Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy take advantage of the fact that people love galactic soap operas and don’t worry about the rest, and it is given to them because they belong to the Marvel universe. In other words, one thing is not true of this film: it really is not subversive. The film always smirks slightly at the right time, but that doesn't change the fact that it takes full advantage of the potential of cosmic heroic sagas and Marvel hubs. Its humor is similarly superficial as the choice of 70's musical hits, but it works as a well-trodden galactic sitcom with excellent characters, and even in serious moments it seriously entices as a "superhero" spectacle (it got to me 2 times with the pure essence of heroic pathos, only to then laugh at myself along with the heroes). It's touchingly childish, yet very adult self-aware. And calculated to the last detail. When it comes to Marvel films, they simply know. Years ahead of the competition. [75%] (07/08/2014)

Hit me over the head with an Orb, but this well-shot but desperately unimaginative action should have been saved by an unconventional group of superheroes, and yet they sprinkle the witty dialogue in there so stiffly that I wondered if I was in another galactic quadrant; or how important it is to have a solo act. (17/11/2014)

The comparison of film and a rollercoaster perfectly suits Marvel blockbusters. The standardised products from the shared workshop of the Marvel Studios and Disney divisions attract viewers with a spectacular ride, which is, however, constructed in a completely mechanical way. Just as fairground machines differ from each other in their effect on one’s emotions only in their scary murals, extravagant names and number of flashing lights, Guardians of the Galaxy is absolutely identical to, for example, Big Hero 6. The narrative construction and dramaturgy, i.e. the rails conveying the audience to the individual emotional hoops and loops, are exactly the same; they differ only in their particular twists and turns. This is most striking in the conclusion, when, immediately after the spectacular climax comes an emotional twist that transforms the given film into a tear-jerker. Distinctive directors are hired for Marvel flicks solely for marketing purposes in order to help create the impression that the individual films are different, but in practical terms, their contribution has the same weight as the authorship of carnies who paint unlicensed portraits of pop-culture icons on midway rides. (11/07/2016)

The movie’s characters are a bunch of unconventional heroes with believable team chemistry, who do not take themselves too seriously and are played with gusto. Chris Pratt, whose star is on the rise, is a super cool guy, Zoe Saldana would be sexy in any color and Groot is too cute for words. The plot is a total cliché, but the relaxed mood of the film, which shows that nothing is meant seriously, makes that fact less grating. However, I was unpleasantly surprised by the lameness of most of the jokes. Hilarious, imaginative catchphrases with a lot of pop-culture references, were supposed to be the main attraction of the film, and there are almost none of those. Even Seth MacFarlane had more in his recent, rather inane A Million Ways to Die in the West. The crucial scene is foiled by Tyler Bates’ inability to compose an escalating melodic musical theme. The technical aspect is, however, perfect. (07/08/2014)

The plot rides on the wave of traditional comic book clichés, there’s the die-hard bad guy who wants to wipe out the galaxy and a bunch of oddballs trying to stop him. But the ubiquitous self-deprecating humour takes this tale up a level of fun, as do a bunch of likeable characters who have each picked up an extra bucket of charisma and whose fates keep you interested. James Gunn has capitalized well on his Troma beginnings, and he handles the wisecracking bizarre characters with aplomb and with humor that doesn't feel awkward or hammy. And tell me, is it possible not to love a film in which the protagonist is willing to put his life on the line to save his beloved prehistoric Walkman? I myself once, many years ago, as a poor student, bought my first Walkman with the last money I had saved and was happy as a pig in shit, so I understand Chris Pratt's feelings :o) And it wasn't even  a gift from my mother. (12/08/2014)