Guardians of the Galaxy (M)
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper
IT’S probably the best film this year to feature a hyper-intelligent, genetically engineered talking raccoon.
Or how about Vin Diesel extending his acting range as a walking tree – I swear I’m not making this up – whose dialogue consists of saying “I am Groot”.
How you feel about Guardians of the Galaxy is going to be determined by how you feel about Marvel films in general. If you love them, you’ll love it, if not, then not so much. That said, it’s better than the usual Marvel fare.
The little-known Chris Pratt takes the lead role of Peter Quill – lesser known as “Star Lord” – a cosmic scavenger chasing a valuable orb.
He and the other motley crew of guardians want the orb, as do a mix of bad guys, and everyone else.
Cue the usual hijinks, which are often quite entertaining. The film has more humour than the usual Marvel offerings, and certainly doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Chris Pratt puts in a credible performance in the lead role, joined by a (green) alien Zoe Saldana.
Oh and the raccoon, known as Rocket? That’s where Bradley Cooper comes in, without a Hangover.
It’s a harmless, well-scripted cartoon of a film with an enjoyable soundtrack and an escapist mindset – perfectly suitable fodder until the third instalment of The Expendables arrives this week.
– Jason Beck
