Based on the comic book of same name, James Gunn directs Guardians of the Galaxy, a story of a band of misfits who come together to save the cosmos.
Set in an alternative future, a gang of wannabe outlaws go on the run after stealing a powerful orb. From Quills abduction as a child, to the guardians meeting in and braking out of prison to the rouge’s gallery dramatic confrontation with the fanatical Ronan, this film bounds along with comedy and action hand in hand.
Chris Pratt is terrific as Peter Quill, or Star Lord as he’d like to be known, the loveable space bandit trying to make a name for himself. What could so easily have been an annoying character, Pratt is an affable screen presence and manages to pull off the quips and action effortlessly. His co-star Zoe Saldana is spot on as the cold and deadly assassin with a warm heart. As are Bradley Cooper and Van Diesal as Rocket Racoon and Groot, but it is Dave Bautista as the all too literal Drax the Destroyer, who quietly steals the show with his formidable screen presence and gentle humour. The wealth of supporting cast member is also impressive with the likes of Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, and Benicio del Toro all putting in a showing.
Even though this is a Marvel film, it feels like it has more in common with the J. J. Abrams’s Star Trek films, which isn’t a bad thing. Like those films it has a somewhat simplistic plot and doesn’t get bogged down with the sci-fi elements of the story, instead it focuses on the most interesting part of the film which is the characters. So much so, the film only really dips towards the end when it has to deliver the obligatory SFX bonanza, which although spectacular, doesn’t do enough to distinguish it from similar summer blockbusters.
An enjoyable sci-fi romp that bounds along with tongue-in-check humour and thrilling action scenes in equal measure, Guardians of the Galaxy is another superb entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ opens in cinemas around the UK from July 31st.
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