A new team of Marvel heroes hits the big screen with the comedic sci-fi adventure Guardians of the Galaxy. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), aka Star-Lord, is a human outlaw, who was abducted as a child and raised by a group of Ravagers, lead by Yondu (Michael Rooker). Quill comes into possession of a sphere-like artifact, which happens to also be desired by the fanatical Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace), who works for the titan Thanos, who has provided Ronan with the services of his “daughters” Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and Nebula (Karen Gillan). Ronan sends Gamora to retrieve the artifact, but she instead ends up joining up with Quill, along with the vengeful warrior Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), the temperamental genetically engineered raccoon Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), and the tree creature Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel). Together, the newly formed Guardians of the Galaxy have to stop Roman from acquiring the artifact and destroying the planet of Xandar. Guardians of the Galaxy is probably the biggest gamble for Marvel Studios, since the beginning of their Cinematic Universe. Unlike the heroes that make up The Avengers, it is quite unlikely that anyone, other than the most devoted comic book nerds, would have heard of the Guardians of the Galaxy prior to the release of this film. Of course, this unfamiliarity works in the film's favour, since the film does not carry the same level of baggage as the more higher profile Marvel properties. While stylized as a science fiction action/adventure, there also happens to be quite a bit of humour in Guardians of the Galaxy. Much of this is courtesy of the wisecracking Rocket Raccoon, who pretty much steals the film, especially with his banter with his sidekick Groot, who only ever says “I am Groot.” Professional wrestler Dave Bautista doesn't require too much range playing the hulking warrior Drax the Destroyer, though his habit of taking things literally generates quite a bit of laughs. The film can also be described as a likely star making turn for actor Chris Pratt, who turning into a pretty decent movie star, following his many years on the sitcom Parks and Recreation. Also worth mentioning is Guardians of the Galaxy's soundtrack, which is made up of many songs from the 1970s, courtesy of a mixtape Quill keeps with him at all times. It definitely helps make the film stand out from all the other comic book adaptations, since Guardians of the Galaxy is not at all a film that really takes itself all that seriously. Overall, I have to say that Guardians of the Galaxy took a group of Marvel characters not many people were familiar with and created a fun and entertaining film.8 | LIKED IT
