James Gunn knows his cinema in "Guardians of the Galaxy"

Who are the "Guardians of the Galaxy"? That question may be asked in a literal sense. It's because prior to the film's release, who among us (unless of course you're a hardcore superhero comic-book reader which, unfortunately, I am not) really knows these guys? With the mere mention of the names of Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Groot and Drax the Destroyer and of such villains as Ronan, Yondu, Thanos and The Collector, who among us can really claim to even an inkling of familiarity with them? (It's probably an inside joke that at the start of the film, when Star-Lord mentions his name to an enemy, the latter simply utters "Who?".) Thus, in that sense, Marvel Studios was actually making a gamble with the film - engaging in a risky business, so to speak. Honestly speaking, I think the guys over there did well. For the film is one heck of a fun and awesome watch. You really want to have a fun time at the movies? Then go for this one - without necessarily leaving your brains at the theater entrance (paging, "Transformers"). You want a truly badass show-stopping entertainment? Then this should be it (Bryan Singer and his "X-Men" may be in for some "rivalry"). 

Let me just point out right away that "Guardians of the Galaxy" is not an altogether original work, in the sense that conventions and archetypes abound. It has a pretty traditional narrative framework. You don't really have to rack your brains out to be able to figure out that the plot can be summarized in one sentence:The heroes must keep a highly-valuable object (the Orb) from getting in the hands of the bad guys - or else. Haven't we already encountered such a plot a hundred times, whatever the genre may be? Yet, the film works so damn well because the director, James Gunn (writer of the "Scooby Doo" movies), certainly knows his cinema. One may realize while watching the film that it is in fact heavily-influenced by George Lucas' "Star Wars" (not to mention the throwback feel of its retro soundtrack, epitomized by Star-Lord's prized possession, a walkman). I can't help thinking of Hans Solo, R2-D2 and C-3PO while watching Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Rocket (voice of Bradley Cooper) and Groot (voice of Vin Diesel), respectively. They even have a "princess" being tagged along, Gamora (Zoe Saldana). And one of the villains, Ronan (Lee Pace), has the aura of Darth Vader, though admittedly less menacing. That this entire team of superheroes is rag-tag in itself makes them not that far from the saviors of the Force. There's this feeling that watching this awesome space-adventure film is like seeing "Star Wars" for the very first time, with all those amazing space-ships and space battles. The director brings us to a really fantastical universe beyond, with every frame seeping with oddity and dynamics characteristic of the genre. As in Bong Joon-ho's "Snowpiercer" some months back, it's like in every step of the way, there's no lack of things that can constantly dazzle and surprise in "Guardians of the Galaxy". Another plus factor is the seeming vulnerability and "smallness" of the heroes in the face of the mammoth forces that threaten to destroy the entire universe. It's proper to mention that the film is also an origins story (with the hidden pain of the characters and all), without sliding into too deep of a psycho-babble that it becomes too grim for comfort ("Watchmen", anyone?).

With "Godzilla", "X-Men:Days of Future Past", "Edge of Tomorrow" and now, "Guardians of the Galaxy", I hope some more really good - and intelligent - popcorn fare will come out from Hollywoodland in the months to come. 

("Guardians of the Galaxy":Rag-tag, fun and awesome.)