Possibly the most highly anticipated movie this summer was the next film in the Marvel series, “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Marvel has created 10 films since its first, “Iron Man,” which was released in May 2008. While I watched this film, I was pleasantly surprised that a superhero movie could be equal parts action, comedy and love story.
Big names in this film include Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Starlord, Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Vin Diesel as Groot, Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer and Bradley Cooper as the voice of Rocket Racoon. The casting was very well done and the chemistry between the actors felt genuine, which was an impressive feat.
The movie begins in 1988 with a young Peter Quill visiting his mother in her final moments of life, listening to his tape player. In despair, he flees the hospital and is beamed up into what we assume is an alien spaceship. Twenty-six years later, on a distant planet we watch as Quill steals an orb, but is almost stopped by Korath, a subordinate to the violent leader of the rebel group Kree, Ronan. Although Quill escapes with the orb, Yondu, the master of his original crew, discovers his theft and issues a bounty for his capture. Meanwhile Ronan sends the assassin (also his adoptive daughter) Gamora after the orb. She is almost successful. In her attempts, Quill, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon and his tree companion Groot are arrested by the Nova Corps. While in the Kyln, a heavily guarded prison, this group meets another outcast who promises to help them escape if they promise to help him kill Ronan. The rest of the movie follows the eclectic group as they discover the evil plots of Ronan. The characters grow together to form the group the “Guardians of the Galaxy.” This film also sets up the characters and backstory for future Marvel Films, in which the titan Thanos attempts to take over the galaxy with the help of all-powerful infinity stones.
One of the best aspects of this film was the soundtrack, which consisted of original pieces composed by Tyler Bates as well as oldies from the ’70s and ’80s. These were fun for both teenagers and adults. Some of these famous hits include “O-O-H Child,” “I Want You Back,” “Spirit in the Sky,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” and “Come and Get Your Love.” These songs served as an emotional guide for the audience, a sense of nostalgia for viewers that grew up with the original Marvel Comics. The music also lightened what could otherwise be called a very intense film. Another unexpected theme was dancing, which did not appear in any of the other Marvel films. I thought this was one of the best choices Marvel made. By adding humor and lightness, Marvel was able to appeal to a wider audience than just action movie fans and comic book lovers. Marvel may have started an even bigger comic book revolution than had happened with “The Avengers.”
I strongly recommend seeing this movie because it is entertaining for a wide range of viewers. The movie was able to keep the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats for the entire 122 minutes. It is an almost perfect balance of comedy, action and romantic tension accompanied with a spectacular soundtrack.
