Go without expectations, get hooked on 'Guardians of the Galaxy'
After high expectations, it is possible that the only experience that the Guardians of the Galaxy (GotG) could provide is one of letdown. And there is that feeling, but taken outside of the trailers and the hype GotG provides a good movie-going experience.
Comedy, action and special effects, these are what Marvel is known for, and this movie has them in spades, but it doesn’t have the buildup that the Avengers had, and maybe that is asking too much. After all, Peter Quill, Gamora, Rocket, Groot and Draxx didn’t get their own films to explain their origins. What they did get was the short introduction to each character and a weak reason for them to bond together. Any role player will know immediately that this group is together because it has to be that way or the story doesn’t work. This story has been done several times before. A ragtag band of ne’er-do-wells come together to save the universe. They face overwhelming odds and a powerful force stranger than anyone of them. There is no real suspense, except wondering, which character will die. However, the reason why this story is told so often is because it works, and when it is done well, the results are appealing. The disparate characters in this case are a good fit because they defy stereotypes, they have chemistry, and they are doing great deeds in a messed up way. Drax, played by Dave Bautista, is a thesaurus. Vin Diesel does more with five words than many actors do with a complete movie. Chris Pratt is irreverent, and Zoe Saldana is dangerously sexy. Bradley Cooper as Rocket provides the comedy by narrating what everyone is doing and supplying a word to describe those doing it. The funniest role in the film goes to John C Reilly. Mr. Cellophane is the scene stealer in every shot, even showing up Glenn Close. The 70’s and 80’s music bonanza is great for nostalgia. Having Karen Gillan in it is a bonus, and the end scene after the credits will leave people saying, “Wait. What?” In a dismal movie going year, at least as far as the box office is concerned, the question is “Will GotG make enough to save the movies?” Current estimates say $65 million. That might be a good guess. This film is far superior to the robot trash that was the last blockbuster, but it may be too quirky for the main stream. On the other hand, if Marvel can get those, who are expecting nothing form the film into the theater, they could have a monster hit on their hands. It certainly won’t be a Howard the Duck. Watch for the hidden Mickey and go to enjoy rather than to critique, and you will be hooked on a feeling. Get footloose and enjoy this cast to fall in love with. |
See Romney's Review of Guardians of the Galaxy on Movie Pilot
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