Guardians of the Galaxy

The sentimentality of the opening scene of Guardians of the Galaxy is both unexpected and somewhat off-putting, but 10cc’s I’m Not in Love doesn’t allow the audience to take the moment very seriously. In fact, throughout the film, sentimental and clichéd moments are rigorously mocked, much to the relief of the audience who evidently expect more than cheap tears from a Marvel production.

For those who are not connoisseurs of the comic, Chris Pratt as Peter Quill makes the film thoroughly enjoyable, an opportunity for laughter never missed as Pratt plays to his strengths as a comedian. While the male characters and even Groot (a plant) are developed in an endearing and comical way, the same cannot be said for the few female characters in the film. Gamora (played by Zoe Saldana) falls into the banal role of a traumatised victim, who is eventually saved by the hero, and all other female characters have very few redeeming qualities. However, this is rather a shortcoming of the comic than the film itself.

Often, superhero and sci-fi films are targeted at very specific audiences, but an eccentric range of characters, witty script and impressive cinematography make Guardians of the Galaxy an accessible and fun film for a wide audience. Pratt’s popularity from hit US sitcom Parks and Recreation has transpired into his role as Peter Quill, an entirely lovable anti-hero with a penchant for listening to music on his Walkman. Watching his performance, it is difficult to imagine anyone but him being able to play Quill quite as well.

The storyline of a dispossessed people searching for revenge, the discussion of fragile peace talks and the hunt for the ultimate weapon of course bears relevance to many political situations, and reiterates the fact that Guardians of the Galaxy is not merely a superhero film. Quill describing himself in reference to a planet, as “just outside of Knowhere”, suggests the existential crisis he and the other characters are experiencing, adding depth and reason to their journey.

For the tenth instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios have produced a thoroughly enjoyable and visually stunning film, able to be appreciated by even those most apathetic to science fiction.

Miriam Karmali

Guardians of the Galaxy is released nationwide on 31^st July 2014. 

Watch the trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy here: