Hooked on a Feeling with the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY


Welcome to Fanboy Recommended, the latest Unleash the Fanboy editorial where I go through some of the best that media has to offer, whether it be comics, movies, TV series or video games. I thought I’d kick things off with the latest summer blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy, which sees a young jedi save the Galaxy. Oh wait a moment that’s Star Wars. Having been a fan of the series and it’s characters I was very hopeful for this film to succeed, as though it was an overall gamble for Marvel, it also screamed potential. Now before I delve into the main part of this article I will warn that there will be spoilers, so anyone who hasn’t seen the film yet may want to leave now.

The Guardians

So here we are: a thief, two thugs, an assassin and a maniac. But we’re not going to stand by as evil wipes out the galaxy. I guess we’re stuck together, partners.

– Peter Quill

The most crucial thing about any team film is the characters, and how they work together. Having already established a connection through the comic book series this only makes their cinematic portrayal all the more essential. There is however no fear at all, as no matter how you felt each actor would fair, I can honestly say they all did a spectacular job. With some proving to be rather surprising.

The main thing that I felt helped these characters to shine was they way they were brought together, with them slowly forming for one cause or another. This also allowed new fans the chance to get to know this charismatic band of heroes, as there’s nothing worse than being chucked head first into a film wondering who’s who.

The performances themselves were however what made it for me, as though I’ve already stated that everyone did a spectacular job, I feel it’s necessary to elaborate a bit. Firstly we have Chris Pratt who does a sensational of Peter Quill aka Star-Lord, capturing his charm and quick wit brilliantly. Next we have Gamora played by Zoe Saldana, who utilises her action experience to whoop butt. Wrestler turned actor Dave Bautista also appeared playing Drax the Destroyer, with his comic timing and literal execution being shockingly good. Rounding off the band we have the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel respectively as Rocket Raccoon and Groot, with Cooper’s mischievous tone and Diesel’s charming execution of, “I am Groot!” being pure magic.

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Awesome Mix Vol. 1

IIIII’m hooked on a feeling, I’m high on believing! Oh, sorry about that. With my preferred choice of listening usually being heavy metal, and punk rock I was very shocked to be so hooked on Awesome Mix Vol. 1, with Quill’s compilation of late 60’s, and 70’s pop captivating me. In all fairness it’s more the way these great songs fit in with the action on screen that makes it so inviting, with the tempo and atmosphere adding to the overall excitement.

Another thing that I feel makes this amalgamation of classics so appealing is the story behind the Awesome Mix Vol. 1 concept, with it being a tape mix that they young Peter Quill was listening to when his mother died. This plot tie-in, along with the energetic way it works alongside Tyler Bates score makes Awesome Mix Vol. 1 a soundtrack that’ll get every cinema goer excited.

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Thanos Rules!

Something that many fans were looking forward to in Guardians of the Galaxy was Thanos, and we weren’t disappointed. Ever since he first turned his huge head in the post-credit scene of The Avengers fans have been itching to see more of the Mad Titan. It was however a little shocking when it was announced that his first proper appearance would be in this relatively small film, as following The Avengers most fans expected Marvel to hold him back for either The Avengers 2  or 3.

I for one however am ecstatic that they decided to look over that and add the Mad Titan to this film, as bar connecting it to this film to the main cinematic universe, it allows a further clarity to Gamora’s background, also showing just how far his reach stretches. Another thing that I was surprised about was how well Josh Brolin portrayed his, as though Brolin is an excellent actor, was slightly sceptical how well he’d handle the role.

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Best Post-Credit Scene Ever!

One thing that Marvel has been known for is it’s post-credit scenes, with some teasing future flicks, and others being downright disappointing. Marvel has however outdone themselves here, with this one scene topping every other post-credit scene combined. If you’ve yet to see the film I’d strongly advise skipping this part, as though some may know what happens, anyone who doesn’t should experience it in the film itself.

As for people who have seen the film (or spoiled it via the internet/friends) will know, I am off course talking about Howard the Duck’s appearance. When he was first announced to be having a cameo in the film I was very excited, so thus was disappointed not to have spotted him in the main bulk of the film. Marvel in their ways of wisdom however knew exactly what they were doing, with his appearance alongside Taneleer Tivan aka The Collector at the end of the film being priceless.

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In a Nutshell

So why should you go and spend your hard earned money on seeing this film? First off all, it’s a great film, being something that all the family will love. Secondly it’s a great way for people who aren’t comic book fans, or are and haven’t seen any of the prior Marvel Cinematic Universe entries to get a fresh stand alone look into the franchise. Above all else, it’s a fun film that any movie goer with a sense of humour will love.So grab your wallet, get yourself together, and head down to your local cinemas, as whether you know these characters or not, I’m sure you’ll leave that cinema loving them.

Fanboy Recommended