It's easy to become cynical when every blockbuster out there is constantly promising to be a good time. Eventually it becomes clear that it's all part of an endless hype machine advertising yet another hollow product. For all the easy targets to be hit in the name of popcorn adventure stories too often there's a John Carter, a Green Lantern or a Star Trek Into Darkness. CGI fuelled tedium and poor writing often take the place of real fun and spoil things for everyone. The simple pieces that make up entertaining ride are apparently too easy to fumble or break entirely. Luckily the top brass at Marvel Studios more often than not have their heads screwed on... so far at least. There have been some rough patches but with The Winter Soldier nailing the slick action vibe earlier in the year, James Gunn's oddball space fantasy has got the lighter and more colourful angles covered.
Yeah that James Gunn... the Slither guy, who knew? Which is a great horror comedy, don't get me wrong. But it's an unusual choice. So while there are some weak notes, including a one dimensional villain with vague motivations, and a
pre-packaged plot device (in the guise of yet another coveted object
promising to grant it's wielder ultimate power) it's nice to be surprised once in a while. Which is often the result here thanks to the execution and the overall style he brings to the table. Most of the time a story like this would consist of a series of convoluted plot points, too much silly exposition, and a collection of stock characters that have no personality beyond the expected clichés. But by using those tropes differently things seem to have worked out nicely. The gang's all here even if it really shouldn't work.
There's a dumb brute that gets confused easily, a brooding but misunderstood bad-ass, and a talky jerk waiting to grow into a real hero when he finished with being self-centred. This should be serious eye-roll material in another feature. Instead they sprinkle in a few little touches that allow these characters to feel a bit more fleshed out with a great sense of flair, without the odd touches ever getting too heavy handed. The writing is often profane but it feels natural instead of vulgar, and it gives everyone some breathing room when the eventually team finds its footing. Creature creations that are entirely done in post production have some of the strongest chemistry with the group, and even casting a sports personality works beyond his physical presence. What a treat.
It's true that the big bad is a one note angry guy swinging a hammer and blowing up the whole universe again is a tired out element in any story, But with everyone else carrying the picture those tired space opera ideas are forgiveable. The villain isn't often the focus so the rest of the ensemble has time to shine. There's also an eclectic supporting cast to consider (the director has brought along his pal Michael Rooker, and Peter Serafinowicz is here too) so it's a fun experience before it even gets to all the eye-candy action spectacle. It's a part old-school Star Trek and part1980s sci-fi which is a winning combination. There are many other influences on show but it's all ever so slightly off centre in a way that gives it genuine personality.
The film itself works best when things are being planned, like escapes from certain death and elaborate battle tactics, and when they subsequently fall to pieces. The characters all get to do their stuff, each showing off a variety of technical skills and personality flaws. For your money there's a prison break, a few good chases, plenty of fighting and a standard finale with an all out assault on the bad guy's capital ship. Editing and choreography is occasionally rough but these scenes are broken up by little moments that carry it through. When the heart of the story includes a talking plant I guess it's hard not to find ways of including great moments here and there. Bipedal trees haven't provided this much movie magic since The Two Towers.
The enemy mooks may be faceless (sometimes literally) cannon fodder in some scenes but it doesn't ever get too ridiculous or grim. The pauses in between the action allow in some nice emotional moments which are always welcome. Of course it helps that the rousing original soundtrack by Tyler Bates is complimented by the likes of David Bowie and The Runaways. By flipping the bird on screen to its antagonists (and off screen to dumb slow-motion hero walk sequences and notions of cheap romance) this is a satisfying journey that opens up new and strange cosmic possibilities. Let's hope things don't become messy with the sequels and the inevitable cross over movies as the Guardians inevitably team up with the Avengers.
4/5
