Let’s just start this off with a small confession.  While I love Disney’s Marvel movies, I had practically no desire to see Guardians of the Galaxy.  Zip.  Zilch.  Barely registering on my curiosity scale – the previews did nothing to help.  It just didn’t look that good.  There was no identifiable hero, a talking raccoon, and a big bare tree with a face.  Yeah, that looked great.  The other Marvel movies had drawing power!  Thor – now who wouldn’t want to go see a Thor movie?  Captain America – the Cap’s got everything going for him – tragic past, extreme patriotism, a true hero – you know what I mean.  Then put a bunch of the Marvel guys together and the Avengers!  Outstanding entertainment!

Back to Guardians.  So I felt I needed to see it strictly because it was a Marvel movie.  I have a Disney blog – people might expect me to mention the movie or something.  Raymond seemed excited about it, so we’d hit the matinee, see the 3D version, and at least I’d get a tub of popcorn and a Mr. Pibb out of the deal.  Space, misfits, sci-fi adventure, whatever.  It was raining – good time to kill a couple of hours indoors.  I was just this side of “let’s get this over with”.

I must publicly offer my sincerest apologies to Guardians of the Galaxy for judging the movie based purely on the previews.  I was wrong to make stereotypical judgments solely formed on the fact that the movie was set in space and appeared (to me) to be built on a somewhat ridiculous, overdone theatrical premise – misfits forced to band together take on a defeat a common foe.  I was imagining a Marvel version of Armageddon, but with CG characters that I wouldn’t be able to like.  Boy, was I ever wrong.

Guardians of the Galaxy is a fantastically entertaining adventure.  Well-developed characters with meaningful backstories combined with a real, intriguing and substantial plot – plus comedy – the good, old fashioned kind that relies on well-written lines and perfectly timed delivery.  Need more to get you to fork over the price of a movie theater ticket?  Here you go:

Five reasons to see Guardians of the Galaxy:

1. You were raised in the ’80’s.  This movie is full of great music and loads of ’80’s references that ’80’s kids will absolutely love (and appreciate).

2. You love a good space/sci-fi adventure – the kind where you’re on the edge of your seat one minute and laughing out loud the next.  Our fellow movie-goers were clapping, cheering, and laughing hysterically throughout the entire film.  Reminded me of the first time I saw Star Wars way back when it first showed in theaters in 1977.

3. You are a fan of characters with rough-exteriors and marshmallow hearts.  Film history is full of movies where misfits and imperfect (even not-so-nice) characters decide to do the right thing – resulting in self-discovery and friendship along the way.  This is what makes The Avengers a great movie and what is at the core of Guardians.

4. You adore the well-delivered one-liner.  This should have been #1 probably – at least for me.  I am a huge fan of memorable one-liners and this film delivers.

5. You like movies with a lot of heart.  Any time what should be an absolutely ridiculous situation pulls a genuine emotional response from me, I’m sold.  The fact that characters of the completely computer-generated variety can bring a tear to my eye is the sign of well-made, well-played movie.

Man, this spoiler-free movie reviewing is tough!  I could go on and on.  Was this movie perfect? No.  Would I give it 4 out of 4 stars?  Almost – it’s a solid 3-and-a-half.  Is does deliver a whole lot of fun, adventure, action, and heart.  Well worth the money I spent to see a 3D matinee.  Beware:  there’s a little bit of bad language and some violence, but it’s good entertainment for worldly kids 11/12 and above.

Have you seen Guardians of the Galaxy?  What did you think about it?