Guardians of the Galaxy Guardians Of The Galaxy- User Review Thread. SPOILERS!

[TheVileOne]

I want to see how Stark would react to Rocket when he first sees him.

 

[Saitou Hajime]

Just got back from seeing this. This probably the most gorgeous MCU film yet from a set design and cinematography standpoint; Episode 7 has its work cut out for it topping this.

 

[antonydelfini]

I give it an 8.5/10.

Pros:
-Most charming and likeable superheroes in a movie ever
- funniest superhero movie ever
- best sets, effects, and cinematography yet for a superhero movie
- best superhero soundtrack ever

Cons:
- some of the action had too much fast editing
- their journey from selfish guys to selfless heroes went by too fast for my liking

Mixed:
- The villains are scary and threatening, but not too much depth.

Extra notes:
- my favorite character's Drax, but Groot and Rocket will definitely be the most iconic and break out characters to the general audience.
- Drax is unexpectedly the funniest, Groot is the most endearing, Rocket is the most adorable, Quill's the coolest, and Gamora is the most bad ass. Most likeable group of superheroes ever.

Marvel Studios Movie Ranking:
Captain America: The Winter Soldier 8.5/10
Iron Man 8.5/10
Iron Man3 8.5/20
GOTG 8.5/10
Thor The Dark World 7/10
Captain America The First Avenger 7/10
Thor 7/10
The Incredible Hulk 6.5/10
Iron Man2 6/10

2014 Superhero Movie Ranking:
DOFP 9/10
Cap2, GOTG 8.5/10
Spidey2 7/10

 

[BatsDC]

I'm shocked to say this, but honestly think this is my favourite of the Marvel movies... There was so much there that was just fantastic. I will give it 10 / 10 because even though there were a few minor problems, they absolutely didn't lower the quality of the movie for me. I don't recall enjoying myself as much at a cinema in a long time. Truly brilliant film. 10 / 10

And DAT THANOS

 

[paulogonza]

for who saw the movie, Thanos appears in just one scene?

 

[BatsDC]

for who saw the movie, Thanos appears in just one scene?

Only one in person, but you see his face a few times and he speaks via a hologram at one point later in the movie

 

[paulogonza]

Only one in person, but you see his face a few times and he speaks via a hologram at one point later in the movie

thanks

 

[TeeKay]

EDIT: Got ninja'd by BatsDC.

 

[MiffaLadd_]

It was brilliant, funny and emotional. Rocket, Groot and Drax all had their brilliant little quirks. Pratt was brilliant, Saldana is the new and current reigning love of my life, green or not. Groot's facial expression to Drax's vocabulary, I never failed to laugh. I loved the relationships and interaction between them all. The WWE fan in me is revelling in how good Dave Bautista was. I thought Ronan was pretty cool, but didn't expect to see so little of The Collector. I'm going to watch it again multiple times and can't wait to do so. Kind of post credit scene - hysterical. Scene 2 - Some people will be left wanting more. I have no affiliation to the character but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

 

[Keyser Soze]

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY is a film that those who know me will know I've been incredibly excited about, to the point where it was possibly the most hyped I've been going into a film since THE DARK KNIGHT in 2008. A combination of strong source material, the pedigree of writer/director James Gunn and the cast he assembled, and an impeccable marketing campaign made this film an irresistible proposal for me, and so I caught it on 3D IMAX. I'm pleased to report that the film lives up to the hype.

There's so much I adored about this movie that I don't really know where best to start. I think the best place is probably with James Gunn. I immensely enjoyed SLITHER, and absolutely loved SUPER, so Marvel label or not his new film was likely to get a watch from me. And so one of the things that impressed me was how much of a James Gunn film this felt like. The script is whip-smart, and frequently hilarious. The broad spectrum of comedy extends from witty banter in character interplay to visual gags and slapstick, resulting in what must be considered Marvel's most fun film to date. But one of Gunn's greatest skills as a filmmaker is to present a world of crass, goofy comedy and to gradually unveil a bruised heart at its core, blindsiding you with heartbreaking emotional beats. And that is the case here, with several moments - which I won't spoil here - surprisingly leaving me with a lump in my throat. Gunn has managed to craft, in amidst the fun and fireworks, a story about damaged, hurting people finding their own buried goodness and, in the process, finding a sense of belonging. The Avengers are a team, but The Guardians become a family.

And what a presence The Guardians of the Galaxy are. These are five characters who will be unknown entities for many filmgoers entering this movie, but by the end of the film, they have been brought to life so beautifully that I can imagine every one of them being somebody's favourite. All five get to steal a scene, get a badass moment, get a laugh, and get a dramatic acting moment. Chris Pratt is an actor I've had a lot of time for since I became familiar with him on PARKS AND RECREATION, but this deserves to cement him as an A-list headline superstar. Peter Quill is just such a charismatic, engaging, likeable protagonist, who'll pretty much have you firmly on-side by the end of the opening credits. But while ostensibly a goofball, and one who gets many a laugh with his antics, there are so many facets to him to make him a nuanced hero. For one thing, he's a lot more cunning and capable than he lets on, as you might expect from a roguish thief. And at his heart, he's nursing a lot of pain and loneliness, at once clinging onto his lost childhood - as represented powerfully in the film by his Walkman and its soundtrack of delightful tunes - and simultaneously running away from facing up to the heartbreak that lurks there. Even the Star-Lord name has a depth behind it. Watching his goodness and decency emerge from under the facade of selfishness and arrogance is one of the film's big joys.

Star-Lord may be my personal favourite of the bunch, but Rocket and Groot are right up there too. I very quickly forgot that Bradley Cooper was voicing a Rocket: before long it was just Rocket. The cool snippets he's had in the trailer don't do justice to his motor-mouthed personality, and he enjoys some of the film's best killer lines. But Rocket also stands at the centre of some of those aforementioned lump-in-throat-inducing moments, which makes me totally appreciate where Gunn was coming from when he talked about GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY rising or falling in whether you buy Rocket as a character. Well, I did, I utterly believed in him. Similarly, Groot was just adorable. People at the screening I was at seemed to react more vocally to Groot than anyone or anything else. Vin Diesel excels in his various deliveries of "I AM GROOT," though it is perhaps in the special-effects department that Groot shines brightest, with so many rich, emotive facial expressions. Drax is another great character. Dave Bautista is not someone who was traditionally considered a natural actor, even by wrestling standards, but he is sure to silence a lot of critics here, giving a wonderfully deadpan performance that evokes menace but also provides some humour from an unexpected dimension. Gamora's backstory seems more interesting in the telling of it than in what we see onscreen, but Zoe Saldana still does very well in making Gamora a badass presence.

The supporting cast are perhaps less well served than the central five. Ronan the Accuser is a fierce, intimidating presence, chillingly portrayed by Lee Pace, but him and Karen Gillen's Nebula don't get all that much to do in the film. And a Academy award nominee Djiimon Hounsou is reduced to a practical walk-on part. Similarly small , seemingly inconsequential roles for Glenn Close, John C. Reilly and Benecio del Toro almost suggest that Marvel has an embarrassment of riches in the actors now at their disposal. But I will say that Michael Rooker kicks ass as morally dubious space pirate Yondu.

In general, there isn't all that much to the plot, when you think about it. There is some (likely unexpected) eerie political relevance in the duelling philosophies and language used in the long-running Xandarian/Kree conflict that evokes some comparisons to the Israel/Palestine hostilities in Gaza. But beyond that, the story doesn't strive for much depth beyond the basic beats. And it's a testament to the strength of the film how little that matters. This is a film about character, driven by character. And so in watching it as a viewer, it feels the true climax isn't the plot stuff about Ronan trying to use the Power Gem to destroy the galaxy, but rather in where the characters end up and how they are changed by their experience.

Marvel Studios are having a banner year. CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER was excellent, and GUARDIANS IF THE GALAXY is just as excellent in its own way. And I seriously think this is a movie that could get better with subsequent viewings. It's got humour, it's got astounding effects and spectacle, but best of all, it's got heart. A triumph for everyone involved. I already can't wait for the sequel!

 

[CK Spider]

Saw the movie this afternoon. I think I could say it's the most insane superhero movie ever. It's kind of The Avengers out of medication. LOL Now, let me be clear: I love this movie for being that much insane. t:

Each member of team the is unique and very well developed and I cared for all of them. I know everybody alreay stated how awesome are Rocket and Groot, but really, they are AMAZING. It's so impressive that not I looked at them and thought "oh, look, it's a CGI creature!" They feel real and are the heart of the movie. Cooper complety dissapeared in the role of Rocket, I couldn't even think it was him in the role. All I could see was a cynic, sad, but also lovable and loyal modified raccoon. He was the scene stealer in a movie full of scene stealers. Vin Diesel is anything but wooden (see what I did there LOL) as Groot, one of the most lovable characters in any movie ever. Pratt is just perfect for Starlord, going from jerk to hero to jerk again in seconds. Bautista is really much better than anybody could have thought and has surprising talent for comedy. Saldana is just badass as Gamora and I wouldn't mind to see a bit more of her origin in a sequel.

The villains aren't the most original thing in the world, but boy, do they look cool and menacing. Pace knows how to be scary and I would watch Karen Gillam doing anything. LOL Korath is there very little, but does kick some ass. Thanos looks amazing and badass and can't wait to see him kick some major ass and have a sex scene with Death Herself (just joking LOL).

The plot is straightfoward, but that doesn't mean it's bad. The dialogue is gold and it's a character piece, anyway. There are many, many complety hilarious moments, rivaling (or even surpassing) the laughs of The Avengers. I never laughed so hard at the name drop of Kevin Bacon. LOL There's also a pretty nasty joke about abstract expressionism that's complety hysterical.

The soundtrack is excellent and complements the scenes beautifully, but you already knew that. LOL

All in all, it's a perfect introduction to the Guardians. It captures the feel of the Abnett & Lanning series and introduces you to a whole new side of the MCU. Full of emotion, laughs and action with marvelous CGI, I honestly can't give this movie any less than a 10/10. I still regard The Avengers as the gold standard of superhero movies (at least before AOU, anyway), but this movie comes so very close. I can't compare it to TWS because it's a completly different kind of movie.

Boy, this year as crazy good for CBMs. Here's my other ratings for reference:

TWS - 10/10
TASM2 - 7/10
DOFP - 10/10

I do feel I dropped a lot of perfect score this year, but I honest loved this movies and they're all into my top 5 of superhero movies (talking about GOTG, TWS and DOFP). TASM2 I think was ok-ish, with some great moments, but also some really silly one. Anyway, one of the best years for supeheros on the big screen.

 

[enygma]

Howard the Duck stinger apart GOTG was outstanding. A huge risk by Marvel and Gunn but it paid off.

 

[marcvader]

Loved it, loved it, loved it. GotG has dethroned Avengers/Winter Soldier as my favorite cbm. The general audience is going to eat this up.

 

[flickchick85]

Just got back, and holy s*** did I love this movie! It's a visual feast, the comedy works, the relationships between our heroes feel real and earned, and it has a ton of heart.

My one reservation would be the handling of Ronan the Accuser. Lee Pace did what he could with what there was, but there honestly wasn't much there to work with at all. Even if I wasn't familiar with and a fan of the character, I still would have felt he was a disappointing villain. However, knowing what a major and interesting character he is in the comics just makes the disappointment greater.

Still, I don't want to end on a negative because I genuinely loved everything else about this film. The soundtrack was used perfectly, Chris Pratt is now officially a g**damn movie star, the cinematography is stunning (seriously, best-looking MCU film yet), every character was wonderfully realized (I think this is the first time I've actually gotten attached to a Zoe Saldana character), and...I could honestly gush forever on this so I'll stop now, lol.

I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I think this actually trumps TWS for me as my favorite non-Avengers MCU movie. And that's saying A LOT, considering Cap is my favorite Marvel character and I basically see TWS as the perfect Cap movie. I honestly put it on the same level as TA, and my love for that movie knows no bounds. This tapped into something I've loved since before I ever knew who Marvel superheroes were - boundless space adventure, where anywhere and anything was possible. And it did it with style and heart and...well, joy. Pure joy, that's what this movie was to me. 9.5/10.

I'm seeing this again at 11:30 tomorrow morning and CAN'T WAIT.

 

[Spider-Vader]

I just got back from it...& IT DEFINITELY LIVED UP TO MY EXPECTATIONS!

I loved damn near every second of the movie. I loved all of the characters; Gamora & Ronan surprising me alot. I wasn't expecting alot from Gamora since she's a bit of a bore in the comics, but she was great here. As for Ronan, he wasn't a fantastic villain but he actually did stuff unlike the bulk of the MCU villains. He was no Loki, but I'd put him in the "Good, but not great" section alongside Iron Monger, Abomination & Pierce.

Star-Lord, Rocket & Groot were the show stealers as I expected; honestly I can't decide which of the three was my favorite. Drax was also a great character who stole some of the scenes he was in, but I expected that after reading the reviews. I honestly wasn't expecting Yondu to have such a big role & I'm glad he did since I'm a big Michael Rooker fan.



This movie was a complete blast & the most fun I've had watching a movie since Avengers. Speaking of which, it was also the second time I've ever seen an audience applaud for a movie at the end.

I'd have to watch GOTG again to know where I officially rank it among the MCU (as well as my favorite movies), but I can safely say that it's top 4 alongside Avengers, Iron Man & Captain America: Winter Soldier (which I also need to see again). Infact, I think I might make GOTG the first movie I ever see more than once in theaters & see it again next week.

9/10

 

[SuperSpideyGirl]

Just got back from seeing it and loved the movie. The cast was amazing and really played off each other well. The movie was visually stunning. Definitely going to see it again and recommend it to all my friends.

 

[The Batman]

Just saw this film.

HOLY S**T, was it hilarious. Knew nothing about GOTG or the comics, but this...this film is up there with Blade or Iron Man in terms of elevating a franchise.

The best part is that you bought into the world completely. This movie proves once and for all that CBM's don't have to take place on earth to connect with an audience (I'm looking at you, DC/WB).

Starlord was my favorite character, but I loved all the characters in some way, shape, or form. I'm gonna give Batista a lot less slack from now on, as he was fantastic. All these characters were so well defined. Vin Diesel, Gunn, and the rest of the team turned what could've been a one note performance into something special with Groot.

OF all the pre-Avengers phase 2 films, this is definitely in the top two with Winter Soldier. Can't wait to see the gag reel for this on the DVD.

 

[Quasimod0]

Dudes!! What a film! I really loved it. Definitely the funniest movie I've seen in ages!
Rocket and Groot were the heart of the film for sure. But to my surprise, my favorite character ended up being.......Drax!! Loved him and Bautista did a fantastic job. This little group of misfits really felt like a family by the end. It was awesome.

At first, the tone was kinda turning me off. The sci-fi elements were just a bit cheesy in the beginning. Especially with Ronan. But then I really started to get into it. The music and the lovable-ness of the Guardians really help to sell the whole world. They make it feel believable.
Speaking of Ronan, he was only a few steps above Malekith. At least Ronan seemed like a force to be reckoned with though. Anyway, yeah. He wasn't great.
And honestly, if I didn't know who Thanos was already, and what he will mean further down the line, I would think he looked pretty silly. He looked like a live action cartoon character to me. Which is what he is I guess. lol. I'm sure he will definitely start to seem less silly when we actually see him do something.
Nebula and Korath were good. They served their purpose. And I enjoyed the family drama between Nebula and Gamora.
And one thing I haven't heard people talk about too much, is the action. There is some fantastic action in this film. The 3rd act battle was actually really exciting. Definitely not a let down whatsoever to me. I love a great sky battle.
And another thing that deserves mention is the cinematography. This was hand-down THE most beautiful Marvel film. Probably the most visually striking CBM I've ever seen. I loved the colors, and there were some shots that just looked like works of art. They were that gorgeous.
So all in all, despite a mediocre main villain, this movie was a home run. I laughed the whole time. And I felt truly attached to these characters by the end. I wanted to see a sequel right away. Definitely a 9/10

 

[kguillou]

Just got back, REALLY fun movie, Marvel's done it again. Great, fun, loveable characters, very simple, straightforward plot, great action sequences, THANOS...all in all another incredibly solid Marvel Studios film.

Also, I LOVED the Howard the Duck Stinger. I spotted him earlier in the movie during the Collector scene but I wasn't 100% sure it was him, I was like "OH S*** ITS HOWARD THE DUCK....I think?" I was so surprised and happy that the post credits scene validated what I saw!

 

[Quasimod0]

Still, I don't want to end on a negative because I genuinely loved everything else about this film. The soundtrack was used perfectly, Chris Pratt is now officially a g**damn movie star, the cinematography is stunning (seriously, best-looking MCU film yet), every character was wonderfully realized (I think this is the first time I've actually gotten attached to a Zoe Saldana character), and...I could honestly gush forever on this so I'll stop now, lol.

lol I felt the same way about Zoe. I really liked her in this film. I have never cared for any of the other characters she's played.

 

[Spider-Who?]

Marvel did it. They finally broke the cookie-cutter mold all their movies thus far have used and took a big risk making this movie. It paid off. This is Marvel's best film so far and it's been a long while since I've had so much fun at the movies. Only thing that comes close is ASM2 for me.

Since there's so much I loved about the movie, I'll keep it short and list what I didn't like or felt could have been improved.

1) Drax. Good lord was Batista bad. He had good presence but it sounded like he struggled through every single line, and no it had nothing to do with his "character". It was painful. I really hope he gets some acting classes before GotG2.

2) There were several times where otherwise solid acting of others fell into painfuly wooden performances, but I think that's more a problem with the script writing, many of the dramatic scenes had clumsy dialogue that tried too hard to be serious and/or technical, which is sad/surprising since when the dialogue was good, it was DAMN good. There just didn't seem to be any middle ground.

3) Thanos. Everything about him was disappointing. I didn't like the acting/voice and his cgi model looked unfinished and boring overall. Also, if he's supposed to be this "ultimate villain/end boss" of the MCU, this movie failed to make me think that. He came across as a chump.

4) The planet they were trying to save was completely under-developed. They just didn't make me care about that plot point/place/characters at all, so any drama and tension the movie was calling for was SEVERELY hindered.

That's pretty much it. Despite these faults, I really enjoyed the movie. Visuals, set and costume design, and characters were top notch. Rocket and Groot were my favorite. Loved their dynamic. It also had some unexpected punches to the gut - I actually got choked up twice.

9/10 for me.

 

[TWayneP]

I don't think they broke the cookie cutter mold with this one, but its about as close as they are going to get. ASM2 was much better for me, Spider-Who, I agree with most of your points, though I like Batista a bit more.

I give it a 7/10. It was alot of fun watching it, but now… I'm forgetting all about it almost instantly lol. I will say its their best film since Avengers.

Will I buy the blu ray? If it has very cool packaging. Not sure what that says about the movie. *shrug*

I can't really say much more about it, as I'm not over the moon with or super enthusiastic enough to write about it. its just a 7 movie for me. Also My girlfriend... she says 7.5 because she loves Sci Fi space movie stuff lol.

 

[antonydelfini]

Marvel did it. They finally broke the cookie-cutter mold all their movies thus far have used and took a big risk making this movie. It paid off. This is Marvel's best film so far and it's been a long while since I've had so much fun at the movies. Only thing that comes close is ASM2 for me.

Since there's so much I loved about the movie, I'll keep it short and list what I didn't like or felt could have been improved.

1) Drax. Good lord was Batista bad. He had good presence but it sounded like he struggled through every single line, and no it had nothing to do with his "character". It was painful. I really hope he gets some acting classes before GotG2.

2) There were several times where otherwise solid acting of others fell into painfuly wooden performances, but I think that's more a problem with the script writing, many of the dramatic scenes had clumsy dialogue that tried too hard to be serious and/or technical, which is sad/surprising since when the dialogue was good, it was DAMN good. There just didn't seem to be any middle ground.

3) Thanos. Everything about him was disappointing. I didn't like the acting/voice and his cgi model looked unfinished and boring overall. Also, if he's supposed to be this "ultimate villain/end boss" of the MCU, this movie failed to make me think that. He came across as a chump.

4) The planet they were trying to save was completely under-developed. They just didn't make me care about that plot point/place/characters at all, so any drama and tension the movie was calling for was SEVERELY hindered.

That's pretty much it. Despite these faults, I really enjoyed the movie. Visuals, set and costume design, and characters were top notch. Rocket and Groot were my favorite. Loved their dynamic. It also had some unexpected punches to the gut - I actually got choked up twice.

9/10 for me.

I agree with numbers 3 and 4 complaints (I gave it an 8.5/10) but not with numbers 1 and 2. Especially number 1. Drax is the man. Admit it.

 

[TWayneP]

Oh and the post credits stinger was a huge waste of time. Man what a disappointment. I have zero affection for howard the duck, so it did nothing for me. I laughed, but out of disbelief.

Nice Troll Marvel, nice troll.

 

[Quasimod0]

Drax was great. Perfect role for Dave.
I kind of agree with your number 3 though. And number 4 didn't bother me because I don't really need to get to know all the characters on that planet to care about whether they lived or died. I care about innocent people dying, so I was glad the Guardians saved the planet.