Here’s to the launch of a new Superhero franchise. Can you hear the cash machines ringing? Sequels, action figures, video games, you name it. If there is one thing the Marvel - Disney partnership learned how to do well, it is to guard their revenue streams using superheroes. What can I say – kudus.
Enjoying strong critical reviews, the Guardians, while somewhat original, is also a super-shallow film. And not that one should expect much depth to start with. But some past comics proved that substance can still be achieved without sacrificing entertainment.
On the positive side, the Guardians of the Galaxy bands together several misfits who don’t particularly like each other until fate brings them together. Thus there is some organic inner growth of the characters, even if expected and dimwittedly guided. The story seems to be of less importance; all it does is provide a vehicle for moving the characters from one backdrop to another, supplying ample opportunities for fun dialogues and plenty of special effects. It should also be noted that the film draws inspiration from plenty of previous fantasy and sci-fi movies, not the least of which is Star Wars. In that respect the Guardians is entertaining to a degree -- finding those references I mean. Acting is decent, with Vin Diesel in one of his better performances, at least where dialogue is concerned...
All in all, Guardians of the Galaxy provides for a light afternoon at the movies and serves as a typical summer blockbuster. But holding my breath for the sequel, I do not.