Marvel Does It Again
After a long hiatus from writing reviews, I am back in the saddle, and what better way to inaugurate the married life by writing a review about something completely unrelated to marriage? (That sounded a lot funnier in my head.) For people like me who know little to nothing about the extensive Marvel universe beyond what the movies exploit, this movie was new and exciting. From unsung heroes to less-than-noteworthy villains, Guardians of the Galaxy gave the layman viewer a glimpse at just how kooky, fun, and kick-ass the universe can be.
What a roll Chris Pratt is on right now. After soaring to relevancy with his vocal talent in The Lego Movie, Pratt has recently been seen advertising his rendition of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and spending his free time with terminally ill children in Los Angeles. The streak continues in this film, as he brings in that good, old-fashioned, free-spirited Americanism that makes the rest of the galaxy scratch its metaphorical head. I mean, when you think about it, Guardians is the perfect way to revitalize the American Dream. Peter Quill shows us that no matter where you are from, no matter what kind of adversity you face, you can, with the help of some friends, rise to the occasion and save the universe.
Only, make sure you are abducted by an alien race. Then, you're set.
Pratt's supporting cast was solid. Zoe Saldana was asked to play the role of Gamora, because hey, if you can pull off a blue alien, you should be able to pull off a green one, right? Audiences will be particularly tickled by the musing banter of Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel). Hats off to Cooper for really extending his range with this voiceover gig. Felt like a hybrid Richie DiMaso from American Hustle and definitely fit the bill for this film. The fifth cog in the Guardians machine, Dave Bautista, had his moments, but ultimately will be remembered for his physique, not his dialogue, perhaps with a few exceptions.
Here is why I would never go so far as to give any Marvel film a 10, or even a 9. The plot development of the latest films has been exceptionally bland and repetitive. They follow the standard hero's journey with no major surprises or setbacks. How, then, does Marvel absolutely shatter the box office with every release? The beauty of Marvel films is that they allow for the imagination to takeover. Audiences can be very forgiving with any storyline shortcomings so long as they are given an alternate, unforeseen reality to feast their eyes upon. The digital makeup of this movie is nothing short of impressive, and for some parts I felt as though the Marvel universe was my new normalcy.
Alas, once you are back out on the street smelling of stale popcorn, it falls just a couple of pegs when you can analyze the film for what it is: disguised schmaltz. But boy do I love it. Keep it up Marvel, your technological prowess knows no bounds.
Written August 24, 2014
What a roll Chris Pratt is on right now. After soaring to relevancy with his vocal talent in The Lego Movie, Pratt has recently been seen advertising his rendition of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and spending his free time with terminally ill children in Los Angeles. The streak continues in this film, as he brings in that good, old-fashioned, free-spirited Americanism that makes the rest of the galaxy scratch its metaphorical head. I mean, when you think about it, Guardians is the perfect way to revitalize the American Dream. Peter Quill shows us that no matter where you are from, no matter what kind of adversity you face, you can, with the help of some friends, rise to the occasion and save the universe.
Only, make sure you are abducted by an alien race. Then, you're set.
Pratt's supporting cast was solid. Zoe Saldana was asked to play the role of Gamora, because hey, if you can pull off a blue alien, you should be able to pull off a green one, right? Audiences will be particularly tickled by the musing banter of Rocket (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel). Hats off to Cooper for really extending his range with this voiceover gig. Felt like a hybrid Richie DiMaso from American Hustle and definitely fit the bill for this film. The fifth cog in the Guardians machine, Dave Bautista, had his moments, but ultimately will be remembered for his physique, not his dialogue, perhaps with a few exceptions.
Here is why I would never go so far as to give any Marvel film a 10, or even a 9. The plot development of the latest films has been exceptionally bland and repetitive. They follow the standard hero's journey with no major surprises or setbacks. How, then, does Marvel absolutely shatter the box office with every release? The beauty of Marvel films is that they allow for the imagination to takeover. Audiences can be very forgiving with any storyline shortcomings so long as they are given an alternate, unforeseen reality to feast their eyes upon. The digital makeup of this movie is nothing short of impressive, and for some parts I felt as though the Marvel universe was my new normalcy.
Alas, once you are back out on the street smelling of stale popcorn, it falls just a couple of pegs when you can analyze the film for what it is: disguised schmaltz. But boy do I love it. Keep it up Marvel, your technological prowess knows no bounds.
Written August 24, 2014