Screenwriters James Gunn and Nichole Perlman have given us a great PG-13 script based on comic books by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, so this is a different type of Marvel superhero film (but Stan Lee makes his requisite cameo!). For example, one of the characters described tough guys, "Like Bonnie and Clyde, Billy the Kid, John Stamos..."
Chris Pratt has been on my radar since the 2002-2006 "Everwood," so watching his gradual rise has been very satisfying. Besides, he's from Lake Stevens, Washington and his wife is from this neck of the woods, too. Way to go! In fact, many of the actors in this one have registered with me. In this review, I've listed an early work for each actor that I personally have seen.
Between live action and voices, here are a few we appreciate:
- Chris Pratt ("What's Your Number?") Peter Quill/Star Lord steals an orb which of course turns out to be the cause célèbre for the entire film. So now he's really in for it! BTW, he speaks Terran, e.g., "Dude," and "Bro" but eventually he has his heroic moment and it works out well.
- Lee Pace ("The Fall") Ronan the Accuser is hot on the trail of the fellow who stole that orb and wants it so he can rule the universe.
- Zoë Saldana ("Centerstage") Gamora comes to Peter's rescue AFTER she tries to kill him in an early, funny battle of gadgets. He tells her the folktale of a god on Terra named Kevin Bacon who taught earthlings how to dance; his religion was called "Foot- loose." She rejects his dance lessons, calling them "pelvic sorcery."
- Bradley Cooper ("New York, I Love You") Rocket Raccoon steals the movie. Between the dialogue, the vocal work and the wonder- ful animation, there is not a weak element to this character. He is selfish, smart and supremely confident. He doesn't like to share.... AND he is easily exasperated.
- Vin Diesel ("Find Me Guilty") Groot always joins the conversation but all he ever says is, "I am Groot." Rocket is his only friend and Groot is a steadfast friend in return.
- Dave Bautista ("Riddick") Strongman Drax claims he is so fast he can catch a metaphor before it goes over his head.
Some scenes are really touching, many lines are very funny, the plot is (barely) solid enough, and the audience went home happily entertained. We got our money's worth and that's what it's all about.
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Take a peek:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4087983129/
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Take a peek:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4087983129/
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