GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

It’s a rare film that can successfully mix action and comedy, oh many think they can do it but only a few can blend the two well. Guardians of the Galaxy is one of those films that can make fun of itself even as it keeps you hooked on the action scenes and characters. Even more impressive is the fact that all of this is preceded by an opening that looks like it’s been spliced in from another movie and it’s to the credit of director James Gunn and child actor Wyatt Olef that this works. Once the movie gets rolling we’re introduced to each of the titular guardians. The chemistry of the cast (despite two of them not being psychically present on set) combines with a witty and well written script to make us believe not only in the individual characters but the team as a whole (even before the characters themselves perhaps). Performance wise Chris Pratt makes a convincing anti-hero but in some respects he is outshone by Rocket (Bradley Cooper ) whose sharp and sarcastic tone often makes you forget you’re watching a talking racoon, and Drax, played by David Bautista (better known by wrestling fans as Batista). One of the funniest things about Guardians is how it can laugh at itself and its clichés without descending into parody. For example, the slow motion walk down the corridor, the inspiring speech etc are all there but with a unique twist that gets a laugh even as you still take the story seriously. The only downsides come from some aspects of the plot with some unneeded sentiment near the film’s ending seeming a bit out of place. The villain Ronan (Lee Pace) seems a bit same old-same old and dull compared to the lively cast of heroes. These, however, are both things that can be fixed with a future sequel which, given the success the film is enjoying, seems guaranteed FINAL VERDICT 9/10 A solid example of how to do an adventure film