There were so many things that I liked about the movie. It captured my fancy, much like the original Star Wars film did when I first saw it (more on that tomorrow). It has a bitchin' soundtrack (check back here for details on that on Friday), and some truly memorable, lovable characters (I'm looking at you, Groot). I am not particularly invested in the Marvel universe or superhero movies in general, but I am definitely on board to see more adventures featuring Star Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket and Groot. And the film had Benicio Del Toro, so win-win.
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| Here they come, L-R: Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), Star Lord (Chris Pratt), Groot (Vin Diesel), and Drax (Dave Bautista) |
| "Groot's the only one of you who has a clue." |
The movie doesn't just reference a seventies movie vibe, but also shares its quirky sensibility with other sci-fi/fantasy fan favorites like Buckaroo Banzai and The Fifth Element. There's even a touch of The Wizard of Oz to the motley crew that joins Peter Quill, AKA Star Lord, on his galactic adventures.
We saw the movie in New Jersey, at a Bow Tie Cinema, which added to the whole nostalgia appeal of the experience. No IMAX, no 3D, no "big" movie-going experience. Just popcorn, drinks, a decent-sized screen, and a cool movie. Now don't get me wrong, I love the IMAX screen at our local multiplex (although I loathe 3D). But I also really love this more laid-back, cheaper ticket, local theater approach. It would make me want to start going to the movies more often, like I used to, seeing whatever sounded interesting, instead of weighing the pros and cons and the cost. So far no Bow Tie Cinemas in Florida. Hopefully that will change soon.
One of the other interesting things about this mega-movie that I have noticed is that it isn't (so far) over-merchandised, like so many other aimed-at-kids films seem to be. Wandering around Target with the kid recently we noticed there were a couple of LEGO themed sets, few action figures (but no Gamora) and some school notebooks featuring the characters, but not much else. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toys and paraphernalia, on the other hand, are omnipresent.
I think I can probably hold off watching it again until it hits Blu-ray, but the internet offers some fun links in the meantime to feed my Guardians fix.
