Film Review: 'Guardians of the Galaxy' is one hell of a ride

Director: James Gunn
Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista, Lee Pace, Benicio Del Toro
Rating: ****

What's it about: Finding friends in the unlikeliest of places. Set in a part of the Marvel universe you're going to want to explore after watching this film, it sees four aliens saving the world from a megalomaniac who calls himself Ronan The Accuser.

What's hot: Pretty much everything actually. They called it Marvel's riskiest film for a reason. A new franchise filled with characters you barely know. CGI that far exceeds whatever they've done so far. A-List actors play creatures (Cooper as Rocket and Diesel as Groot). There's really only so many odds you can throw at something and expect it to still be standing. And there, Gunn makes the best go at it. The VFX is superb, the screenwriting tight, the humour not overdone. The gags not unnecessary. 

What's not: We would have liked to see more of Thanos. And that short clip you wait for after the credits roll? It only makes sense if you're a Marvel Universe fanboy.

What to do: Watch this one with friends. Or with your family, if you're okay with all the swearing. It's one hell of a ride.