“Guardians of the Galaxy” is a fast-paced sci-fi flick with razor sharp wit and a nostalgic feel.  Marvel studios took a risk introducing less known characters, but it paid off big time with its robust storyline and memorable cast.

Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) is the wry protagonist. He is plucked from the 1980s America as a boy and is raised by intergalactic outlaws. The plot kicks off when Quill swipes a peculiar orb, which has been the object of the feared Ronan (Lee Pace). Not long after Quill escapes Ronan’s subordinate, he is off to pawn the orb. He is intercepted by the assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana), the genetically enhanced Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper, and the tree creature Groot (Vin Diesel). Due to the tussle that breaks out, the group is sent to prison. In this intergalactic penitentiary, the gang meets Drax the Destroyer (Dave Batista). While planning to escape, the five form an uneasy and bickering alliance. Their original goal is to sell the orb and split the profit. Pretty soon the band realizes there’s more to it than just selling the mysterious artifact.

Director James Gunn constructed the scenes with a beautiful tempo. There were seldom parts of the movie that lagged. Each scene and encounter moved the plot swiftly along and dispelled any hints of boredom. Not only did “Guardians” have a good speed, but it also had amazing special effects. The worlds and people created in this flick were intricate and diverse to create a very real feel to it.

This movie is an all-around crowd pleaser. Marvel comic and film fans alike will enjoy this movie.  For the Marvel movie fanatics, “Guardians” expands the Marvel universe without having to focus on the other movies. There are cameos from preceding Marvel films that are tucked seamlessly into this one, helping the Marvel universe become more robust and three dimensional. Comic fans will get to see beloved heroes that haven’t gotten as much time on the big screen.

Viewers unfamiliar with the more recent Marvel movies or the comics can still find “Guardians” enjoyable. Even though this film is weaved into the world created by other Marvel movies, there are no prerequisites needed to appreciate it. This movie is a perky superhero movie with a factious set of characters. It has a sentimental 80s soundtrack that grants the flick a feel-good vibe. It also has a great balance between humor and gravity that any movie goer can relish in.