Review: Guardians of the Galaxy

Over the years there have been many 'space' films that have left an immense impression on the audience. 2001: A Space Odyssey, Alien (and it's sequels), Avatar and of course, the legend that is the Star Wars saga. Now Marvel has thrown its hat (or should that be space helmet) into the ring with the release of Guardians of the Galaxy. Could the tale of five misfits saving the universe be any good? In short, hell yeah!

The director, James Gunn, and the many Marvel producers have assembled a cast that is simply close to perfect. They work well together even when they are trying to kill each other. Chris Pratt has made the important step from idiotic supporting roles to bona fide leading man, and lead he does. It's hard to imagine anyone else taking on the part of Peter Quill; hell, he IS Peter Quill. The character is Captain Kirk, Han Solo and John Crichton all rolled up in one sarcastic, heroic package.

The rest of the cast are also as wonderful. Saldana's Gamora is as beautiful as she is deadly; Batista (billed as Dave Bautista) proves some wrestlers can act, as the vengeful Drax, Vin Diesel makes 3 words mean so much as walking tree, Groot, and last, but definitely not least, Bradley Cooper as the voice of bounty hunter Rocket Raccoon (who, along with Pratt, had some of the best lines of the movie). I could go on and on about how good each actor is, and each one is fantastic in their respective roles, but it's together that they excel.

The villains are also well cast if not slightly under used. The face off between Gamora and Nebula (Karen Gillan) teased in the trailer was a little bit of a let down. Lee Pace plays central bad guy Ronan the Accuser but most fans will be salivating at the prospect of seeing Thanos, brought to life by an unrecognisable Josh Brolin. Ronan is evil, but we all know in which direction this film, and it's already announced sequel, is heading.

The film is visually stunning. I made no notes at all during the film as I couldn't tear my eyes away from the screen for fear of missing a second. The script, written by Gunn and Nicole Perlman, is funny and snappy. Rocket and Quill may have had the best lines but the cast were each given their moments.

I must also make special mention of the soundtrack. There are some awesome songs from the 1970s and 80s that sound great but also add to the story.

The film is amazing, I cannot recommend it enough. It makes me excited for the sequel as well as for the future of the Marvel franchise.

As usual stay until the end of the credits, although younger viewers may not quite get the last scene.