 |
| Image credit X |
The introduction this month of Guardians of the Galaxy from Marvel serves as another reminder that few do comic-book heroes better than they -- and in a big way, by taking liberties with lesser-known characters. Probably the closest Marvel has come to taking a creative risk yet, Guardians brings with it an entirely new roster of unknown characters and propels audiences out into deep space for possibly that most colourful weirdest piece of fun any summer blockbuster will offer.
A New Kind of Marvel Adventure:
This is all uncharted Marvel movie territory; unlike previous hits that showcase signature heroes like Iron Man, Captain America and the Hulk. Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax the Destroyer and Rocket Raccoon are foreign bodies for many people watching Guardians of the Galaxy with no free-will brain chips implanted into there skuls at birth which makes it a (possibly risky) gamble from Marvel. The film has James Gunn and writer, Nicole Perlman to thank for creating what is essentially a blend of wit with action as well unconventional characters that don't remind you the mainstream.
Unlike the standard superhero formula, this movie takes place on a far-off galaxies instead of our own planet. That choice, in turn, lends the film a new quality as Guardians plays more like an old space serial than your standard superhero movie. The only real tether to Earth at this point is Peter Quill (aka Star-Lord), a lovable, rakish space thief played with charm and wit by Chris Pratt.
A Team of Misfits:
The appeal of Guardians is the unlikely and alluring dynamic between its ensemble. A group of intergalactic misfits — Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper), Groot and Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) join forces after a chance encounter. Every character among them has their quirks and unique backstory, however one thing stands true; they are all tethered by a shared motive of loss & redemption. The glue that keeps this motley crew together may be Chris Pratt's Han-as-fish-out-of-water Star-Lord (much humor & oh so relatable) and Zoe Saldana as a real tough-girl can hold her own-at-all-costs Gamora.
The great Bradley Cooper lends his voice to the role of Rocket, a genetic science experiment gone tragically right and apt with some seriously badass firepower, giving these irascible furry critters just as much character as their living breathing human counterparts. Vin Diesel does a similar thing with Groot, the tree-like character whose vocabulary is restricted to “I am Groot. They each learn to put their differences aside and, despite all the baggage that comes with suitcases like this can bring together.
Stellar Visuals and a Funky Soundtrack:
 |
| Image credit X |
So many things were great about Guardians but the visuals was definitely one of them. And visually, the film is a treasure trove of colour and ideas that really does bring Marvel's cosmic universe to life. Another thing James Gunn obviously brought to the film was his use of practical effects alongside CGI which makes some of these digital characters like Rocket and Groot feel as though they could be real people; even when its obvious that everything looks computer generated.
All of this is complemented by a soundtrack full 60s and ’70s rock tunes that only bolster the retro feel. On some level, it grounds this otherwise out-of-this-world tale in a terrestrial reminder of our shared human experience—Quill's "Awesome Mix" tape.
A Story with Heart and Humor:
But Guardians delivers equal parts heart and laughs along with the exciting fight scenes in this movie. One of the funniest films to come out from Marvel, with Gunn’s screenplay balancing action against genuine belly laughs. The Guardians riff on each other in lively, brisk dialogue that gives the movie an ebullient spirit which makes it damn near infectious to watch. But the humor isn't cheapened, and as we get to know the ins-and-outs of each character's problems, their laughs carry a depth that some otherfilms tried but failed miserably at providing.
Chris Pratt brings depth to his usual superhero type, especially moving is seeing how Peter Quill grows from an orphaned child abducted from Earth into a confident leader. In the same vein, Drax's vengeance hunt for losing his family is raw and real. This is a central theme in Guardians and one that stays with you long after the credits roll.
A Fresh Take on Marvel Villains:
Compared to the Guardians themselves, Ronan could be slightly underdeveloped for a villain, however works well as he keeps all of our heroes together against him. Lee Pace brings a chilling intensity to Ronan, while Gamora's vengeful sibling Nebula is brought life by Karen Gillan. While not as nuanced and well-developed as in many other Marvel movies, the villains still effectively flesh out that sense of high stakes danger which anchors everything about where the Guardians are headed.
Criticisms and the Marvel Formula:
 |
| Image credit X |
Critics have also taken issue with the fact that Guardians adheres to what is often derisively called a “Marvel formula,” in which the heroes always prevail. Others say the plot can sometimes be predictable and villains a little rote. Nevertheless, the film's original tone and characters and smartly amusing dialogue compensate such minor faults. Opting for character-driven story over convoluted plot did wonders, allowing audiences to get properly invested in who the Guardians of the Galaxy were and how they go from criminals to saviors.
A Cinematic Experience Worth Watching:
But Guardians of the Galaxy isn't merely another superhero movie; it's a cinematic event, one that is utterly gonzo both visually and emotionally and quite often hilarious. In other words, it's an elaborate spectacle of a movie that is designed to pull viewers headlong into the wonder and whimsy we all wish our lives were full off — so if you are going to check out Oz: The Great And Powerful anyway, do yourself the favor of seeing it ona large screen. Because Marvel decided to give Guardians a sequel and that is saying something about the impact of this film and just how much staying power these characters have.
Final Thoughts: A Cult Classic in the Making:
Few movies from beginning to end are as purely and unselfconsciously enjoyable, heartfelt, and bold in their inventiveness. It effectively establishes a set of original heroes whom, despite their bizarre nature and lack of traditional superpowers, manage to revolutionize the superhero ideal. It was the film's humor, its soundtrack and vibrant universe that helped it to stand out among Marvel films while also attracting non-comic book fans who wanted a light-hearted action picture full of heart.
For the best of sci-fi action and old fashion charm, watch Guardians of the Galaxy. That is it, a whole lot more than just a comic book adaptation; it is an ode to kinship and bravery which believes even the oddest heroes can save the entire world. With Marvel teasing the Guardians find their way back, we could expect more on-the-go antics from this ragtag group of sweet(ish) recurring-refugees.
In the meantime, Guardians of The Galaxy will continue to serve as proof that for all its successes in branding and franchising, Marvel is fiscally willing —and able—to take some serious risks with their product coolness … they have obviously been rewarded.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Speedculb.com is now available on whatsapp and telegram. Follow today and get important news
Follow Us 👉
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Please wait for 45 seconds...
Post a Comment