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Jason versus the Guardians of the Galaxy

Probably my most anticipated movie of the summer, I held off on seeing Guardians of the Galaxy because my wife actually wanted to watch it too. So we made Marvel's latest big screen offering a date night, and the first flick we caught together in a theatre since before our son was born.

Yeah, good for you, Jay. But is the movie as awesome as everyone says it is? Stick with me!

I'm not going to bother with a plot synopsis, because Guardians is one part Raiders of the Lost Ark, another part Star Wars, and a whole lot of fun. That's all you need to know about Guardians of the Galaxy -- it's a lot of fun. Fun in a way movies just aren't anymore, especially big-budget Hollywood blockbusters.

Just how much fun? I can't even put it into words. There's a talking plant named Groot. And a violent, cynical racoon named Rocket. Our hero is a wise ass in the tradition of Han Solo. Toss in some one liners, a whole bunch of cool special effects and action, a great soundtrack, a director who doesn't take things too seriously, and we're good to G-O.

Oh, and there's some colourful profanity too. Did not see that coming. Appreciated.

I liked the cast. They are almost perfect. I say almost because Chris Pratt doesn't quite have the swagger to pull off Peter Quill. But he's certainly having a good time with the part, and that's enough. A young Kurt Russell would've been awesome. If you're one complaint with a movie is a young Kurt Russell didn't play the lead, you're doing pretty good.

My wife wants a dancing Groot in a planter pot. For the record.

I think Captain America: The Winter Soldier is still my favourite Marvel movie to date. It's a little more grounded, and that's my thing. But Guardians of the Galaxy is certainly the most fun I've had at a movie in years, and is a flick I can't wait to share with my son. It's as close to Star Wars as we'll get without seeing the new trilogy next year.

A Good. Hell, it's awesome!

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