Marvel’s latest flick, Guardians of the Galaxy, is a bit of a different breed than we normally see in the superhero genre. It is, simply put, set up like a comedy. Almost like a spoof of itself.
The film follows Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) aka Star-Lord, after he’s abducted from Earth, along with his 1980s, mixed-tape Walkman. Flash forward twenty-something years, and he’s now a Ravager (aka thief who travels among the planets, taking and selling what doesn’t belong to him). While trying to steal an ord, he encounters Gamora (Zoe Saldana)—an alien assassin; Drax the Destroyer (Dave Batista)—a warrior with vengeance on his (very literal) brain; Rocket (Bradley Cooper)—a genetically engineer raccoon bounty hunter; and Groot (Vin Diesel)—a friendly tree-like humanoid who says “I am Groot” as an answer to every question. They inadvertently become a gang.
Together, as a collection of misfits, they find out that if the orbs falls into the wrong hands, it could destroy the galaxy. So, some with selfish reasons, they decide to save it. But they aren’t exactly cut out for galaxy saving. Or noble intentions. Or working together. Chaos and hilarity ensues.
The comedy is not over-the-top in a Scary Movie kind of way. But the majority of characters break mold from their super-serious, we-need-to-save-the-world personalities, and they do it pretty regularly. It had the audience continually breaking into laughter.
Also a highlight was Gamora—not only because Zoe Saldana is amazing (and frequently gets cast as an alien for some reason, usually in a different colour than her regular skin), but also because, more generally, it’s nice to see a woman kick ass. She isn’t a sidekick or someone with limited abilities. She is right there fighting with the rest of them.
However, from a feminist perspective, Marvel still has some catching up to do, even when it comes to powerful female characters like Gamora. Why does she have to keep getting rescued like some damsel in distress? Why does being a female fighter automatically make her hard and emotionally closed-off while her male counterparts get to be far more vulnerable and still maintain their fierceness? Equality, people. Sigh. Perhaps a conversation for another time.
Here’s the run down:
Action: Check. Fly through space and follow these memorable characters through elaborate plans with tons of fighting and explosions.
Humour: Like I said before, this is The Avengers script dialed up. The serious action is continually broken up by moments that will have you in stitches.
Music: Normally, I would put love here. But, while there is a budding romance between Quill Gamora, the 80s music takes precedence. The Walkman plays a key part and the songs will stay in your head (in the non-annoying way) for long after the credits roll.
Check it out the Guardians of the Galaxy trailer!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B16Bo47KS2g
What Do You Think? Leave A Comment!