Why You Need to See "Guardians of the Galaxy" (No Spoilers)

If you haven't seen Guardians of the Galaxy, you're missing out. Its time to drop whatever plans you have, and head out to the theater. This one needs to be seen on the big screen. If you, like many movie goers, are not nose deep in comic books, you've probably never heard of the Guardians of the Galaxy. The Guardians are made up of 5 very unlikely heroes. They consist of a talking raccoon that calls himself Rocket and his walking tree, slash bodyguard, Groot. Then there is the vengeful Drax the destroyer, the green skinned assassin, Gamora, and their quick-witted leader, Starlord.

Without giving away too much, the Guardians are a group of misfits, that while on their own are only good at getting into trouble, come together to save the universe. It is Marvel, so expect them to be somewhat superhuman. Think Avengers in outer space. I can already hear the collective sigh from skeptics. That's understandable, but Marvel Studios is used to it. And Marvel has proven they know how to turn the ink and color of comic books into epic, family-friendly blockbusters.

In 2006, Marvel announced the casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man. As hard as it may be to believe, this announcement didn't go over very well with the fan base. Still, Marvel and Director John Favreau stood behind their decision. Now, eight years later and 10 films into the Marvel comics franchise, it would be hard to imagine anyone else as Tony Stark. Well, they've done it again. Marvel knows how to make blockbuster movies. They took a lesser known series and created a major hit. Guardians earned $94 million dollars on opening weekend in the states and $160 million abroad.

Marvel knows what they are doing, and they appear to be getting better at it. Just when you thought there was nowhere to go but down after The Avengers, Captain America: the Winter Solder scored over $713 million worldwide as a super hero-political thriller earlier this year. In Guardians of the Galaxy the audience is introduced to five characters, each with a detailed backstory, and very real problems and motivations. Marvel throws a lot of information at you in a very short period of time. They do it so well that, by the end of the movie you become so invested in each one of the characters, you find yourself on the edge of your seat for fear you may lose one.

You should give Guardians a chance, if for no other reason than, Marvel has earned the benefit of the doubt.

The first movie I remember seeing in the theater was Star Wars. It must have been opening weekend, because the theater was full, and Darth Vader came walking down the isle just before the movie started and the giant space ship roared onto the screen. Guardians recreated that same sense of childish excitement. It feels like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. It also feels like its part of a much larger picture. Guardians does well to hint at its importance and place in the Marvel cinematic universe. You will leave the theater with a sense that maybe The Guardians of the Galaxy might just meet the Avengers before its all said and done.

On earth you meet Peter Quill, also known as Starlord, a young boy in the 1980s. He is, in a way, stuck in the 80s throughout the entire film. This aspect of Quill's character is basis for an extremely epic soundtrack. Watching a blue alien jam out to "Hooked on a Feeling" in a far away universe is worth the price of admission alone. The timing and placement of the 1970s and 80s rock music throughout the movie helps lighten the mood of the film just as it begins to feel too serious.

Most movies I've seen lately have been with my 14 year old son. He is very mature for his age, and apparently I am not. So, of course, our tastes in movies align perfectly. Very seldom, can the entire family go to the theater and enjoy the same movie. This was one of those times.

Guardians of the Galaxy is non-stop action, sprinkled with heart and a touch of unlikely romance, but full of laughter. As a matter-of-fact, it was the excellent comic timing that kept every member of my family engaged the entire 2 hours and 2 minutes of the movie. Surprisingly, the movie doesn't rely on just one character, or even a couple of characters to supply the comic mischief, as so many other movies do. In Guardians, the comic relief comes from just about every character in the movie.

While Drax the Destroyer surprised me with his subtle comedy, it was the character everyone expected to be funny that actually came through for my family in a big way. Rocket, voiced by Bradley Cooper (Silver Linings Playbook), held my youngest's attention from the moment he showed up on screen through the end credits, when he and Groot were all my son wanted to talk about.

As much as my son loved it, parent beware: the PG-13 rating is mostly due to some adult language that definitely adds to the comedy and realistic feel of the movie. So use your parental judgement when taking your youngsters. You don't hear Rocket cuss, while Peter Quill takes his 1980s slang into the depths of Marvel's universe as Starlord. Still, it is not usually used in the worst context, and usually to make a point.

Guardians of the Galaxy is proof that Marvel can do just about anything and get it right. If it is a sign of things to come, I am very excited. They created an epic adventure, with deep characters and strong relationships, and they did it all in 2 hours. More importantly, they made it funny. If judged just by how much fun it is to experience, this could be, not only the best movie of the summer, but the best Marvel movie yet.

So... what are you doing? Its time to get ready. You got a movie to see.