Normally I’m not the biggest fan of extended preview clips (even most trailers give away too much of the movie). But when Disney/Marvel announced a special IMAX 3D First Look screening of “Guardians of the Galaxy”, consisting of 17 minutes of never-before-seen footage, nearly one month before the August 1 release date, I knew I had to be there. Plus, all attendees would be getting a special, very cool, limited edition poster. How could anyone say no to that.
It turned out that the action started even before we got into the theater. Also waiting in line were many ticket-holders who thought that they were going to see the entire film, ALONG WITH 17 minutes of “bonus footage”. Once they learned the truth several of them actually got out of line and went home. Here’s what they missed: not only the free poster but a juicy chunk of what has the potential to be one of the best action movies of the year.
Director James Gunn began the sneak peek with a simple introduction. What followed was an approximately 12-minute sequence, starting with an official (played by John C. Reilly) describing each member of the “Guardians of the Galaxy”, standing in a police line. Then the unlikely superheroes are taken to a maximum security prison in space filled with other criminal misfits.
Starlord (Chris Pratt from “The LEGO Movie”) gets upset when a guard steals his music player and listens to the catchy, retro “Hooked on a Feeling”, that’s already been stuck in my head for months thanks to the trailer. Once inside the prison, Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista) and Groot (Vin Diesel’s only three words of dialogue are “I am Groot”) stick closely together.
But it’s Rocket Raccoon, voiced by Bradley Cooper, who comes-up with the plan. What follows is an action-packed, cleverly choreographed, surprisingly funny and highly entertaining escape sequence. If this scene is any indication of what the entire movie will be like we’re all in for a big treat. And here’s my first guarantee: The breakout star of “GOTG” will be Rocket. Marvel executives should be starting discussions right now about a Rocket spinoff movie. Following the impressive clip was the debut of a new, extended trailer.
Expect big buzz to build from this special first look. Disney and Marvel are clearly gunning for “Guardians” to be the biggest movie of the summer, and after witnessing this little slice, there’s no doubt they’ve got a great shot.