GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
Marvel movies are taking a cultier, more comic tone. The result? Easily the best superhero film of the year
The most delightful thing about the current gen of Marvel movies is that they’re not cynical cash grabs launched on ravening comic fanboys. They have heart. Nowhere is that truer than in Guardians of the Galaxy, which teams up a talking – albeit monosyllabic – tree, a former pro wrestler, an animated raccoon and the fat one out of Parks and Rec to triumphant effect.
James Gunn’s interpretation of one of Marvel’s wackier ventures mines humour from self-parody without biting the hand that feeds it. It pairs a brilliantly realised, grand universe with a plot that’s simple enough for ten-year-olds – but with enough moments of depth to satisfy adults. Perhaps the Tarantino-esque soundtrack is a tad forced, but it makes a change from Marvel’s usual relentless symphonic assault. Guardians has heart, but it also has brains and a funny bone. $43 3D BLU-RAY, $30 BLU-RAY, $25 HD DOWNLOAD, OUT NOW