I sit down at my computer having just witnessed the awesomeness titled "Guardians of the Galaxy" in an early showing at the local AMC Theater. I will now share with you my SPOILER FREE thoughts on the film.
Guardians of the Galaxy had a bit of an unconventional start from other Superhero films but I think that was a good thing. Rather than fill the movie with flashbacks that disjointed the plot James Gunn decided to start from Star Lords beginning and allow the movie to play out much smoother than films like Man of Steel where constant flashbacks bogged down parts of the movie.
I was very happy with the casting for this movie. Being a fan of Parks & Recreation and WWE I must say when they announced Chris Pratt & Batista I was extremely skeptical they could pull it off. I can admit I was very wrong. I also didn't thing Zoe Saldana was the right choice for the "Most Dangerous Woman In The Universe" but she did a fantastic job as Gamora. Bradley Cooper & Vin Diesel were also very well cast in their roles as Rocket Raccoon & Groot, but more on them later.
The film had a fantastic flow and the comedy and action fit well with the characters being portrayed on screen. I am sure that those who have no reference as to what the Guardians of the Galaxy are like in the comics will once again complain about the assumed sin of having humor in a superhero film. But I hope those people keep in mind that this film wasn't made for them!
When it comes to the action sequences, I must say that they rival any superhero movie that have been made. The action feels organic. Some of the characters in this move are very unskilled and have no powers and when they get in a fight that comes across. You are not watching Batman or Captain America fight here. At the same time a couple of the characters are obviously trained to fight and very adept at it. Watching that combination on screen at the same time is quite a joy.
When Oscar time comes around, If Guardians of the Galaxy doesn't win for Special Effects & Soundtrack it will be a great injustice. The soundtrack is everything we expected it to be and I hope the sequel features an "Awesome Mix Vol. 2" because the 1970's music was quite enjoyable in this film. As far as the Special Effects go... Rocket Raccoon & Groot stole the show.
When I say Rocket & Groot stole the show I mean that both with amazing action sequences as well as with emotional scenes. James Gunn said that Rocket was the star and for some scenes that was very true. Groot got to have his "Puny God" moment in the film much to everyone's enjoyment. I really do love what Marvel has been able to give us with their CGI characters.
I know the title of this article was "Guardians of the Galaxy (Spoiler Free) Early Review) but below is where I will answer a couple things that have been asked or theorized online but I will do so with out giving away any plot points. If you wish to stop reading now I understand and I will close by highly recommending Guardians of the Galaxy to any Comic Book Movie Fan. I rarely give something a 5/5 and for superhero movies only Batman Begins, Watchmen, Avengers, & Captain America: Winter Soldier have been considered 5 Stars in the past. With that being said I am happy to add Guardians of the Galaxy to that list. For me it was most definitely a 5 Star Film.
Spoiler Alert Below
This is the section I warned you about above. Here I will just run through a few things that have been asked about online. Yes Thanos plays a major part in the film and we get to see him in all his glory. Yes the Infinity Gems are mentioned and explained. Yes Cosmo makes an appearance. Yes a cocoon that seems to be Adam Warlocks is seen in Guardians of the Galaxy just as it was in the Thor Dark World after credits scene. There was no appearance by Richard Ryder (NOVA) or Adam Warlock in the film, however the version of the film that was shown lacked the after credits scene. Be sure to pay attention during the credits as there is a pretty funny advisory.