So, Chris Pratt, famous for the TV show ‘Parks and Recreation’ and being married to Anna Faris plays main character Peter Quill, a human who is stolen from Earth by a group of alien mercenaries moments after his mother dies before his eyes in hospital. He will have gathered more fame recently for voicing Emmet in ‘The Lego Movie’ but other than that not too many people will know him as an actor. So to be honest it makes sense to cast someone like that as a leading man that very few people know about from a series of Marvel comics that very few people know about. And I’m pleased to say the casting of Pratt works. It works big time. I honestly can’t remember the last time I watched someone with such charisma and confidence on-screen; Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man doesn’t count for me as he isn’t a classic lead hero. You like him the second he starts dancing his way through the opening credits listening to his precious awesome mix vol. 1 tape given to him by his mother. He is believable as someone who can kick ass despite all those comedy elements and on top of that makes us sympathetic as memories of his mother are brought up here and there to give the film its emotional anchor.
Give me the keys you fucking cock-sucker
The rest of the cast are brilliant too. Zoe Saldana does another solid job playing an alien. She’ll be hoping she isn’t on the road to being type casted. If anything her character Gamora is probably the least interesting out of everybody, but that’s only because the rest of them have such unique personality ticks and back stories. Vin Diesel is great as Groot, the miniature Ent who can only say, ‘I am Groot.’ A combination of his voice work and the excellent animation make this character an instant fan favourite. The real surprise is Dave Bautista, the professional wrestler who plays Drax, a character who lost his wife and daughter at the hands of lead villain Ronan (Lee Pace). He comes from a race who take everything literally and don’t understand metaphors or sarcasm which contributes to many of the laughs throughout the film. He really does give a great performance. Usually wrestlers or body builders are pretty wooden and star in garbage, but Bautista gives a performance worthy of a really, really good professional actor so, hats off to you sir. Finally there is Bradley Cooper as Rocket, the genetically enhanced raccoon. If you didn’t know it was Bradley Cooper beforehand, I seriously doubt his voice would be recognisable. Friend and buddies with Groot, his ill temper brings about the most conflict in the group but also many of the laughs too (in particular, his required items for escaping the prison). I anticipated him just being a trigger-happy, gets the group into trouble kind of character but he is very much the brains which was a nice surprise.
Pratt channelling the ‘Everything is awesome’ attitude
The first half of the film is definitely more fun than the second half. The first half brings the characters together and throws them into a high security prison from which they have to escape if they want to sell the orb (that Peter stole in the opening scene) and stop Ronan getting his hands on it. This whole sequence was really interesting and fun to watch as mishaps ensue and they have to problem solve their way out of it. The second half becomes a classic stop the villain before he destroys a world with the power of the McGuffin. It was still enjoyable to watch, but it would be nice to see a big budget action-adventure film not have to finish with the giant battle at the end.
Hit me with your rhythm stick
The production quality is fantastic as nothing takes place on Earth other than the opening scene which gave the film-makers ample opportunity to create these new worlds. The sets look great with a classic sci-fi overcrowded look that’s a bit dirty and grimy; the special effects are great (which is to be expected nowadays) especially the stuff in space. And there aren’t too many weird looking aliens. A lot of the aliens are humans who have been painted a different colour which is classic and yet refreshing to see. What really gives the film its heart and comedy in certain places is the soundtrack that comes from Peter’s awesome music tape. It sets the atmosphere wonderfully and creates the fun, not to be taken too seriously tone of the film which is wonderful to see. I haven’t had as much fun watching a film in the cinema since ‘Scott Pilgrim vs The World.’ And I probably enjoyed this more than ‘Avengers Assemble’ because of the new characters and the less serious tone.
Summary
An epically fun film packed with adventure, wit, comedy, excitement, great performances and a big heart. The second half follows the same path of the many superhero films of the past, but it is still superbly entertaining thanks to the characters and is hardly something to cry about. Can’t wait to see it again.
4.5/5
Craig Wilson
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