INTRO
Guardians of the Galaxy is the 10th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) that was started with Iron Man in 2008. Th MCU is developed in phases: Phase 1: was all of the solo super hero titles ( Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Iron Man 2, Captain America) before capping off with 2012's The Avengers a team-up film that was a commercial and critical success. Phase 2 consists of the sequels: Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Guardians of the Galaxy (GOTG) rounds out the films of phase 2 before it is similarly capped off with Avengers:Age of Ultron in 2015.
Of the aforementioned Phase 2 projects, Guardians seemed to be a long shot as well as a deep financial and critical risk to the studio and the interconnected franchise. This risk was based upon several factors: First GOTG was the first film of "new" material since 2011, and therefore the only film that did not have a built in audience that was solidified by The Avengers. Second, the Guardians consisted of characters few people in the mainstream had ever heard of not to mention that among their ranks are an anthropomorphic tree and a talking raccoon (and that's not getting into the REALLY weird ones) something that the mainstream could potentially find silly. Thirdly, it was tasked with expanding the MCU beyond earth that was teased at the end of The Avengers (with the inclusion of Thanos).
I have covered the build up to this film in previous posts Here, Here and Here. Yet, even though I knew that I, and many other fans were swayed; I was still worried about the mainstream reception. It seems that both Marvel and the box office gurus (Boxofficemojo.com) were trepidacious in their financial estimates; giving the film an estimated 40 mil opening weekend gross with a hope of 450 mil world wide when it finally left the theaters. In its first weekend, the film obliterated the August record (and expectations) with a total of 94 million domestically and another 70 mil in foreign markets (making it's 160 mil production budget back in its first weekend). The box office numbers are a result and a reflection of the added critical success of the film. leading to its current week one world box office total of $226,890,839 As of the writing of this review; I have seen the film 4 times (in the span of one week) and plan at least another few viewings. For me, it is as if The Guardians jumped out of the comics and on to the screen.But for the mainstream, I believe it was a combination of the tone of a space epic adventure film that takes its self seriously without sacrificing its sense of fun, the music, and humor that captured them and hopefully sends them back for more.
PLOT
26 years after being abducted on earth by space pirates as a child, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) aka "Star-Lord", now a thief, gets in the middle of a conflict between two feuding alien races (The Xandarians and the Kree), a zealot (Lee Paces's Ronan) and a powerful dictator (Thanos played by Josh Brolin) when he steals an orb of unknown origin. Once he gets captured for the theft and sentenced to prison, he creates an uneasy alliance with, in his words, "an assassin (Gamora played by Zoe Saldana) "two thugs" ( Rocket and Groot voiced and motion captured by Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel) "and a maniac" (Drax played by Dave Bautista) in order to escape. Initially, this motley crew of misfits stick together by necessity and financial gain. Yet when the orb (now understood as a weapon of immense power) falls into the wrong hands, this group of loners and outcasts band together to save the Galaxy.
ANALYSIS
I can not stress enough how much fun this film is. It is riddled with humor, heart, action, and wit while being rooted in relationships with an emotional core. With so much detail and depth, I was surprised at how briskly the film moves along; to the point where jokes happen in such rapid succession that the audience doesn't have time to laugh at it all (which might have been strategic to keep them coming back for multiple viewings) keeping the audience both entertained and on their toes. Even though there is a basic three act structure that is easy to dissect, the stunning visuals, characters and snappy dialogue keep you distracted from it. However, even with all of the flash bang of the visuals and the action set pieces the crux of this film relies on the development of a group of lonely, tortured and lost souls into a loving (albeit unconventional) family. For that reason, the rest of my review will be a character study of each of the guardians.
CHARACTERS
Peter Quill
When we first met Quill he is in a state of arrested development. Plucked off Earth (called Terra in the film) moments after the death of his mother he has yet to come to terms with it 26 years later. He still listens to her favorite music (through a walkman that acts as his only life line to home) insists that people call him "Star-lord" (her pet name for him), and can not bring himself to open her last gift. Even though we see this unfold, we still get a sense at the beginning of the film that he is a womanizing scumbag that only cares about himself. Yet, it is only though the threat of galactic annihilation does Quill step up to be the leader and the hero he always wanted to be; with the understanding that it takes sacrifice to be worthy of greatness (and a great code name).
Pratt has great comedic timing as is great as Peter Quill. However, in those few heavy moments in the film, I was wishing he had more dramatic range. But I give him a pass, as he is trying to branch out. I look forward to his improvements by the time Guardians 2 comes out on July 28th 2017.
Great Quotes:
Quill: Right now life is giving us a chance.
Darx: To do what?
Quill: To give a shit; and not run away.
Rocket: Why would you want to save the galaxy?
Quill: Because I am one of the idiots who lives in it!
Gamora
The adopted daughter of Thanos and dubbed "The deadliest woman in the galaxy." The film version of Gamora is a significant departure from the comics. In the comics, Gamora is far less vulnerable with an exterior of the warrior badass that is only shed in private moments. In the film, that vulnerability is more visible to the point where she teeters in the edge of becoming trope of both the strong woman warrior AND the damsel in distress. While I am glad to get a clearer viewpoint into Gamora's emotions, I would have like to see her be more direct. At least she wasn't too overtly sexualized in the film, not counting when she used her sex appeal to disarm Quill upon their first meeting.
I think Zoe Saldana did an excellent job capturing the essence of Gamora while adding a new spin. I look forward to her proving Gamora's moniker in the next film.
Great Quotes:
Gamora: Who put the sticks up their butts? That's...cruel.
Gamora: We're just like Kevin Bacon.
Gamora: I know who you are Peter Quill. I am not some quivering waif that will
succumb to your...pelvic sorcery!
Drax
Drax's film version is more compelling than in the comics. In the film, Drax (who is a race of unknown origin) is intelligent and well spoken, albeit quite literal in his speech. This gives Drax a much needed personality quirk not allowing him to be overshadowed as a strong man, and gives him great opportunities for comic relief. While I was initially hesitant about the change of Ronan murdering Drax's family instead of Thanos, by films end that was rectified.
I was a little worried that Dave Bautista would not have the ability to do Drax justice. Yet, when I learned that his process to get the role was grueling and upon landing the role immediately signed up for more acting classes, I started to have faith. My faith was rewarded. Not only does he add a much neeeded gravitas and dimension to the character, his comedic timing gets some of the biggest laughs every time I've seen it.
Great Quotes:
Drax: I am NOT A PRINCESS!
Drax: You are an Imbecile.
Drax: You are an honorable man, Quill. I will fight beside you. And in the end, I will see my wife
and daughter again.
Rocket
Rocket is one of the two break out stars of the film. It is thanks to Sean Gunn (set stand in) and Bradley Cooper (voice) not to mention the amazing visual effects team that allowed Rocket to work so well. Rocket is spot on in the film as he is in the comics; a master tactician with a Napoleon complex ( that is illistrated by his love for bombs and large guns) brash, witty and sarcastic this is just a front to hide the pain of years of torture that transformed him into a "little monster" who he fears is being mocked by everyone. Slowly throughout the film (in large part to his moral compass in Groot), He embraces his new found family, willing to die for them.
I was pleased that Bradley Cooper didn't use his regular voice for the role. He spun it with a Brooklyn accent that gave Rocket a more gravelly hard-edged attitude than the cockney accent used in the animated TV appearances.
Great Quotes
Rocket: Ain't no thing like me, 'cept me.
Rocket: Hmm, Hm, HmHmHm.
Rocket: (after seeing the power of the Infinity stone) What do you still have it for!
Drax: Let's put more of this liquid into our bodies!
Rocket: That's the first thing you've said that isn't bat-shit crazy!
Drax: This vermin speaks of things that he knows nothing about.
Rocket: THAT IS TRUE!
Drax: He has no respect!
Rocket: THAT IS ALSO TRUE!
Groot
Groot is the other break out star in this film. If Rocket was the Heart of the film; Groot is its soul. Groot in the film is a bit more downplayed than his comic counterpart. In the Comics, Groot is of royal lineage and he is one of the smartest creatures in the Galaxy. While they did not delve into this aspect of Groot's history in the film, there is always room to grow in the sequel. What was telling, and the most important similarity between the film abd the comics is Groot's respect for all life. He is both sweet, caring and protective of the rest of the Guardians.
When I heard that Vin Diesel was going to be voicing Groot I thought it was perfect casting. What I was surprised by was 1) how James Gunn wrote out on Vin Diesel's script the translation for every variation of the "I am Groot." line. and 2) How Groot's respect for all life helped Vin Diesel get over the sudden death of his friend and fellow actor Paul Walker.
Great Quotes:
Groot: I am Grooot.
Groot: I. AM. GROOOOOOT!
Groot: We, are...Groot.
CONCLUSION
This is by far the best Marvel Film. The Guardians themselves represent what Marvel is all about: Fun and Heart. I can not wait till Guardians 2 where I assume Quill will meet his Dad, "the dickhead King of the Universe" Jyson of Spartax. Leading up to Avengers 3 when I hope the Guardians and the Avengers team up to fight Thanos and the Infinity Gauntlet.
After I finished the Abnett and Lanning run and moved on to Bendis's current run I came to a shocking realization. I loved the Guardians more than The Avengers.In fact, they are my favorite superhero (if you can call them that) team. The Guardians seem to be more of a family than the Avengers, and that has always been important thing I look for. And like the Guardians of the comics I love The Guardians of the Galaxy film leaps and bounds over The Avengers. I AM hooked on a feeling, and the feeling is that I can't get enough of this film. I hope everyone feels the same.
For more on the Guardians watch this:
