If you want to make a blockbuster inspired by B-movie tropes, you hire a director who knows how to handle B-movies. James Gunn (Troma-alum, writer/director Slither) teams up with screenwriter Nicole Perlman to craft the weirdest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe yet. The film starts in 1988, where young Peter Quill loses his mother to cancer. He runs outside of the hospital for space and immediately gets abducted by an alien species. 26 years later, he's a thief for hire trying to build a reputation as his alter ego Star-Lord. A bad job leads him into the company of Gamora (an assassin and daughter of Galactus), Rocket (a genetically engineered raccoon), and Groot (a living tree). The quartet of criminals agree to work together to escape prison and sell the stolen artifact.
To be clear, it's a stretch to call Guardians of the Galaxy a superhero film. Groot, Rocket, Gamora, and Peter Quill can be used as superheroes because of their powers or technology, but that's not how they're used here. These are not noble role models trying to save the world; these are sarcastic, impulsive, destructive criminals ultimately out for their own financial gain. Peter Quill, Groot, and Rocket just want money. Gamora just wants to rebel against her father and earn some money. The closest thing the film has to a traditional superhero is Drax the Destroyer, but his actions are driven by vengeance, not altruism.
Guardians of the Galaxy is a solid sci-fi/comedy film inspired by a comic book franchise. Sci-fi is hard to mix with comedy in a way that feels honest. This film delivers. It's the balance between ridiculous characters and a rather familiar plot that allow the film to succeed. Heist to hero stories are nothing new, especially in comics. The intergalactic setting is what lets Guardians actually stand out.
The makeup work on the film is beautiful. Gamora and sister Nebula feature exquisite body paint. The raised red scars on Drax's gray body add a certain sadness to his character arc. The variety of alien species created with digital and practical effects (especially Groot) make for a totally believable universe.
Guardians of the Galaxy isn't some revolutionary comic book experience. It's a high budget spin on a B-movie that doesn't try to be anything else. It's silly and strange to great effect. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is expanding beyond the pure superhero story and that's something to celebrate.