Best New Movie Bets: August 1 | 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Earns Top Spot

Best New Bet: “Guardians of the Galaxy”

Chris Pratt finaly gets a chance to take on a leading film role in Marvel’s latest superhero movie. The story follows Peter Quill (Pratt), a pilot, who steals an orb desired by the villainous Ronan (Lee Pace). To protect the orb and save the universe, he forges a turbulent alliance with a band of misfits and together they become known as the “Guardians of the Galaxy”. Composed of Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) and Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) they set out to defend the galaxy.

This is by far the riskiest film Marvel has made thus far. This is a movie for the core Marvel faithful, as the characters are not well known to the general public. Worth noting is that didn’t hurt the box office of “Iron Man” back in 2008. "Guardians", to its credit, doesn’t appear to be taking itself too seriously; exuding the unabashed air of a full blown B-movie. Personally, the major drawback to expectations is the exaggerated cartoon/CGI nature of alien creatures, which can grow visually stagnant when done to the extent this appears to be. 

“Guardians” does boast a solid cast, led by Chris Pratt, whose standout supporting roles have earned him the right to be front and center. Hopefully Zoe Saldana gets to do more than she has in the recent “Star Trek” movies. Director James Gunn has shown a knack for comedy, having helmed the superb dark comedy “Super” so expectations are high that he will capitalize on Pratt’s wit and comedic timing. If anything, “Guardians” appears to be a good time.

Also Opening: The James Brown biopic “Get on Up” stars Chadwick Bossman as The Godfather of Soul and Oscar Nominee Viola Davis as his mother. The movie charts Brown’s life from the time of his childhood to his rise to stardom. The movie also stars “One Life to Live” alum Tika Sumpter as Yvonne Fair.

Opening in limited release is “Calvary” a priest drama starring Brendon Gleeson and “War Story” starring Catherine Keener.

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