Close encounters of the Marvel kind! They took such a risk with this film. Setting the action in outer space. Introducing audiences to a ton of obscure cosmic characters. But every single risk paid off in a big way, because Guardians of the Galaxy is a phenomenal thrillride of pure fun. I’ll admit to being skeptical when the movie was first announced. But every doubt has been laid to rest with this exciting film. It never slows down, it never feels too forced or weird, and most of all, it has the biggest, most beautiful personality of any Marvel movie yet. This film is all about style and substance.

Guardians of the Galaxy is the laugh-out-loud funniest movie of the year. Parts of it are underdeveloped, but the titular team is the most entertaining ensemble since Serenity.

Movie Rating: 9/10 – Great.

If you’ve never read any of the comics, don’t worry, because none of them matter. Guardians of the Galaxy is its own movie, and you don’t need to know any back story or worry about any comic books to enjoy the film on its own. If you have read the comics, and you know your Cosmic Marvel Universe inside and out, you’re going to want to let go of what you already know. Guardians of the Galaxy makes plenty of changes and alters more than a few characters and concepts. If you hold on to your comic book continuity, it’s just going to be an albatross around your neck.

Embrace Guardians of the Galaxy for what it is: an action-packed romp that raises comedic banter to an art form. I can’t remember the last movie that was this cleverly written. Every Marvel movie has included a bit of humor, whether it’s the occasional one-liner or pratfall. But Guardians of the Galaxy is just flat out hilarious. And almost all of it is character based. When the main characters get going, when the quips and barbs start flying, the film shines like the night sky. If you thought the trailers were witty and fun, they were just the tip of the iceberg. The dialogue in this movie is brilliant, and the actors all shine, making the absolute most of what they’re given.

At least that’s the case for the Guardians themselves. They’re the best part of the film. But everything around them — from Nebula to Knowhere to the Nova Corps — is woefully underdeveloped. The movie basically has some big rubber stamps labeled ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’, and after stamping almost all of the supporting characters, it goes back to writing witty dialogue for the Guardians.

Which is exactly why you should see this movie! It’s just plain funny, with a soundtrack of classic 70s and 80s hits that elevate Guardians of the Galaxy into the gem of the summer.

Join me after the jump for my full review. There will be some SPOILERS from here on out, so read at your own risk, movie fans!

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