So, finally got a chance to see the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie.
And...mother of God does it live up to the hype. Seriously. What a wonderful, fun, absolutely goddamn enjoyable summer movie.
Trailers I Got:
-Interstellar: Absolutely astounding. Cannot wait for when it comes out (hopefully I won't be too occupied with NaNo and school to see it).
-Annie: Still looks awesome. It's growing on me the more I see it. I had mixed feelings about modernizing Annie -- it can go well or not -- but it looks funny and sweet and honestly really charming. I might have to go and see it if I can.
-The Maze Runner: Still yet to read the books (I know, I know), but the trailer looks really interesting.
-Into the Woods: I haven't seen the original musical, but the trailer looks amazing.
The Movie Experience:
I was actually intending to see this movie before I headed for London (yeah, I'm going there. I'm kind of psyched and nervous at the same time, I will definitely admit), and I was trying to find a good time to see it, and someone to take me (I mean, Mom and Dad were probably working and Mom was probably sick to death of superhero movies, which I can sort of understand. Sort of), and in the end, my brother volunteered. Which was a lot of fun -- we chatted a bit about stuff before we went to the movie (which I definitely appreciate, because I don't think that I've done that in a while. He's been kind of busy with shit, and I've been busy as well, so it was good to chat with him), and on the way there (he kind of drove me there. *) and once we got there...I was actually scared shitless when I saw how packed it was and I was praying, "Please, God, don't let anyone have brought their baby..." but to my relief, the audience was incredibly well-behaved. There were some little kids, but they were really well-behaved as well. That and the audience laughed at the funny parts (which there were definitely plenty of. This, overall, is a very funny movie. Yeah, it has some heavy moments, and even scary moments, but it doesn't take itself too seriously. **) and was mostly very quiet. And even when there were comments, they were few and far between. And even funny -- for example, someone doubting that Ronan (the main bad guy ***) was actually dead, which actually got a laugh out of me. So yeah, thank you audience member who said that, whoever you are. Hell, thank you audience, for being so well-behaved. (I guess I shouldn't have worried, but seeing how many people there were in the theater, I originally got really nervous. The other experiences I had kind of had smaller crowds)
The movie itself:
It was really good. I really don't know where to start in terms of how good it was; I mean, for starters, the characters were very enjoyable. They may be "a bunch of assholes", to quote someone taking them to prison at one point, but they're lovable assholes, which is pretty hard to pull off. I mean, there was Starlord, who was really cool, and fundamentally, a good guy, such as him saving Gamorra's life after Nebula shot her out into space (even giving her his helmet, and being willing to turn himself over to his boss in order to save her. See, that's what being a hero is about. You don't become a hero just by opposing the bad guys; anyone can oppose a bad guy. You become a hero by doing noble, selfless things. That's the key), and funny (hell, there were a lot of really badass lines in there, and a lot of funny lines), there was Rocket (who was hilarious. I think it's the idea of this really cute critter and his constant supply of snark who, fundamentally, has a good heart underneath -- for example, how he reacts to Groot's "death" **** -- and even some really sensible things to say, such as him calling out Drax for his recklessness in facing Ronan. *****), there was Gamorra (who was a really great, well-rounded character. I like the arc she went through, from being Thanos' servant -- I say that because she's not Thanos' daughter; he basically murdered her family and kidnapped her. ******), there was Groot (who is just a fucking sweetheart. I loved the scene on Knowhere -- yes, it's called Knowhere, yes, I think there's definitely a pun in the name. XD -- when he gives the little girl that flower, and when he sacrifices himself -- again, he gets better -- to try and save the crew, just by wrapping them up in his branches, with a very heartfelt variation on his sort-of catchphrase. Before, he mostly said, "I am Groot", although Rocket was able to understand him, which is something I am wondering about; how does he understand what Groot's saying? But yeah, when they're plummeting towards the planet and he wraps up the crew, he says, "We are Groot." I don't know, but I found that bit really touching), and there was Drax (whose development I liked, starting out by just being driven by revenge, before eventually finding something else to live for).
I also liked how how it didn't take itself too seriously. I mean, it definitely had its emotional moments and its heavy moments (which I'll discuss later), but in the end, it really didn't take itself super-seriously. Which is definitely good; you definitely need a bit of fun in a movie. Nothing wrong with heavy movies; they have their place and I like them as well as fun, but...really, nothing wrong with a sense of fun and a sense of laughter as well. And when it was genuinely funny, such as Rocket and Groot's intro (which also helps set them up as characters), the running joke about people not getting Starlord's name, Starlord getting irritated with his boss at the beginning and shutting off the transmission while he's ranting (as well as him saying "calling me a few times is barely slaving", basically), his boss' pleased reaction to finding a doll in the orb Starlord switched over with the Infinity Sphere, Ronan's reaction to Starlord challenging him to a dance-off (considering how played straight and absolutely terrifying Ronan was, it was fucking hilarious seeing his confusion over what Starlord was trying to do), Starlord trying to explain a metaphor for killing Ronan to the very literal-minded Drax, Starlord's "I'm an asshole, but I'm not 100% dick" and the council on Xandar's reaction to it, Gamorra taking the "sticks up their butts" thing literally when Starlord's describing the movie Footloose and saying "who put them there?", the dynamics between the crew, baby Groot at the end dancing to a song on the ship, Rocket's well-meaning-but-sloppy attempt to rescue Starlord and Gamorra and Starlord calling him out on it, and...really, a lot more. Hell, the audience at the movie really had a groovy time, laughing at those bits.
And yet the emotional moments were also really well-done. Gamorra talking about her past, for example (Zoe Saldana's a wonderful actress and she just killed that scene. You could just sense the pain Gamora's going through recounting it, and it's all in the eyes. *******), the opening scene with young Starlord losing his mother (that was a heartbreaking scene), the scene with Starlord opening the letter from his mother, his reasoning for why he carries the Awesome Mix around (which is also funny and really, honestly, sweet), Drax finally having to admit that his anger and hatred was a cover for the grief he suffered over losing his family, Groot's "death" and Rocket's reaction, and Rocket's kind of drunk rant over how people treated him on the journey so far, as well as calling himself a monster (he was a result of scientific experimentation, and from what he said, very painful scientific experimentation too). That and the sweet moments, such as Gamora saying that she was used to being surrounded by enemies, and it was good that she would die among friends, one of the guys saying to Starlord, "My family is alive because of you" and him being reunited with his family later, Gamora saying that Starlord's boss isn't the only family he has anymore, and Drax shooting Nebula in the middle of her ranting about how much weaker Gamora is, with, "No one talks that way about people I care about!" (Basically) And Gamora reassuring Drax that his family will rest easy knowing that he avenged their deaths.
The movie is very funny, of course, but it handles the emotional elements beautifully, and they don't feel forced. They feel completely genuine.
That and in terms of the disturbing moments, they were done really well as well. For example, the matter of showing what the Infinity Sphere is capable of -- not only is it a neat way to get the exposition out of the way and show why it shouldn't fall into Ronan's hands, but it's unsettling as all hell. So when Ronan manages to get his hand on the Infinity Stone thanks to Nebula, it's a major "oh shit" moment. That and when he absorbs the power of the sphere and starts ranting about how he'll be stronger than Thanos, and how after he destroys Xandar (if there's something that does have me wondering a bit, it's the matter of how Ronan's motivations are handled. The movie mentions in passing about how his family died at the hands of Xandarians so he wants revenge and believes Thanos can help him at first -- but I think it's a quick mention more than anything else. I dunno; I would have liked to know more. Ronan was still a great villain, though) he'll come to Thanos -- that combined with the image of the power sort of coursing through him (the effects work was great. And like my brother said to me on the way back, they used the effects sparingly, but when they did, they looked great) was really disturbing. That and Ronan's ship bombing Xandar (although, earlier, I do wish they didn't have to include the detail of Ronan killing kids, because it seems to be a bit of a villain shortcut. Like it isn't enough for Ronan to kill innocent people and want to destroy a whole planet; he also has to kill kids. I dunno, I thought that was kind of unnecessary) and the terror of everyone there -- although I liked the detail of the city being evacuated and Rocket staying on the ground to defend the city. It raises the stakes (they have to protect the city from Ronan's ships as well as stop Ronan himself), and it seems to actually kind of address the whole idea of the destruction thing (which you see a lot of in sci-fi/fantasy, action, etc., and which I'm guilty of in my stuff and I'm trying to work on). Not to mention the shot of the slaves in -- I think -- Ronan's place, and him threatening a slave that doesn't work quickly enough. And him handing Drax's butt to him. I was really scared for Drax in that scene, I will confess.
And there were definitely awesome moments in the film, such as the climax with the Guardians using the Stone against Ronan, as well as them suiting up and doing the walking-in-a-straight-line thing to stop Ronan while the song "Cherry Bomb" plays (which was fucking awesome. I love the use of soundtrack -- and very retro songs too, which makes sense, considering when Starlord must have grown up -- in the film in general, and that was one of my favorites.
And I liked the aftercredits scene with Howard the Duck -- that was pretty funny. I have some hesitation about another Howard the Duck movie being made (considering that from what I gathered from the Nostalgia Critic, the last one that was made was, um, not good) but considering their recent winning streak, I think they could do it.
* In cases you're wondering, I'm definitely intending to retake Driver's Ed. At one point. Let's hope this time I don't flunk.
** Yeah, I know that doesn't make a lick of sense. XD
*** Though he does have his back-up, like good old Thanos, and his daughter, Nebula (played by Karen Gillan, and boy was she good in that role! And the make-up...honestly, if not for her voice, I wouldn't have recognized her; the make-up on her was astounding. Hell, the effects, the makeup...they looked wonderful). So it's sort of a Triumvirate, though Ronan's doing most of the heavy work.
**** Groot gets better, don't worry. But still, that scene was just heartwrenching. Although very sweet with Drax trying to comfort Rocket (which the audience chuckled at, and I can see the humor in that, but mostly I was just kind of "awwww").
***** Yeah, the way he says it is kind of harsh, but it is true, and it was definitely something Drax needed. Sort of like yes, your family died, but you don't have to nearly get everyone else killed.
****** Seriously, that was a really well-done scene, but fucking heartwrenching. Hell, poor Gamora -- she basically goes through a lot of shit. Being kidnapped by Thanos as a kid, possibly having a bad relationship with Nebula (if some of what Nebula says on Ronan's ship is anything to go by, they didn't have a good relationship, and yet, Gamora still tries to save her), being hated by others who've possibly lost their families to Ronan and whatnot, and definitely for good reason (if the prison scene is anything to go by; hell, if not for Starlord, Drax would have killed her. That's another thing I like here -- for all intents and purposes, all he knows about this woman was that she tried to take that sphere from him, etc., and yet he still tries to save her. Honestly, for "a bunch of assholes", they're definitely more honorable than most)...she goes through a lot of shit, but she doesn't ever seem to break down. I mean, holy shit.
******* She's one of those actresses who can say so much just through the eyes. And that scene's made worse when she says Thanos tortured her and used threats to keep her in line, and you can see the scars on her face from it. Poor Gamora -- she just went through a hell of a lot. It really does make you hate Thanos even more.
So overall? Loved it. It definitely deserves being top at the box office right now, and all the great reviews it's gotten. Hell, I'd say it's the best movie of the summer so far! Go and see it; it's awesome.
Trailers I Got:
-Interstellar: Absolutely astounding. Cannot wait for when it comes out (hopefully I won't be too occupied with NaNo and school to see it).
-Annie: Still looks awesome. It's growing on me the more I see it. I had mixed feelings about modernizing Annie -- it can go well or not -- but it looks funny and sweet and honestly really charming. I might have to go and see it if I can.
-The Maze Runner: Still yet to read the books (I know, I know), but the trailer looks really interesting.
-Into the Woods: I haven't seen the original musical, but the trailer looks amazing.
The Movie Experience:
I was actually intending to see this movie before I headed for London (yeah, I'm going there. I'm kind of psyched and nervous at the same time, I will definitely admit), and I was trying to find a good time to see it, and someone to take me (I mean, Mom and Dad were probably working and Mom was probably sick to death of superhero movies, which I can sort of understand. Sort of), and in the end, my brother volunteered. Which was a lot of fun -- we chatted a bit about stuff before we went to the movie (which I definitely appreciate, because I don't think that I've done that in a while. He's been kind of busy with shit, and I've been busy as well, so it was good to chat with him), and on the way there (he kind of drove me there. *) and once we got there...I was actually scared shitless when I saw how packed it was and I was praying, "Please, God, don't let anyone have brought their baby..." but to my relief, the audience was incredibly well-behaved. There were some little kids, but they were really well-behaved as well. That and the audience laughed at the funny parts (which there were definitely plenty of. This, overall, is a very funny movie. Yeah, it has some heavy moments, and even scary moments, but it doesn't take itself too seriously. **) and was mostly very quiet. And even when there were comments, they were few and far between. And even funny -- for example, someone doubting that Ronan (the main bad guy ***) was actually dead, which actually got a laugh out of me. So yeah, thank you audience member who said that, whoever you are. Hell, thank you audience, for being so well-behaved. (I guess I shouldn't have worried, but seeing how many people there were in the theater, I originally got really nervous. The other experiences I had kind of had smaller crowds)
The movie itself:
It was really good. I really don't know where to start in terms of how good it was; I mean, for starters, the characters were very enjoyable. They may be "a bunch of assholes", to quote someone taking them to prison at one point, but they're lovable assholes, which is pretty hard to pull off. I mean, there was Starlord, who was really cool, and fundamentally, a good guy, such as him saving Gamorra's life after Nebula shot her out into space (even giving her his helmet, and being willing to turn himself over to his boss in order to save her. See, that's what being a hero is about. You don't become a hero just by opposing the bad guys; anyone can oppose a bad guy. You become a hero by doing noble, selfless things. That's the key), and funny (hell, there were a lot of really badass lines in there, and a lot of funny lines), there was Rocket (who was hilarious. I think it's the idea of this really cute critter and his constant supply of snark who, fundamentally, has a good heart underneath -- for example, how he reacts to Groot's "death" **** -- and even some really sensible things to say, such as him calling out Drax for his recklessness in facing Ronan. *****), there was Gamorra (who was a really great, well-rounded character. I like the arc she went through, from being Thanos' servant -- I say that because she's not Thanos' daughter; he basically murdered her family and kidnapped her. ******), there was Groot (who is just a fucking sweetheart. I loved the scene on Knowhere -- yes, it's called Knowhere, yes, I think there's definitely a pun in the name. XD -- when he gives the little girl that flower, and when he sacrifices himself -- again, he gets better -- to try and save the crew, just by wrapping them up in his branches, with a very heartfelt variation on his sort-of catchphrase. Before, he mostly said, "I am Groot", although Rocket was able to understand him, which is something I am wondering about; how does he understand what Groot's saying? But yeah, when they're plummeting towards the planet and he wraps up the crew, he says, "We are Groot." I don't know, but I found that bit really touching), and there was Drax (whose development I liked, starting out by just being driven by revenge, before eventually finding something else to live for).
I also liked how how it didn't take itself too seriously. I mean, it definitely had its emotional moments and its heavy moments (which I'll discuss later), but in the end, it really didn't take itself super-seriously. Which is definitely good; you definitely need a bit of fun in a movie. Nothing wrong with heavy movies; they have their place and I like them as well as fun, but...really, nothing wrong with a sense of fun and a sense of laughter as well. And when it was genuinely funny, such as Rocket and Groot's intro (which also helps set them up as characters), the running joke about people not getting Starlord's name, Starlord getting irritated with his boss at the beginning and shutting off the transmission while he's ranting (as well as him saying "calling me a few times is barely slaving", basically), his boss' pleased reaction to finding a doll in the orb Starlord switched over with the Infinity Sphere, Ronan's reaction to Starlord challenging him to a dance-off (considering how played straight and absolutely terrifying Ronan was, it was fucking hilarious seeing his confusion over what Starlord was trying to do), Starlord trying to explain a metaphor for killing Ronan to the very literal-minded Drax, Starlord's "I'm an asshole, but I'm not 100% dick" and the council on Xandar's reaction to it, Gamorra taking the "sticks up their butts" thing literally when Starlord's describing the movie Footloose and saying "who put them there?", the dynamics between the crew, baby Groot at the end dancing to a song on the ship, Rocket's well-meaning-but-sloppy attempt to rescue Starlord and Gamorra and Starlord calling him out on it, and...really, a lot more. Hell, the audience at the movie really had a groovy time, laughing at those bits.
And yet the emotional moments were also really well-done. Gamorra talking about her past, for example (Zoe Saldana's a wonderful actress and she just killed that scene. You could just sense the pain Gamora's going through recounting it, and it's all in the eyes. *******), the opening scene with young Starlord losing his mother (that was a heartbreaking scene), the scene with Starlord opening the letter from his mother, his reasoning for why he carries the Awesome Mix around (which is also funny and really, honestly, sweet), Drax finally having to admit that his anger and hatred was a cover for the grief he suffered over losing his family, Groot's "death" and Rocket's reaction, and Rocket's kind of drunk rant over how people treated him on the journey so far, as well as calling himself a monster (he was a result of scientific experimentation, and from what he said, very painful scientific experimentation too). That and the sweet moments, such as Gamora saying that she was used to being surrounded by enemies, and it was good that she would die among friends, one of the guys saying to Starlord, "My family is alive because of you" and him being reunited with his family later, Gamora saying that Starlord's boss isn't the only family he has anymore, and Drax shooting Nebula in the middle of her ranting about how much weaker Gamora is, with, "No one talks that way about people I care about!" (Basically) And Gamora reassuring Drax that his family will rest easy knowing that he avenged their deaths.
The movie is very funny, of course, but it handles the emotional elements beautifully, and they don't feel forced. They feel completely genuine.
That and in terms of the disturbing moments, they were done really well as well. For example, the matter of showing what the Infinity Sphere is capable of -- not only is it a neat way to get the exposition out of the way and show why it shouldn't fall into Ronan's hands, but it's unsettling as all hell. So when Ronan manages to get his hand on the Infinity Stone thanks to Nebula, it's a major "oh shit" moment. That and when he absorbs the power of the sphere and starts ranting about how he'll be stronger than Thanos, and how after he destroys Xandar (if there's something that does have me wondering a bit, it's the matter of how Ronan's motivations are handled. The movie mentions in passing about how his family died at the hands of Xandarians so he wants revenge and believes Thanos can help him at first -- but I think it's a quick mention more than anything else. I dunno; I would have liked to know more. Ronan was still a great villain, though) he'll come to Thanos -- that combined with the image of the power sort of coursing through him (the effects work was great. And like my brother said to me on the way back, they used the effects sparingly, but when they did, they looked great) was really disturbing. That and Ronan's ship bombing Xandar (although, earlier, I do wish they didn't have to include the detail of Ronan killing kids, because it seems to be a bit of a villain shortcut. Like it isn't enough for Ronan to kill innocent people and want to destroy a whole planet; he also has to kill kids. I dunno, I thought that was kind of unnecessary) and the terror of everyone there -- although I liked the detail of the city being evacuated and Rocket staying on the ground to defend the city. It raises the stakes (they have to protect the city from Ronan's ships as well as stop Ronan himself), and it seems to actually kind of address the whole idea of the destruction thing (which you see a lot of in sci-fi/fantasy, action, etc., and which I'm guilty of in my stuff and I'm trying to work on). Not to mention the shot of the slaves in -- I think -- Ronan's place, and him threatening a slave that doesn't work quickly enough. And him handing Drax's butt to him. I was really scared for Drax in that scene, I will confess.
And there were definitely awesome moments in the film, such as the climax with the Guardians using the Stone against Ronan, as well as them suiting up and doing the walking-in-a-straight-line thing to stop Ronan while the song "Cherry Bomb" plays (which was fucking awesome. I love the use of soundtrack -- and very retro songs too, which makes sense, considering when Starlord must have grown up -- in the film in general, and that was one of my favorites.
And I liked the aftercredits scene with Howard the Duck -- that was pretty funny. I have some hesitation about another Howard the Duck movie being made (considering that from what I gathered from the Nostalgia Critic, the last one that was made was, um, not good) but considering their recent winning streak, I think they could do it.
* In cases you're wondering, I'm definitely intending to retake Driver's Ed. At one point. Let's hope this time I don't flunk.
** Yeah, I know that doesn't make a lick of sense. XD
*** Though he does have his back-up, like good old Thanos, and his daughter, Nebula (played by Karen Gillan, and boy was she good in that role! And the make-up...honestly, if not for her voice, I wouldn't have recognized her; the make-up on her was astounding. Hell, the effects, the makeup...they looked wonderful). So it's sort of a Triumvirate, though Ronan's doing most of the heavy work.
**** Groot gets better, don't worry. But still, that scene was just heartwrenching. Although very sweet with Drax trying to comfort Rocket (which the audience chuckled at, and I can see the humor in that, but mostly I was just kind of "awwww").
***** Yeah, the way he says it is kind of harsh, but it is true, and it was definitely something Drax needed. Sort of like yes, your family died, but you don't have to nearly get everyone else killed.
****** Seriously, that was a really well-done scene, but fucking heartwrenching. Hell, poor Gamora -- she basically goes through a lot of shit. Being kidnapped by Thanos as a kid, possibly having a bad relationship with Nebula (if some of what Nebula says on Ronan's ship is anything to go by, they didn't have a good relationship, and yet, Gamora still tries to save her), being hated by others who've possibly lost their families to Ronan and whatnot, and definitely for good reason (if the prison scene is anything to go by; hell, if not for Starlord, Drax would have killed her. That's another thing I like here -- for all intents and purposes, all he knows about this woman was that she tried to take that sphere from him, etc., and yet he still tries to save her. Honestly, for "a bunch of assholes", they're definitely more honorable than most)...she goes through a lot of shit, but she doesn't ever seem to break down. I mean, holy shit.
******* She's one of those actresses who can say so much just through the eyes. And that scene's made worse when she says Thanos tortured her and used threats to keep her in line, and you can see the scars on her face from it. Poor Gamora -- she just went through a hell of a lot. It really does make you hate Thanos even more.
So overall? Loved it. It definitely deserves being top at the box office right now, and all the great reviews it's gotten. Hell, I'd say it's the best movie of the summer so far! Go and see it; it's awesome.