Veknoid_Outcast on 12 March 2018
| Doc755 said: “You said if yourself, bitch. We’re the Guardians of the Galaxy.” (They said the title!) Guardians stills feels fresh and entertaining even after multiple viewings. The plot is a retread of what we’ve seen before but the packaging is new and exciting. Taking characters not as well known and moving the action off Earth and into the limitless possibilities of space gives the writers/director a freer hand to break the mold a bit (while still being saddled with laying the groundwork of the overarching Infinity Stones plot). A look at the opening sequence really serves as a microcosm for the film. It starts with an epic, Raiders of the Lost Ark vibe-like search for a valuable item before launching into the funky and funny credits sequence set to “Come and Get Your Love.” The film had me as Star-Lord kicked some Orlonis to the beat and even used one as a microphone. Not really sure how else to say that the film just felt fun. You wanted to spend time with the characters and get to know them. The bickering banter, the awesome (mix) soundtrack and the characterizations all came together for a diverting two hours that never feels like it lags. Yes, you start to notice some of the plot holes on subsequent viewings but that never detracts from the enjoyment of the moment. Franchise-wise, we get our third (official) Infinity Stone and some backstory on all of them. Coming at the exact midway point of the entire saga (to Infinity War anyway), it makes sense we finally get some history on these mcguffins. I guess it’s a fair trade off. The plot would be sorely lacking if you didn’t enjoy the characters and their arcs as much as you do. Sadly, we still get some seriously under-utilized villains. Ronan barely is given any motivation other than to destroy Xandar. Nebula (who is given a lot more in the sequel) is little more than the embittered sister. Michael Rooker as Yondu is the most memorable and he’s not really a true villain. Overall, the film is successful at establishing a team, developing each of the individual characters, and providing an enjoyable romp that never feels forced. Compare this with Suicide Squad which is essentially the same concept. When Drax says “No one talks to my friends like that” right AFTER calling Gamora a whore, it feels earned. All these lost souls were looking for connections and family and found it amongst each other. It makes Groot’s sacrifice all the more heartbreaking because even though they’ve only known each other a few days(?) he was willing to sacrifice himself for all of them. Another nice moment is when Drax comforts Rocket at the end of the film. Forty minutes ago, Rocket was ready to shoot Drax in the face multiple times. As the Guardians join hands to help Star-Lord contain the power of the Infinity Stone, it’s the visual embodiment of the connection they have forged over the film. They are stronger together and can accomplish the impossible. They’re willing to put their lives on the line for one another. They’re the Guardians of the Galaxy. Side note: I had a huge smile on my face when they appeared at the end of the Infinity War trailer. It’ll be fun to seem them interact with the Avengers. I’m going to give Guardians of the Galaxy a 7/10. A run of the mill plot for Marvel and weak villains can’t bring down what is truly a story of family, sacrifice and loyalty. Watching it this time around, I’m not sure I’d buy that they all would put their lives on the line so quickly after meeting each other but it doesn’t hurt the overall flow of the film. Seeing the characters as “losers” as Star-Lord puts it more in context that they would seek out others to make up for those lost connections. Combine that heartfelt story with great action (the scuffle on Xandar and the prison escape being highlights) and a smashing soundtrack and you have a recipe for a a really good film. Current Rankings: 1) Captain America: The Winter Soldier 2) Iron Man 3) The Avengers 4) Guardians of the Galaxy 5) The Incredible Hulk 6) Black Panther 7) Iron Man 3 8) Captain America: The First Avenger 9) Thor: The Dark World 10) Thor 11) Iron Man 2 |
It's for sure a MacGuffin, but I appreciate the way Gunn acknowledges the plot device: "So this orb has a real shiny blue suitcase/Ark of the Covenant/Maltese Falcon sort of vibe, what is it?"
The entire movie is subversive in small, clever ways. Gamora yawning during the slow-mo hero shot. Peter strutting his stuff through the ruined facility. Gunn found a nice middle ground between his own quirkiness and the narrative demands of the studio.
