Synopsis: Read on IMDB

Should you watch this movie? Absolutely, but you really need to read on as to why!

26 years after been abducted by “aliens”, Peter Quill is a sort of “space pirate” part of a gang called Ravagers. When he steals a mysterious orb, he finds himself chased by all sorts of people wanting the orb, the most dangerous of all Ronan the Accuser. In the ensuing chase, Peter (also known as Star-Lord) ends up teaming up with a group of mysfits: assassin Gamora, genetically engineered raccoon Rocket, humanoid tree Groot, and revenge-driver Drax the Destroyer. Together they realize the true power of the orb and aim to protect it from getting in the wrong hands at all costs.

I’m not going to tell you how this is the best damn movie you are going to watch this year (or in the coming years) because then you will create an expectation the movie might not meet and you’ll be disappointed. But I will tell it is a pretty awesome movie for many reasons (and should you reach the conclusion this might just be the best movie of the year, that’s fine by me!): first, the story is captivating and even though there are a couple of twists between the comic books’ and the movie’s plot, it generally stands up to some of the other, bigger name superhero action flicks. Second, the special effects and action scenes are a delight to watch. Those two things are already enough to make the movie great, but the next two are what seal the deal for me.

The third reason this movie is great is how freaking funny it is. The whole thing is witty, irreverent, mainly due to the fantastic comedic performance of Chris Pratt as Peter Quill. I don’t think there was ever any doubt Chris Pratt was a fab comedic actor, but this movie now proved he’s pretty good as a leading man. The movie also shas this star-studded cast: Zoe Zaldana as Gamorra, who should by now put in her resume “can act in various colors” (remember her blue Netiry in Avatar?), Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Lee Pace as Ronan, Glenn Close as Nova Prime, Benicio del Toro as the Collector, Josh Brolin as Thanos, Karen Guilliam as Nebula, Djimon Hounsou as Korath, John C. Reilly as Rhomann, wrestler Dave Bautista as Drax, and last, but not least, Vin Diesel as Groot. I’m not sure what convinced a star like Vin Diesel to take this particular role. You’ll know what I mean what you watch the movie!

The fourth and final reason that makes this movie great to watch is the killer soundtrack. The movie has some of the best rock and pop tracks of the 1970s: The Runaways, Marvin Gaye, David Bowie, The Jackson 5… The whole thing will have you sing-along the aptly named “Awesome Mix Vol. 1“, and if you are anything like me you’ll be doing some moves to the beat of those tunes way beyond the movie’s credits. In fact, as I type this I am totally shaking it to Redbone’s Come and Get your Love. I have very hight hopes for “Awesome Mix Vol. 2”. Should be epic.

Overall, the movie stands up to the awesomeness originally brought on by The Avengers. Highly recommended!

Bechdel Test: Pass
1. It has to have at least two [named] women in it Yes. Zoe Zaldana as Gamora, Karen Guillan as Nebula, Glenn Close as Nova Prime, Ophelia Lovibond as Carina, and Laura Haddock as Meredith Quill.
2. Who talk to each other The conversation is mainly between the characters of Gamora and Nebula
3. About something besides a man there is a lot involving a man, but the conversation between the characters is mainly to show their rivalry.

Does it matter? The characters are strong female characters which is great already considering Marvel stories usually lack female characters and here we get several. However, the story could showcase more women and more importantly, interacting in more meaningful ways than just in service of another man. Here’s hoping this installemnt was just the “intro” and the next ones show us more.

Paola’s mood after watching this movie: