MOVIE REVIEW: Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy #GuardiansoftheGalaxy

First things first, if you do not already have tickets for this movie, go get some. I mean right now. Buy tickets. Go on, I'll wait. Because seriously, you do not want to be the only person who hasn't seen Guardians of the Galaxy.

Image © Marvel.

I've read reviews of the movie already (which lowly bloggers like myself were embargoed until today, so these are the "pros") and some are calling it the Star Wars of this generation. And they would be right. I have been sitting on my hands waiting to gush over just how amazing this movie is. In fact, it is SO amazing, that I didn't even get tickets to the press screener! That's right, I had to win my tickets off the morning news like a chump! (But THANKS NBC4! I appreciated it!)

Image © Marvel.

I will be honest, I went into this movie with no knowledge of the Guardians, although I did get a Rocket Raccoon comic on Free Comic Book Day this year. I just hadn't gotten around to reading it. Honestly, you don't need any knowledge of the team going in. You will still have an enjoyable movie-going experience without background. But be forewarned, especially moms: you will probably cry in the first ten minutes. I did. I'm not going to post any spoilers, but save it to say, it's got a well-known Marvel origin story (and Disney too, for that matter).

Images © Marvel.

The visuals are absolutely stunning. We had the chance to see it in 3D and unless you're toting little kids along, I highly recommend it. They did a fantastic job with it. Speaking of kids, yes the film is rated PG-13, and there is some language and obviously violence, as well as some peril that might upset kids. TV Boy loves a good action superhero flick, so we will be taking him along with my mother to see it. If your kids made it through Avengers or any other Marvel film, they're probably going to be okay. Rocket has a mouth on him, but no F-bombs or anything like that.

Image © Marvel.

The soundtrack is a rockin' good time as well, and it's not normal that we say that for a Marvel flick. The music plays an important role in the film, and the main character Peter Quill aka Star Lord, even risks his life for it. Fans of pop music in the 80's will be delighted.

Image © Marvel.

Random geeky thing: Hey look! It's Karen Gillian! Or, if you're a Whovian, you might know her better as Amy Pond. She plays kind-of-nemesis Nebula, the daughter of Thanos and half-sister to Gamora, one of the eventual Guardians. This is the reason she cut off all her beautiful red hair. Her performance is seriously hardcore, but I have to say I wish she didn't play it with an American accent. It just felt... wrong. Let the brogue go free, Ms. Gillian! (And while you're at it, pass the message on to David Tennant in Gracepoint... yeesh!)

Image © Marvel.

The characters are all incredibly well-written. Even Groot (seen above) who only says five different words throughout the film, manages to hit you right in the feels a few times. Bautista (as wrestling fans know him best) playing Drax squeaks in a few laughs. Bradley Cooper as Rocket steals the show in every scene in which he appears. Chris Pratt as Star Lord, honestly I couldn't have picked a better person to play it. He has that aloof but sweet quality that makes the character worth rooting for. Zoe Saldana's fight scene with Karen Gillian... so much "I am woman, hear me roar" action I can't even begin to tell you. The writing is snappy and hilarious. All around, it's a spectacular movie!

Images © Marvel.

Everyone has asked me about the after-the-credits scene Marvel always throws in... I really couldn't tell you. Because I did not get to see it! The folks who put the screeners together made absolutely certain that the secret is kept until launch day and had it removed. I've never seen an entire theatre full of people's hopes and dreams dashed all at once before, so I guess in a way it was worth it, but we're definitely planning a second, paying trip to the movies to catch it for real. Points Marvel. Points.

Image © Marvel.

Do yourself a favor and make sure you get out to see this movie early. Thanks to SDCC, we know there is already a sequel in the works. This is a franchise you're going to want to be a part of. You will not regret having seen it. I can absolutely guarantee that. If I gave ratings, this would have received the highest one from me. It's that good. I want to RATE IT. You know that has to mean something! Seriously. See this movie!


Disclosure: Yes, I saw this movie for free, but it was a freak chance win from NBC4i.com, not my usual outlets. See my Disclosure tab for more information about how I usually see movies like this one.