooker, whose Yondu always seems to be ticked off and impatient. There’s a devious joy in his work though, especially when he whistles for his most deadly floating arrow while his parroting toadie Kraglin, played by Sean Gunn, leers. Of course, the real big bad of the film is Pace as the even more ill-tempered Ronan who crushes anything that gets in the way of his quest for power and lust for destruction. Gillan is a compelling presence that’s deserving of much more screen time as Ronan’s main enforcer alongside the intimidating Hounsou as the snarling Korath.

To use an old baseball analogy, James Gunn got the call that took him from the minor leagues (working on Troma pictures and directing the fun low-budget treasures SLITHER and SUPER) up to the majors and, at his first time up at bat, he hits it out of the park. This is briskly paced, almost non-stop fun, a mash-note to Saturday matinée space sagas from the 1930’s Flash Gordon serials through the original George Lucas produced trilogy and all its offshoots (happily recalling fun flicks like BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS, KRULL, and THE LAST STARFIGHTER). But this is not just fanboy homage. Gunn has opened up the Marvel Universe to present a glorious playground where movie goers of any age can frolic for a far-too-short couple of hours. Yes, the action scenes are truly “slam bang”, but he makes the heartfelt character moments just as riveting as when Groot bonds with a young urchin. Much of this comes from the witty screenplay written by Mr. Gunn himself along with first-time feature writer Nicole Perlman (looking forward to her future flicks). Tyler Bates contributes a sweeping, adventurous score that blends effortlessly with the delicious classic pop tunes (it is indeed an “awesome mix”). 3D truly does enhance the fun of the film, because of the sharp, eye candy images courtesy of cinematographer Ben Davis. And bonus kudos for setting many of the big action set pieces in bright sunlight (love the shiny, sparkly Xandarian outdoor mall looking like Krypton should’ve looked), not in the rainy dark that was the battleground for the big “G” a few weeks back. After the final Marvel logo faded, I racked my brain over what seemed to feel a bit off. After much thought, I believe it was the choice of villain . We saw a couple of scenes of brutality, but mostly we hear stories of how mean and nasty Ronan is. This group of heroes deserves a more enigmatic villain (think Loki) and the bellowing space judge comes off as a place holder for Thanos (a truly commanding, compelling visage of evil), who is perhaps being saved for an even bigger mega- epic, maybe with all the Marvel movie stars? Hey, I know this is a minor quibble, a teeny-tiny discoloration in a gleaming gorgeous jewel. And indeed GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY is a glittering gem in Marvel Studios’ luminous cinema crown. And Mr.Gunn, enjoy the well-earned cheers from the fans. We can hardly wait till you step up the plate again! Welcome to the big leagues!

OVERALL RATING: 4.5 Out of 5

By Melissa Howland

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, Marvel’s all new 3-D, superhero space opera written and directed by James Gunn, opens in theaters this Friday… and I cannot wait for the world to see it!

In Marvel’s all new space adventure, a young Peter Quill a.k.a Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) is taken from his home on Earth, and thrust into the outer universe where he learns to survive as an intergalactic pirate, thanks to his surrogate space guardian Yondu (Michael Rooker). After a seemingly routine mission to Morag in the hopes of acquiring an Orb for an interested buyer, the space outlaw finds himself in a galaxy of trouble. The ancient powers possessed by the Orb attract Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace), a murderous militarist and right-hand to Thanos, who is determined to use it to eradicate his enemies, and will stop at nothing to get it.

Along the way Quill runs into a wide variety of misfits that, for one reason or another, are interested in the Orb : Gamora (Zoe Saldana), adopted (not by choice) daughter of Thanos that was raised as a weapon, Drax the Destroyer (David Bautista), a man driven by vengeance against Thanos, who murdered his wife and daughter, Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), a genetically modified creature that is in it solely for the money, and Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), a tree-like organism that serves as both Rocket’s muscle, as well as friend. Things take a drastic turn when the this unlikely group learns the true nature of the Orb, and learn that the fate of the galaxy is in their hands.

I don’t even know where to start! This film is out of this world! James Gunn created a masterpiece that is easily the Star Wars of this generation. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY is fun, witty, and snarky… with just the right amount of heart. To be honest (and without spoiling anything), I did not expect the emotional aspect of this film. I was pleasantly surprised. Hell, I have seen the film twice now, and this smart-ass of a writer cried both times when it came to the nitty-gritty, serious moments. This is the perfect example of writing and story being the main focus, rather than giving audiences an action packed movie with no soul. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY is a heart and soul film that also gives audiences the laughs and action that they crave.

I cannot think of a better choice for Peter Quill / Star-Lord than Chris Pratt. His comedic timing meshes well with Gunn’s dark, sarcastic sense of humor. Not only that, but there is something extremely likable when it comes to Pratt, so he is able to pull off the emotional scenes with ease. He feels like a relatable star to audiences, therefor pulling them in. Saldana plays the lethal Gamora with ease. She is an incredible action star, so there was never any doubt that she would play her character well. Her comedic timing and chemistry with Pratt is fantastic. David Bautista proves that he is more than just a muscly action star by showing off his funny side as his brooding character of Drax. He not only proves that he is hilarious, but he also shows audiences that he has a deep, emotional range. He goes deeper in his performance than we have seen him go before, and it’s impressive. Bradley Cooper lends his voice to the spunky, jerk of a being named Rocket. His voice is almost unrecognizable, which I found shocking… in a good way! I haven’t heard his voice vary this much in a performance yet. I’m astonished. The real heart of the film is owed to Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel. Although he only says the same few words, the giant tree conveys a world of emotion, and acts as a guide towards the mood of the film. Diesel proves to audiences that he’s at the top of his game by showing just how many things an actor can do with limited lines. Words are brought to life by the tone and emotion behind them, and he is sure to steal your heart as Groot. I guarantee it.

©Marvel 2014

Complimenting the story and cast is an amazing soundtrack filled with 70’s treats that will make your toes tap. The iconic songs from Quill’s ‘Awesome Mix’ cassette tape, such as Swede’s “Hooked on a Feeling”, Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love, and (my personal favorite) The Runaways’ “Cherry Bomb”, set the mood for a monumental space adventure. Add some of the best IMAX 3-D I’ve seen this year, and you are in for a treat. I know it seems as though I’m fan-girling about this film, but that is because I am. Once you see it you will understand. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY is different from the past Marvel films. While I am a fan of Marvel’s film adventures, this film stands apart from the others in all of the best ways. It’s original, smart, it doesn’t talk down to audiences, and it’s above all, an emotional film about outsiders finally finding a place to fit in. I can’t wait to see it again.

OVERALL RATING: 5 out of 5 stars

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY OPENS IN THEATERS AUGUST 1