Story-wise, Guardians
does play it safe by having a team up adventure where they’re hesitant to
begin with before growing to like one another, a formula previously success
with 2012’s Avengers Assemble. It is
a formula which works well, and doesn’t force the discomfort of the characters
for very long once they’re sent to the Kyln – a prison planet. But through this
is it does also mean that the film does falter with its villains. Korath is
given very little to do outside of his appearance in the first few minutes and
the big battle in the third act, Nebula is very much a one-dimensional
character who craves attention against sister Gamora (Zoe Saldana), and Ronan, whilst intimidating, is placed under the
title of threatening through conversation rather than appearance and actions.
Even at the end, it’s believed that he’s overthrown in the easiest of manners
until proven otherwise. However, they do succeed in bringing the story along
through the journey of the Guardians, who are a joy to watch.
Starting off with Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), it’s made clear that this has been a banner year for
the comedic actor. Quill is an incredibly strong character with a strong
backstory as seen in the opening of the film. When he jokes, he succeeds; when
he’s emotional, he succeeds; and so on. He is fun to watch as he brings his
fellow outcasts together as he tries to save the galaxy for the sheer reason
that “I’m one of the idiots who live in it”. Female comrade Gamora is also a
nice change along the lines of Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) as a character not defined by her sexuality
unlike various action films prior. As the sole primary female character, she
does have a lot against her, but Saldana
breaks out and makes a strong impact, even if her relationship with Nebula
is conventional. With the casting of wrestler Dave Bautista as Drax, it does appear as more of a choice through physicality
than acting chops, but thankfully the character is so literal and deliberately
one-note that it really works, especially when it comes to Marvel’s trademark
comedy. He’s the character who grows the most as he becomes more than an
avenger of his family. But possibly the main highlight of the film is the extravagant
duo that is Rocket and Groot (Bradley
Cooper and Vin Diesel respectively),
as the two beings bring off two different emotions which brings the film up
from being more than a simple superhero film. Cooper brings off the snarky personality which great ease and not
being held down by an family-related backstory like his fellow Guardians,
whereas Diesel manages to present so
much emotion through his incredibly limited vocabulary as Groot’s clueless
nature brings off a variety of feelings for the audience, ranging from
happiness, hilarity and heart-warming.
As for secondary characters, they don’t play much purpose
outside of threatening or helpful. The
Collector is only there briefly for a bit of exposition, Quill’s mentor Yondu (Michael Rooker) is a mixture of hunter
and saviour, and the members of the Nova Corps are there as part of the
backstory for Ronan and why everyone fears him. John C. Reilly is in possibly his best roles yet, but that is
slightly biased for someone who isn’t a big fan of the likes of Step Brothers or The Dictator, whilst Glenn
Close is likable enough in her limited screen-time.
Guardians of the
Galaxy may play safe with its formulaic approach and limited approach to
its antagonists, its protagonists and comedic elements brings the film up as
being a strong recruit into Marvel Studios’ roster. Add some popular 70s/80s
music throughout, breakout comedy on par with Iron Man 3 and Avengers
Assemble and some strong visuals by director James Gunn, it does make up a strong film which is great to watch
from start to finish. I can’t comment on the end credits sequence(s) due to it
being kept until official release next week, but even without those teasers it
is still great viewing. 8/10
Guardians of the Galaxy is released in the UK 31st July and USA on 1st August
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