There seemed to be little hope riding on the likes of Guardians of the Galaxy actually being any good; in fact, most Marvel fans were quick to write it off, fearful as to how it would fit into the already established cinematic universe. They needn't have worried: for all intents and purposes, Guardians might be the best and most accomplished MCU flick yet; an unpretentious, hilarious and relentlessly entertaining romp. With director James Gunn at the helm (and Parks and Recreation's Chris Pratt in the leading role), what could have emerged as a messy and overcomplicated misfire on the scale (and budget) of John Carter, finds itself as a rip-roaring space adventure that puts George Lucas' Star Wars prequels to shame; indeed, Guardians is everything that Star Wars: Episode I should have been back in 1999. Also: Rocket Racoon.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
