The movie-going public today have come to expect a lot from movies based on comic book series. For starters, moviegoers always anticipate exciting action sequences in which heroes and villains square off in an intense fashion. Also, audiences can also look forward to seeing actresses and actors play their roles in a style that captures the essence of how their characters behave in the comic book series of which the movie is based. What's more- and this is of the utmost importance for a comic book movie to be completely successful- audiences expect an enthralling story rich in twists and turns that keep audiences on the edge of their seats throughout the film's duration. All of these aspects are heavily expected by moviegoers in today's age. However, in the current era of Hollywood blockbusters, a new aspect has come into play that audiences can look forward to when visiting their local theater. I am talking about I'm talking about the aspect of genuine humor being utilized to entertain audiences.
And thanks to Marvel Studios, audiences can view big budget action films that have moments of comedy interspersed with action packed sequences. Marvel Studios have accomplished this feat by signing on charismatic performers to portray their respected superheroes. In addition, screenwriters have written scripts that contain some humorous dialogue as well as scene descriptions that deliver sincere laughter from crowds when witnessing the performers' on-screen personas act them out on the big screen. In most instances, these moments of hilarity are sprinkled out ever so slightly during the film; thus delivering quick laughs..However, unlike 2008's "Iron Man", 2012's "The Avengers", and this year's release of "Captain America: The Winter Soldier", Director and Screenwriter James Gunn has delivered to audiences a blockbuster that, while consisting of plenty of action and a serious plotline, contains plenty of humor that further satisfies the audience. I'm talking about "Guardians of the Galaxy"; which features a core cast of likable characters that moviegoers are able to root for- thanks in large part to the acting as well as the enjoyable chemistry of the main cast. Combined with a screenplay written by Gunn and Nicole Perlman that is rich in humor and heart as well as beautiful computerized imagery, I can honestly say that:
"Guardians of the Galaxy" is an Intergalactic Ride of Humor, Thrills, and Emotion!
Released on August 1st, "Guardians of the Galaxy" tells the story of Peter Quill; who, as a child who is abducted from Earth, following the death of his mother by a group of intergalactic criminals known as the Ravagers; led by Yondu Udonta, boisterously played by Michael Rooker, who raises Quill as one of his own. Years after his abduction, Peter Quill, played spiritedly by Chris Pratt, is a brash space thief. Arriving at a mysterious planet, Quill uncovers and steals a sacred orb in an ancient temple. Using his wits and his cunning, Quill escapes Korath, played by Djimon Hounson, an associate of the treacherous villain Ronan the Accuser; fiercely played by Lee Pace. Some time after his excape, Chris Pratt's Peter Quill attempts to pawn off the orb on the planet Xandar. However, he is surprise-attacked by Gamora, played strongly by Zoe Saldana, an assassin enlisted by Lee Pace's Ronan in an attempt to retrieve the orb. However, it The fight between Quill and Gamora is soon intercepted by a pair of unusual bounty hunters: a tree-like being named Groot, boldly voiced by Vin Diesel, and a fast-talking genetically engineered raccoon known as Rocket; voiced with gusto by Bradley Cooper, The foursome are eventually arrested by the Nova Corps, the authority force of Xander, and are then taken to an intergalactic jail known as the Kyln. There, the group soon encounters a tough inmate named Drax, played with determination by wrestler-turned-actor Dave Bautista, who longs to seek vengeance on Ronan for killing his family. Drax tries to kill Zoe Saldana's Gamora; due to her ties to Ronan. However, Gamora explains that she wants to prevent the villain from utilizing the power of the orb for his nefarious purposes. Eventually, the group works together in order to escape the prison in order to seek out a purchaser for the orb. After learning its secrets, however, Chris Pratt's Peter Quill, Zoe Saldana's Gamora, Dave Bautisa's Drax the Destroyer, Vin Diesel's Groot, and Bradley Cooper's Rocket Raccoon eventually realize that it's up to them to stop the treacherous Ronan from unleashing the power of the orb for his sinister purposes, And as the events of unfold, the audience finds itself completely engrossed in the action-- thanks in large part to the performances and the chemistry of the film's keen ensemble.
What is so great about "Guardians of the Galaxy" is that each of the protagonists are not only cast perfectly, but they are also well-developed and and emotional. Take, for example, Chris Pratt's likable performance as the film's central character Peter Quill. As Quill, Chris Pratt provides a cheeky attitude and delivery that successfully establishes his protagonist as a charismatic rogue. We can tell from when we first see Pratt as his character that Peter Quill wants it all-- wealth, women, and notoriety. We can tell that he desires the later quality as he desperately attempts to get Djimon Hounson's korath to be aware of his identity through his preferred nickname-- "Star Lord." However, we know there is more to Pratt's on-screen persona; as he is seen to be very protective of his beloved cassette player and headphones; as they are a symbol of his childhood on Earth as well as a reminder of the love of his mother. . And Chris Pratt's acting in "Guardians of the Galaxy" just works perfectly. His quick comedic timing is a delight to watch; as he interacts with his co-stars in a flawless manner. In addition, Chris Pratt does very well when the story requires him to deal with more serious material. He enables his protagonist to attain a sense of responsibility when it is time to confront Lee Pace's Ronan the Accuser during the film's climax. And thanks to his endearing performance, Chris Pratt enables the character of Peter Quill to emerge as a sympathetic protagonist that the audience can cheer for.
And while Chris Pratt offers offers a layered performance as Peter Quill, the same could be said for Zoe Saldana, who delivers a very resolute feat as Gamora. When we first meet Saldan's character, we can assume that she might, in fact be a villain; as she appears to be have allegiance with Lee Pace's Ronan the Accuser. However, the audience is convinced otherwise when she explains that she only wishes to acquire the valuable orb in order to protect the defenseless from its deadly capabilities. As Gamora, Zoe Saldana enables her on-screen persona possess a strong sense of loyalty; as seen from her attempts to maintain her relationship with her adoptive sister Nebular, played by Karen Gillan with pute intensity. Unlike Zoe Saldana's Gamora, Gillan's character is full of hatred and remains strong in her allegiance to Ronan the Accuser. Watching the two battle at certain points is very enthralling; considering that Gamora does care about Nebula's well-being-- as we see her trying to save her sister at a moment where her life is threatened. Thus, Zoe Saldana's on-screen persona possesses a strong sense of righteousness; and she is also the first of our protagonists to realize the sheer threat of the orb and wants to hand it over to the Nova Corps for safekeeping. In addition, it's enjoyable to watch the actress interact as her character with Chris Pratt's Peter Quill. Saldana's Gamora is able to connect with Quill over their difficult childhoods while at the same time fending off his alluring nature; as seen in a very endearing and humorous scene. Thus, the combination of Zoe Saldana's steadfast performance and the screenplay written by James Gunn and Nicole Perlman successfully establish Gamora as a well-developed and sympathetic protagonist.
Image of Zoe Saldana as Gamora and Chris Pratt as Peter Quill taken from http://screenrant.com/guardians-of-the-galaxy-official-set-photos/gamora-zoe-saldana-and-peter-quill-chris-pratt-in-guardians-of-the-galaxy-dark-aster/
In addition, it must be said that the screenplay written by James Gunn and Nicole Perlman does a very fine job establishing the intimidating-yet-sympathetic Drax the Destroyer. However, while the screenplay carefully crafts Drax as a character, it is the performance of Dave Bautista that truly establishes the tragic figure as being completely authentic. Right when the audience meets Drax in the intergalactic prison known as the Kyln, it is learned that the inmate possesses an immense rage. However, it is revealed soon after that Bautista's Drax the Destroyer only has a thirst for vengeance due to his hatred for Lee Pace's Ronan the Accuser for murdering his family. And Dave Bautista's performance works wonders for the character. The wrestler-turned actor enables the audience to see the immense sadness in the eyes of his on-screen persona; thus making his performance even more credible. Dave Bautisa further enables his protagonist to remain ever-determined when facing off against the villainous Ronan; particularly during their first confrontation in the film. What's more, Bautista possess fine chemistry with his fellow castmembers; particularly Chris Pratt's Peter Quill. Watching Pratt's protagonist react in an incredulous manner to the brash actions of Bautista's Drax the Destroyer are fun; particularly due to the later performer's ability to respond in a simple-yet-effective fashion. These series of interactions are particularly enjoyable during the group's escape from from the Kyln. And when declaring his teammates as being his new friends in the events leading to the film's climax,the audience is able to feel the pride in Drax's voice; particularly due to Dave Bautista's believable acting. In short terms, thanks to a fine screenplay as well as the unwavering performance of the wrestler-turned-actor, Drax the Destroyer emerges as a fully-developed and empathetic character.
Yes, the acting of Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Dave Bautista for their characters Peter Quill, Gamora, and Drax the Destroyer is indeed top-notch. But what about the film's central protagonists Rocket the Raccoon and Groot; both of whom required compuetr animation and voice-over recording? Well, thanks to the terrific performances turned in by Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel, their respected characters succeed in emerging as believable and compassionate. Take Cooper's keen voice-work as the skilled marksman known as Rocket. As the freelancing bounty hunter, Cooper provides an enjoyably hard-boiled dialogue and attitude, one so unrecognizable, you wouldn't believe that the well-known actor was providing the voice-work. When first witnessing the tough-as-nails demeanor of the rascally Rocket, the audience realize that this is one mercenary noone should mess with. And Bradley Cooper provides some of the best comedy in the film; particularly due to his sharp delivery. Watching Chris Pratt's Peter Quill interact with the character is great; as Bradley Cooper provides a great sarcastic attitude to Rocket. As Quill makes decisions based on quick thinking; Rocket is the first to hilariously downplay his judgement. This establishes the two characters as a great comedy team; as Bradley Cooper's Rocket Raccoon serves as the perfect foil to Chris Pratt's straight-man Peter Quill. And, when Rocket emotionally describes the pain and anguish he's experienced in his lifetime, Bradley Cooper employs his dramatic acting skills to successfully amplify the character's voice; thus enabling the audience to imagine the pain he endured. That is how good of an actor Bradley Cooper is. And, combining the perfect voice-work of Cooper with the dedicated work of the film's computer animators, who finely crafted the facial expressions of the actor's on-screen persona, the character of Rocket Raccoon emerges as not only a great character but perhaps one of the most memorable characters to appear in a film this year!
Image of Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon taken from http://www.comicbookmovie.com/guardians_of_the_galaxy/news/?a=106166
While the character of Rocket Raccoon is indeed one of the most memorable aspects of "Guardians of the Galaxy," it is more-than-important to address the great character known as Groot. The tree-like humanoid, deeply-voiced by Vin Diesel, proves to be such a compassionate character. This is seen in a lot of scenes with Bradley Cooper's Rocket Raccoon; as the character's facial expressions enable to conveys his emotions. These scenes are great; as the relationship between Rocket and Groot proves to be very emotional; as the duo have clearly been working together for a long time and have formed a meaningful friendship. And thanks to the fine fine computer animation, Groot is able to appear human; despite his tree-like appearance. The animators worked hard to enable the character to express his emotions in simple facial expressions. What's more though the character primarily repeats the same line of dialogue throughout the movie, Vin Diesel utilizes different tones for his voice that enable the audience to connect to the character. And with further thanks to the movies screenplay, the character of Groot proves to be one the audience can wholeheartedly enjoy and care about; especially during a sequence when he risks his very own life too save his teammates. .This is an amazing task; as James Gunn, who flawlessly directs the movie and has co-written the screenplay, got the audience to cheer for such a character that practically speaks only one line of dialogue and is entirely computer-generated. And "Guardians of the Galaxy," accomplishes this with flying colors!
Image of Vin Diesel as Groot taken from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2636970/Vin-Diesel-reveals-Guardians-Of-The-Galaxy-role-helped-deal-grief-loss-Fast-Furious-star-Paul-Walker.html
While each of the central characters of "Guardians of the Galaxy" works on their own, it is their chemistry as a ensemble that is truly remarkable. As we have seen with "The Avengers"; the dynamic is very important in order for all of the characters to be believable as a team. And even though Bradley Cooper's and Vin Diesel's voices are heard for their characters Rocket and Groot respectively, it almost seems as if the actors are visible on screen with Chris Pratt's Peter Quill, Zoe Saldana's Gamora, and Dave Bautista's Drax the Destroyer. One of the film's most enjoyable sequences is when the five characters are seen breaking out of the Kyln. Since this is the first time the fivesome is working together, it is easy to see how they must put aside their differences. Watching Rocket Raccoon bark directions to Chris Pratt's Peter Quill on getting the materials required to successfully break out of the Kyln is an enjoyable sequence; especially when it is revealed that Bradley Cooper's character is only joking about one of the particular items. It is also worth noting that when our protagonists realize that it is up to them to stop Lee Pace's Ronan the Accuser from harnessing the destructive powers of the orb, it is great to see how their efforts to stop the villain might cost them their lives. Chris Pratt's Peter Quill makes an impassioned speech about how there is no other option, and his teammates each agree to go along with the dangerous mission. This is a great scene because the cast's strong performances as well as the film's writing enables the audience to understand the gravity of the group's current situation and are able to officially consider them all to be real heroes. And by the ultimate climax of the movie, the audience is able to genuinely hope that the team are able to pull through and emerge victorious. This is a powerful scene because it shows just how close this group of rogues have become and they truly are a great team. And thanks to the acting of Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, and Dave Bautista as well as the vocal performances of Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper, the central cast of "Guardians of the Galaxy" proves to be one of the best film ensembles of 2014!
Image of Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Bradley Cooper as Rocket Raccoon, Chris Pratt as Peter Quill, Vin Diesel as Groot, and Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer taken from http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20483133_20804827,00.html
While the performances of the central cast are very memorable, it is also important to point out the performances of the performers who played the central villains of "Guardians of the Galaxy". For instance, as Ronan the Accuser, Lee Pace provides a ruthless demeanor. And with the inclusion of his outfit and makeup, the character truly appears to be a villain that is meant to be feared. Lee Pace also employs a chilling delivery to further complete the task of making Ronan the Accuser a credible force of pure evil. In addition, as Nebula, the ice cold and deadly sister of the more righteous Gamora, Karen Gillan turns in a shuddery performance. As seen with Lee Pace's Ronan the Accuser, Nebula is a villain that is also meant to be feared, and Karen Gillan provides the ominous demeanor required to make the character believable. Additionally, the fact that Gillan retains a silent stance during a lot of scenes enabled the character of Nebula to appear even more fearsome. Both Lee Pace and Karen Gillan turn in very good performances as their respected characters and this establish them as true villains. I just wish Gillan's Nebula had a bit more screentime.
Image of Lee Pace as Ronan the Accuser and Karen Gillan as Nebula taken from http://www.celebuzz.com/2014-07-08/marvel-gives-us-an-extended-look-at-guardians-of-the-galaxy/
While the acting in "Guardians of the Galaxy" is indeed great, I must further commend James Gunn on his directing. Throughout the movie, it is more-than-clear that Gunn has his heart set on getting everything right. It is easy to tell that James Gunn had a clear vision when making the movie. And he did everything he could to get great performances from his cast. Furthermore, since he co-wrote the screenplay, James Gunn had everything planned throughout the entire filming process and wanted to make sure that the right performers played the protagonists and villians. What's also interesting, is that Gunn carefully used humor in an effective manner to increase the likability of his film's protagonists. And further bolstered by the chemistry of the core ensemble, James Gunn succeed in accomplishing the task of making an enjoyable wpically sci-fi inclusion in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!
All in all, I couldn't be happier with "Guardians of the Galaxy". Marvel Studios took a big risk in green-lighting a movie with relatively unknown characters to be a part of the franchise. And with "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" opening on May 1st of next year, I'd say everything looks bright for Marvel Studios' fun and colorful franchise. I just hope that when and if the 'Avengers' do encounter the 'Guardians' that they are truly able to lauch a great crusade against evil.in an exciting blockbuster film. And you can bet that I would be at the theater for that movie, enjoying the ride.
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