(An A to Z 2014 Challenge Entry)
So there they are. The Guardians of the Galaxy. Wait… who? Is that a fucken raccoon?!
“What a bunch of A-holes” is right! Who the hell are these guys?
These are some of the questions I was asking myself soon after looking into Marvel’s fantastical cinema project dubbed Phase Two. Phase One consisted of most of the newer Marvel franchises these past few years (Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, The Avengers). Unfortunately, Spider-Man, X-Men and Fantastic Four are in the hands of different production companies/studios.
Anyhow, this project (I’ve come to find is referred to as the Marvel Cinematic Universe) is to maintain a continuum, a shared timeline, between specific licensed franchises that they own. It seems this includes televisions series like Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (yet to delve into this one… seems a crime being who is behind it).
After the success of most of these movies, especially The Avengers, this highly ambitious project has been set into high gear. Phase Two already began with the most recent sequels of Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America. It’s been such a successful endeavor for Marvel that even DC Comics is attempting to mimic this process. It shall be interesting to see if they have similar results or fail miserably.
When learning of all of this, I became extremely excited. I loved the very concept and it is much like the comic books. I thought I would see what else was in store. Obviously a sequel to The Avengers!
And there they were… The Guardians of the Galaxy.
I was completely in the dark about this group of intergalactic superheroes, which is seemingly comprised of a wide variety of humanoid (and plantoid) entities, making for one jumbled mess of outcasts. It seems they were first assembled in comics during the late 60’s. They had a handful of appearances and even a series over the next few decades. Then there was a newer, more modern group, which is what this movie is based off of.
At the beginning, I was incredibly standoffish about this movie. I came to learn that they are pivotal for the coming sequels, especially in part due to the special ending credits scene in The Avengers. No worries, I won’t spoil it if you’ve yet to see it. But pivotal? Why the hell hadn’t I heard of them then? It made no sense. I decided I may have to actually sit this one out.
Then I saw that teaser trailer, and I was sold. It looks freaking amazing! I know close to nothing about these characters, I stopped myself from researching too much, mostly because I originally just didn’t give a damn. Now I intentionally avoid learning too much so that I can be engrossed and allow this film to tell me who they are. To allow the film to be my first true experience. Maybe even in 3D!
Maybe the teaser trailer is just so well done that I’m being fooled, but shame on them then, not me. Like I said, I’m sold. Whether I end up loving it, or utterly despising it (I do allow middle ground as well), I am going to see this in the theaters. Part of me even wants to avoid any other trailers released before hand.
If you are a fan of the comics, I’m hoping the movie looks like it will live up to your expectations. If you are a sci-fi and/or a superhero movie fan, you may just want to give Guardians of the Galaxy a shot. I know I will be! Go ahead and watch the teaser trailer again.
I won’t judge.
Are you a fan of superhero movies? If so, which are your favorites? What are your thoughts about the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Are you excited for Guardians of the Galaxy? Do you think DC Comics will be as successful in their attempts of creating their own shared cinematic universe?
![A to Z 2017 [FLASH FICTION]: REFLECTIONS](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/551a2e0ee4b0bf065e1b3b3f/1494776923372-FIAN9DV6OKANFI5Q72ZD/atoz2017banner.png)
![A to Z 2017 [MAGIC MIXER]: REFLECTIONS](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/551a2e0ee4b0bf065e1b3b3f/1494782030429-FMJQLUEJJK850772LG6Q/atoz2017banner.png)
It’s been a long while. I briefly discuss some of this year’s shortcomings, and in doing so, find it’s just more of the same.
Then I attempt to give a more positive spin…
Extra Life Game Day 2021 has arrived! It’s Year 8 for myself and I am looking forward to once again raise money for Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare. Team Cryton Crusaders is ready (kind of) for the annual fundraising event involving a 24-Hour Gaming Marathon! I kept last year’s fun, but likely impossible Milestone to reach!
Learn more about the challenge where my team and I play games and heal kids!