The MCU (Marvel's Cinematic Universe) has become a Hollywood powerhouse. In recent years, Marvel Studios has taken some of the most iconic superheroes into its arsenal and brought them to the big screen, creating a cinematic universe of fantastical heroes and villains. Familiar characters like Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America have graced our screens (in several films) with joyous fanfare of saving the world and stopping evil. Now, following the critical/box office success of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Marvel Studios is debuting his sci-fi space opera Guardians of the Galaxy in his 10th installment in the MCU. Will this movie achieve interstellar stardom, or will the movie venture into uncharted territory (outer space) and use a roster of lesser-known Marvel characters to create a visual décor of space junk? Is it nothing more than a mountain?
STORY OF THE MOVIE :
Abducted as a child from Earth, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) aka Star-Lord has become an intergalactic tomb raider and scavenger, joining the ranks of the Ravagers, led by Yondu (Michael Rooker). One day, Quill comes across a mysterious orb, a catalyst for greater events to come and an item that everyone wants. After a failed attempt to hawk the orb on the planet Xandar, Quill lands himself in prison and forms a strange friendship with other convicts in a prison escape, teaming up with Gamora (Zoe Saldana), a deadly assassin and adopted daughter of the evil Thanos (Josh Brolin), Drax (Dave Bautista), a fierce brute out for revenge, Groot (Vin Diesel), a sentient hybrid tree humanoid, and Rocket (Bradley Cooper), a genetically engineered raccoon. With the galaxy threatened by Ronan (Lee Pace), a nefarious rogue in league with Thanos who wants possession of the orb, and his lackey Nebula (Karen Gillian), Quill and his band of misfits and outcasts must come together, embracing their quirks and ideals as a team as they uncover the mystery behind the orb and save the galaxy from annihilation.
PRO'S AND CON'S OF THE FILM :
Given the continuity of the past movies of the MCU, it seems Marvel was going through the motion of playing it safe (Sticking to what they knew and what audiences members liked). When Guardians of the Galaxy was announced to be adapted as movie, it was met with excitement from fans of the comics, but also with concerns and skepticism from critics. Given it`s a relatively new comic amongst older ones that date back to the 50`s and 60`s and the ideal of expanding the MCU to the cosmic realm, many believed that the movie, failing to connect with viewers to gain critical mass, was a huge risk for Marvel Studios that could of potential blow up in studio`s face like an ACME dynamite stick. If it was risk, it`s a paid off in a very big way.
Director James Gunn, who has directed lesser known films like Slither and Super, helms Guardians of the Galaxy, bringing the usual blockbuster bravado of a standard Marvel movie, while, at the same time, infusing his own style of oddball oddity and quirky cinematic flair.
The results are excellent. The film draws on the scope of sci-fi space opera, palpable heroism among misfits, clever humor comedic irony, pop culture references (Troll his puppet, Walkman, the movie Footloose, etc.) and nostalgia for music. I catch From the 70's. Speaking of music, the use of these nostalgic tunes in the movie made me a little queasy. Seeing all the movie promos and listening to songs like Blue Swede's "Hooked on a Feeling" and The Runaway's "Cherry Bomb" seems weird and off-the-standard, but it's actually Works well in movies. Heckles at various points in the film, as it is a complex part of Peter Quill's character's personality. Don't be too surprised if you find yourself humming a few songs after watching Guardians or running to buy the soundtrack (Awesome Mix Vol.1). In short, you simply embrace James Gunn's quirkiness and eventually become a natural part of watching and enjoying Guardians.
Of course, the plot of the film revolves around sci-fi themes in outer space, intergalactic travel to otherworldly planets and vistas, endangered worlds, and interactions with spaceships and various alien creatures. Dogfights, etc. It's sci-fi, and it works, but the real focus is how these unlikely groups of heroes meet, fight, argue, and finally come together, so the design of the Guardians setting Yes, each of the five characters has their own moment to shine on screen, but it's impressive and wonderful to see some of them combined. (Quill and Gamora, Rocket and Groot , Drax and Rocket) So when these outcasts embrace their identity as a collective team, it makes sense and feels really right. The film finds a nice balance in its tone. It's serious when it's necessary and light-hearted with humor at other times (more so than any Marvel film in recent memory). But the film isn't just about cosmic action and crude one-liners, it also highlights the emotional parts (especially the opening scene) and a few tender moments towards the finale.
From a technical standpoint, Guardians of the Galaxy's makeup and visual effects achievements are commendable. All kinds of aliens are instantly displayed in rich detail and textures, making it a living wonderland of space creatures. The images behind the film's more special creatures, like Rocket and Groot, are amazing to watch with their fluid movements and seamless facial expressions. Other visual effects designs are also noteworthy, from the futuristic cityscape of Xandar, to the grungy corridors of Kyln Prison, to the overall look of Star-Lords Milano and Ronan's Dark Aster ship designs.
Chris Pratt is the living embodiment of Peter Quill. Who would have thought that the chubby goofy guy from the TV series Parks & Recreation would one day be in a Marvel movie. Bringing the same amount of heroism and arrogance to the Star-Lord character, Pratt is happy in his role as he cooks not only classic hero lines, but also snappy, humorous sarcasm. It brilliantly confronts Saldana's Gamora with relentless cunning and determination, knocking Quill's courage down a peg or two. She also kicks butt quite a bit in the movie. Dave Bautista's Drax is a surprise hit for Guardians. Much like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, aside from his muscular physique, Bautista has great timing when delivering dialogue and delivers some of the funniest quotes in the film. He voices the sassy Rocket in a fun and memorable role full of tough boy demeanor and witty sarcasm. As for Groot, it may not be Vin Diesel's most demanding role (he repeats the phrase "I'm Groot" in varying tones), but his character exudes charm and warmth to the rest of the cast. brings Also, Vin Diesel's voice is perfect for Groot.
As for the secondary characters, Michael Rooker's Yondu is the best, funny and gives the character a charisma of his own. equally ruthless. Both villains look and sound impressive, but they don't break new ground in the evil category. This is fine because the focus of the film is once again on the Guardians' relationship and not so much between heroes and villains.Other notable actors include Glenn Close as Nova Prime, the leader of Nova Corp. , John C. Reilly as Nova Corpsman's Roman Dey, Djimon Hounsou as Ronan's henchman Colas, and Benicio Del Toro as the Collector. These actors have limited screen time, but they make the most of their roles through good writing and dramatic flair.
I have only minor criticisms of this film. Firstly, the first act of the movie felt a little rushed and could have spent more time explaining things in a little more detail, so the movie could be a little longer (other team members It's fun to spend more time with ). Insights. Secondly, some die-hard Guardians of the Galaxy comics fans (myself included) are skeptical because the movie isn't 100% sticking to his guns and there hasn't been a comic book movie ever adapted. , would be a little distracting. Finally, as always, there's a secret ending at the end of the credits. It's funny to some extent, but I was hoping for some kind of unifying harbinger in future MCU installments, so it's not compelling. Of course, all of this was a bit of an issue for me, and didn't really stop my fascination with the film and all the geeky stuff.
FINAL THOUGHTS OF THE FILM :
Was it a risk? yes. Was it worth the risk? I definitely think so. wrong? of course. See you again multiple times. Guardians of the Galaxy has a very unique charm and self-assured confidence. It's a bold, fast-paced summer action blockbuster that's super fun (laughter) and super funny, all while dancing to its own drum beat. Personally, it was a great movie that met my very high expectations and delighted my inner Comic Shounen fan. For me, it was not only the best movie of the summer, but also the best movie of the year so far, as Guardians of the Galaxy 2 has already been confirmed by Marvel (the release date is set for 2017). ), and the long wait for the next chapter begins.It will be interesting to see where Marvel takes its cinematic universe in the upcoming Phase III saga (the Phase II saga will be next year with Ant-Man). end). I hope one day we will see a movie where Earth's Mightiest Heroes (the Avengers) join forces with the Guardians of the Galaxy. This is a movie I can't wait to see.
0 Comments