Saving the world is badass, right? Now let’s do it with a green-skinned female weapon, a bulky, tatted-up alien, an ‘80s American earth boy, a living tree, and a smartass raccoon.

This movie was really funny. Not only did they make the entire thing as unserious as possible—despite a more-than-serious issue at stake—but they also assembled some of the most unexpected characters I could imagine working together.

I have no idea how much the film strayed from the original storyline the comics portrayed (because I haven’t read them). Hopefully, it did in its own unique way. The only major issue I had was how Peter Quill’s (Chris Pratt) family completely disappeared from the movie after the opening scene. Stop me if I’m wrong, but if I were suddenly abducted as a kid, wouldn’t I at least try to go back to Earth to find my father and explain what happened? Apparently, this wasn’t a concern for Peter or the filmmakers. All he really cared about was his mother. And what happened in the 26 years we casually skipped over, like they weren’t his entire life? Major plot hole. If the comics explain this, whoop-de-doo. But in this film? It gets mentioned once.

Don’t get me wrong—the movie was… great (I say that with very little enthusiasm). It’s a sarcastic, witty, action-packed space adventure about saving the world and falling for a green alien named Gamora (Zoe Saldana). Not much deep thinking required. They tried to add some special significance at the end by hinting at Peter’s dad being part Nocturne—or something ancient—but honestly, there was nothing spectacular about this film other than the fact that it was made by Marvel. And since most Marvel movies are spot-on (Edit in 2025: this comment hasn’t aged well has it), this one was actually a little disappointing. Rather than being “good,” it was just funny. The characters were designed for appeal, and the storyline was borderline interesting.

Did I like this movie? Yes.

Was it good? No.

Could it have been better? Probably. But since it was based on pre-existing comics, changing it too much would have sparked even more complaints.

That said, as a stereotypically humorous, fast-paced, 21st-century action film designed to appeal to teenagers (if not also the 20-30 crowd), it was well put together. The special effects (which I usually don’t focus on) were fine—basic space scenes, explosions, guns, the usual Marvel-level quality. Nothing to write home about. The film, overall, was just… pretty basic.

Gotta love the music choice, though.

If you enjoy fighting, action, explosions, saving the world, and being a badass, give this movie a watch.