Super Hero Saturation and Speculation

I apologize once again for the lateness of my response here. But this is something that must be said. Sony, Disney, and Warner Brothers recently revealed their scheduled release dates for all their superhero movies entering production. The only thing is, we don't know what any of the films are. So, using some personal preferences, Internet rumors, and some estimated guessing based on what we do know, I've decided to fill out every one of these empty slots, along with a short blurb on what I'd like to see from these films and what chance, if any, do I have of being right. I will also comment on the release dates we do know, basically making predictions for the next six years in superhero film. Let us begin. 

2015

5/1/15- Avengers: Age of Ultron- So this is obviously set in stone. But what do we know about it? Hulkbuster. The Twins. Vision. And of course Ultron himself. My hope is that the mad android pushes the Avengers team to their absolute limits (and based on Cap's broken shield prop, I'm probably right). Since we know the Twins start with HYDRA, who have Loki's staff, there'll probably be a tie-in with Thanos to further the Infinity arc. There may be some roster changes, with Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye possible candidates to leave the team. That last part is just speculation, but anything could happen. We'll know next May. 

6/19/15- The Fantastic Four- My expectations for this are low, but here's my best guess. The film will be a lot more down-to-earth, maybe incorporating some of the found footage genre director Josh Trank is known for. This could be next year's dark horse or a giant flop. But after "Dawn of the Apes", I'm sure Toby Kebbel will kill it as Dr. Doom. I also have high hopes for Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm. I don't care about the race issue, only if he can pull of Johnny's arrogant personality. Again, we'll know in a few months. 

7/17/15- Ant-Man- This is honestly the MCU film I'm worried the most about. It's not the changes to the canon, as I find the idea of doing Scott Lang's arc with Pym as the mentor a fascinating angle. Ditto for Yellowjacket as the villain and the heist genre influences. What I'm really worried about is if Peyton Reed can make this film his own, instead of simply being a hired gun to execute what was once Edgar Wright's passion project. Since it's Marvel, I'm sure it'll be entertaining, but I'm pulling for another "Guardians" or "Winter Soldier", not "Thor 2". 

2016

3/25/16- Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice- I'm cautiously optimistic about this, for obvious reasons. My main worry right now isn't Bat-Fleck or WonderGal, but if the story is becoming too packed with heroes to stand on its own. The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg are all rumored to be here. I don't want another "Amazing Spider-Man 2" or "Iron Man 2", and I'm sure millions of other fans agree with me. But the released photos are great (WW looks perfect) and the Comic-Con trailer was promising. For better or worse, I'll be there opening day, but I'm still weary. 

5/6/16- Captain America 3- Subtitle unknown, but release date confirmed. Speculation? Cap will continue his search for Bucky, and end up fighting either HYDRA with a returned Red Skull or Baron Zemo at the head, or a re-purposed AIM led by MODOK. At any rate, "Winter Soldier" was fantastic, and this has the same writers and directors, so I'm not worried. 

5/27/16- X-Men Apocalypse- Thank God "Days of Future Past" was amazing. I would have no interest in this film if its predecessor didn't completely redeem the franchise, but it did. Hopefully Bryan Singer can work through his charges and come back, but even if he doesn't, I'm sure Fox realize they've put too much effort into making the series great again to throw it away. I expect full-on Apocalypse fighting 1980s X-Men, with the Four Horseman grabbed from the X-Men and Brotherhood ranks. Mystique/Magneto, Gambit, Wolverine, and a young Angel/Archangel would be perfect. 

7/8/16- Untitled MCU film (Doctor Strange)- We technically don't know what this film is, but most of the major websites have pegged it as Doc Strange, and I'm pretty sure they're right. For one, we know it's in production because it has a script and director. Also, we know Scarlet Witch's "Ultron" intro will probably herald our first look at real magic. Strange will probably blow that wide open, and explore fantasy elements the MCU really haven't done before. An origin, either told straight or in flashbacks, would be preferable, with Baron Mordo and Dormannu as villains. I'm psyched for this film, so bring on the good doctor. 

8/5/16- Untitled DC film (Shazaam)- Here's why I'm sure this'll be Shazaam. Aside from the ironic fact that Marvel and DC would have competing magic movies, we know that Dwayne Johnson has all but revealed he's playing Shazaam or Black Adam. Maybe both? (Hey, it worked for Austin Powers). Shazaam was included as a founding Justice League member in this year's animated film "Justice League: War", and the New 52 comics have rebooted his origin. 

This film could be Wonder Woman, but I'm inclined to think Shazaam because the other option would mean Gal Gadot would have to film two movies at once. If her WW role in BvS is just supporting, we probably won't go into her Greek Gods origin. Doing Shazaam first will get audiences acquainted with magic in the DCU, so a WW solo film could then dive right into the Greek myth elements without it feeling weird. 

11/11/16- Sinister Six- Sony's handling of the Spider-Man franchise has left much to be desired. But if this is really the route they're going, allow me to offer some story advice. Make the film about Harry/Green Goblin, Felicia/Black Cat, and either Eddie Brock or Flash Thompson as Venom (the symbiote will be an Oscorp experiment like the Ultimate books). With the help of the Gentleman, they recruit Rhino, Vulture, and Doctor Octopus (they're tech's already at Oscorp). 

The Six prepare to hunt down Spider-Man and rule New York's criminal underworld. But they're too busy bickering to work as a team. It'd basically be a superhero movie from the villain's perspective, with Spidey in a supporting role seen only as the villain. After their battle with Spidey goes horribly, Eddie/Flash and Felicia decide to leave the team. A post-credits scene shows Harry and Ock recruiting Kraven the Hunter and Mysterio as replacements, setting up "Amazing SM 3".

2017

TBA 2017- Venom vs. Carnage- The only Spidey spinoff I'm actually excited for, I expect whoever wears the Venom suit to be an anti-hero, tracking down the serial killer Kassady who bonds with a symbiote fragment to become Carnage. Whether Kassady lives to the credits or not isn't important. I expect the Carnage symbiote to live, if without Kassady then to take a new host for "ASM 3". 

TBA 2017- Untitled Female Hero SpiderVerse Film (Black Cat)- Sony recently announced a Spider-Man spinoff starring a female hero. Black Cat or Spider-Woman seem like the logical choices, but I'm going with the former just because Felicia was in "ASM 2". With her origin covered in my hypothetical S6 movie, this film will flesh out her back-story more. If the S6 took on the mob in their own film, with Felicia helping them, I'd like this film to have the mob retaliate against her. Characters like Shocker, the Enforcers, and Tombstone could act as villains, while Felicia tries to find a new life away from Harry and the S6 and become a hero. 

3/3/17- Wolverine 3- We know we're getting a third solo Wolverine flick on this date, but we know nothing of the plot. With the timeline reset, we could see a (proper) re-do of the Weapon X origin, but that may not seem fresh enough. And if Logan gets adamantium in "Apocalypse", it'll make it even more redundant. Should Apocalypse time travel, this film could be an adaptation of "Old Man Logan" with some Age of Apocalypse elements thrown in to replace the other Marvel characters. 

Or it could be from the original timeline, set in the two years between "The Wolverine" and its credits scene. The idea of Logan and Mariko in, say, Russia fighting Omega Red, maybe with assistance from a failed Weapon X clone called X-23, would be fantastic. Either way, I expect this to be the last solo Wolverine film from Hugh Jackman, if not his last X-Men role. Come 2017, we'll know for sure. 

5/5/17- Untitled MCU film (Thor 3)- If Doc Strange is coming in 2016, I think May 2017 is perfect for a third Thor. The original dropped in May, and Thor is the last of Marvel's Big 3 to round out his own trilogy. Obviously we need closure on Loki disguising himself as Odin, which could easily tie back into Thanos and the Infinity arc. 

With "Guardians" showing you can have a film entirely off-planet, and "Doc Strange" introducing real magic I'd like this film to be just Nine Realms focused. A visit to Hela's realm Nifleheim (maybe to rescue the real Odin?) and Surter's fiery realm Muspelheim would be preferable. Enchantress and Executioner would not be unwelcome. Beta Ray Bill would be spectacular. Mostly though, I just want Jane and Darcy out the way, so Thor can focus on Sif. 

6/23/17- Untitled DC film (Justice League)- We know it's coming, and we know Zach Snyder is directing it. We know BvS sets up for it, otherwise why the "Dawn of Justice" subtitle? Face it: "Justice League" is most likely set for this date. As the rumors say, Snyder will film BvS and JL back-to-back, to release it the following year. With either the "Shazaam" or WW movie introducing magic, the plot could be anything. Lex could create Doomsday or team with Brainiac. Darkseid could descend. Aquaman and Atlantis could attack the surface. The Legion of Doom could be created. White Martians could invade. Take your pick. Anything could work. I just want a good "Justice League" film. 

7/14/17- Fantastic Four 2- Fox must be confident if they already set a release date for the sequel, but I'm still skeptical. Should the first film tank, this film will go under too. But if that doesn't happen, I'd like a trip to the Negative Zone here, with Annhialus as the villain. Some confirmation these F4 exist in the same world as the X-Men would also be nice. 

7/28/17- Guardians of the Galaxy 2- The lovable bunch of A-holes are definitely coming back, thanks to the Comic-Con announcement. But what could it be? First things first, let's find out who Peter Quill's dad really is, since it sure as hell ain't J'Son, Emperor of Spartax. The revelation of Peter's dad will probably tie into the plot, which will in turn probably advance Thanos and the Infinity arc. Another stone? Probably too repetitive. 

But Adam Warlock, Starhawk, Cosmo talking, and Richard Rider joining the Nova Corps are good guesses. Nebula should return, and further exploration of the Kree (Supreme Intelligence? Captain Mar-Vehl?) would be nice. At this point, Marvel has so many cosmic elements to draw from they could make six "Guardians" films. I'd be happy just to know what's on Awesome Mix Vol. 2.

11/3/17- Untitled MCU film (Inhumans)- Here are the facts. Marvel CEO Kevin Feige says he wants to make an Inhumans movie. Vin Diesel teased he has another role with Marvel, which could be the Inhuman king Black Bolt. The Inhumans tie in to the Kree, introduced in "Guardians". "Guardians 2" could very well tease them. It's a new franchise to counteract "Guardians 2" and probably "Thor 3". It has cosmic ties so we can work in the Infinity arc. And given the hints in "Agents of SHIELD", not to mention the mysterious source of "Ultron's" Twins' powers, the Inhumans seem like a logical direction. Basically, make the Inhumans movie already. 

11/17/17- Untitled DC film (Wonder Woman)- Now it could be the WW solo movie comes in the 2016 slot I guessed for Shazaam, but I think this makes more sense for Gadot's schedule. "Justice League" will have come out, giving WW more exposure. "Shazaam" will have explored magic so you can do the full on Greek God origin. Now is the perfect time for Wonder Woman to shine in her own film. 

2018

TBA 2018- The Amazing Spider-Man 3- The release date's been postponed for four years, so I expect this to be good. Given we're getting three spinoffs in between, I expect those to feed into this. In my headcanon, Spider-Man will team up with Black Cat and Venom to take on a new Sinister Six, ending with Spidey taking on Harry or Doc Ock, now possessed by the Carnage symbiote (or not, whichever works). Peter should be in college or taking his first steps into adulthood, with Mary Jane and Jameson being new additions to the cast. And yes, I'd prefer J.K. Simmons come back for Jonah, but that's just the ramblings of an angry fanboy. Personally I'd continue the series through the multiverse route or finally teaming Spidey with the Avengers, but again, just angry fanboy ranting. 

3/23/18- Untitled DC film (Aquaman)- As silly as it sounds, Aquaman is coming to the silver screen. Whether in BvS or JL doesn't matter. Jason Momoa is probably playing him. And Zach Snyder defended his honor, meaning WB is interested. An Aquaman film based on Geoff Johns' New 52 run, maybe adapting "Throne of Atlantis", would be killer. It's already happening in animation, so live action may not be that far behind. Regardless of if he's popular at this point, Aquaman may benefit from a spring release, so it's not positioned as a summer blockbuster and expectations can be adjusted. 

5/4/18- Untitled MCU film (Captain Marvel)- Kevin Feige has said he's been listening to fan complaints about wanting films with more diversity. What better way than to give Carol Danvers her own film? The MCU needs a solo, kick-ass, superhuman female, and Carol is the woman to do it. Marvel's answer to Wonder Woman, the film (hypothetically) would have Carol as a hotshot pilot who befriends Kree Captain Mar-Vehl. Marvel dies and gives his powers to Carol, who takes up the mantle of Captain Marvel to continue his legacy. It'd be a cosmic tie-in, but more Earthbound, with continued exploration of Kree (and possibly Inhuman) culture. I strongly argue this film is needed, and a prime May release date is the perfect way to get maximum exposure. 

7/6/18- Untitled MCU film (Black Panther)- Right on the heels of Marvel's first female superhero film, we have our first minority film. T'Challa is the perfect hero to do it, and his story is so cinematic it'd be a crime if not told. After all the cosmic stuff, it'd be good to have another Earth-based film, where our young African prince takes up his father's mantle as the Black Panther to defend his nation. The quest for Wakanda's Vibranium mines should obviously play a huge role, for the inevitable Captain America tie-in. When Thanos comes, T'Challa needs to be with the Avengers, so the sooner he gets his time to shine, the better. 

7/13/18- Untitled Fox Superhero Film (X-Men/F4 Team-Up)- I'd imagine "Apocalypse" and "Wolverine 3" would end their respective trilogies, so to continue the X-franchise, an F4 crossover would be ideal. The premise could be anything. A re-do of Silver Surfer and Galactus. Doctor Doom returns. Prince Namor the Sub-Mariner (he's a mutant and in love with Sue Storm). Onslaught. I'd take any and all of them. But should the initial F4 reboot fail, this slot could be another X film, a spinoff I'd wager. Maybe the X-Force movie that's been discussed? Personally, I'd ask Fox to get off their asses and make Deadpool. But that's just me. 

7/27/18- Untitled DC film (The Batman)- It's a year after "Justice League". Ben Affleck's been around long enough for fans to adjust. That means it's time. Another solo Batman film is imminent. It's the end of July, where the last two Nolan films found success. To me, it just makes sense. The plot? Who cares, it's Batman. In all seriousness, a re-do of Riddler or Mr. Freeze would sit right with me. But an adaptation of "Death in the Family", "Hush", or "Court of Owls" would be killer. 

11/2/18- Untitled MCU film (Planet Hulk)- This is honestly pure speculation, since it's a popular rumor that Feige and James Gunn have all but denied. But I think Hulk deserves another shot at a solo film, and what better way than to send him to space? The Sakaarans, natives of the planet Hulk ends up on, were already in "Guardians". It'd be a great way to have Hulk team up with the Guardians, or even the Inhumans, Nova, or Captain Marvel should they all be introduced at this point. More importantly, it'd provide an ironclad link between the Avengers and Guardians' worlds, so they can unite against Thanos when he finally wields the Infinity Gauntlet. Make it happen. 

2019

4/5/19- Untitled DC film (The Sandman)- Technically, Sandman is a Vertigo imprint, not a main DC Universe title, but this slot could very well be for this. Sandman's been a hot property for years, and a film version is a long time coming. Joseph-Gordon Levitt wants to direct and star, we know that much. And if they really wanted to, this could tie in to the wider DCU and expand the magic/cosmic side of it. Alternatively, it could be that "Justice League Dark" film Guillermo Del Toro wants to make so much, with Constantine, Zatanna, Swamp Thing, and others. I'd be fine with either. 

5/3/19- Untitled MCU film (Avengers/Guardians 3: Infinity)- The last release date Marvel has set is for May 2019. I see this as the only possibility. The culmination of a longer than usual Phase 3, this film will be the third in the Avengers and Guardians' franchises, a full-blown crossover. Both teams will have expanded to include the other heroes introduced, ready to take down a god-like Thanos. Eleven years will have built to this moment, and it better be the definition of epic, or I'll be thoroughly dissapointed. 

6/14/19- Untitled DC film (Man of Steel 2)- I'm going off the rumored production slate here, but I don't doubt that eventually we'll see another solo Superman movie. If BvS and JL don't do Brainiac and/or Doomsday, they'd be prime candidates here. If they did, maybe Darkseid. But a proper MoS sequel is owed us, and it should completely make up for the original's flaws. 

2020

4/3/20- Untitled DC film (Flash/Green Lantern Team-Up)- I'm also going off the rumored production slate, but the very idea of this is so tantalizing I had to put it down. Since Supes, Bats, WW, Shazaam, and Aquaman get solo films, GL and Flash should get a buddy cop style team-up movie. Flash has his own show, and GL a failed film, so if they want more exposure, a film of this nature can do it. 

6/19/20- Untitled DC film (Justice League 2)- So after all those solo films spinning out of the first "Justice League", a proper sequel must hit the screens. It's two years after the first, so that's more than enough time to get it made. Any of the options I offered for the first film can apply here. Personally a Legion of Doom film mixed with "Tower of Babel" elements would be great, but really it could be anything. 

Those are my predictions for this HUGE film slate. Many will be wrong. Hopefully some will be right. At the end of the day, just knowing all these films are coming is exciting, no matter what they are. I just hope they're done with enough care that the over saturation of the superhero genre won't come to pass. 

Guardians of the Galaxy Review: Everything is Awesome

Before I start this review, let me make one thing perfectly clear. Yes, this rant is almost three weeks too late. My most sincere apologies, work got in the way. And on that note, I realize A LOT has happened in that intervening three weeks. We lost one of the best comedians of our generation (R.I.P. Robin Williams). Warner Brothers announced nine additional DC films. Star Wars VII rumors ran amok across the wilds of the Internet. And the dreaded Ninja Turtles reboot was surprisingly not awful. All this and more I plan to address, but first, the latest addition to the MCU must undergo my thorough inspection.

To put it mildly, "Guardians of the Galaxy" was spectacular. Ten films in, and you'd think that Marvel had nothing new to shake up the formula. Who knew after all this time, they'd release one of the most original and entertaining superhero films in years? Scratch that, one of the most original and entertaining blockbuster films in years, and a pulpy space opera to boot. The fact that this film even exists simply boggles the mind. So how good is this film? Well, let's put it this way. Our main hero opens the film blasting '70s pop hits from a Walkman while scouring for an alien artifact. Prior to this, we get a prologue on Earth. The only time we even get to see our native planet, a first for a cosmic superhero film.

The opening seems to set an entirely different tone, more a deadly serious drama than a space-set action comedy. Our aforementioned hero, Peter Quill/Star-Lord, runs away after his mother dies from cancer. It's an emotionally gripping scene, but somewhat off putting given what the advertising promised. Then Peter is abducted by a wandering spacecraft (no, really) and the ride begins. Cut to an adult Quill, now a space pirate, dancing to "Come and Get Your Love", and the film really kicks into high gear. The title and opening credits play out over this dance sequence, channeling those feel-good movies of the '70s and '80s. Back when pop cinema was creative, engrossing, and above all entertaining just for the sake of it. From there, "Guardians" grabs you and never lets go.

Seriously, I've seen this film twice now and both times I was gushing with joy over it. As a comic adaptation, it's brilliant, but as a well-made film it's even better. Chris Pratt plays Quill as a cross between Mal Reynolds, Captain Kirk, Han Solo, and Marty McFly, and is having so much fun with the role you can't help but fall in love with him. But with all due respect, his fellow Guardians are the real stars here. In particular, Vin Diesel's Groot and Bradley Cooper's Rocket. Not only are they a pristine example of meshing CGI with human actors, but both are fully fleshed out characters.

I don't know how they made a walking tree who only says "I Am Groot" into a complex, fully realized person, but by god they did. And don't even get me started on Rocket. He nearly runs away with the film, not only in his Han Solo-Chewbacca dynamic with Groot but as the team's comic relief as well. The best part, though, is that he is never a cartoon character. A scene where a drunken Rocket bemoans how people treat him and his wish to have never been experimented on is heartbreaking. He is by far the film's best character, a marvel (no pun intended) of CGI, voice work, and superior writing.

The team is rounded out by Dave Bautista's Drax and Zoe Saldana's Gamora. These two are definitely the more straight-laced of the group, but while Gamora's hardened warrior never really gets a chance to shine character-wise, Drax is a pleasant surprise. His inability to understand metaphors means everything he says is literal, which makes for a hilarious running gag and some surprisingly heartfelt moments. There's no doubt, though, that together these wayward Guardians make for an incredible team, with their chemistry the beating heart of the film.

And really, it's the passion and heart that makes this film so great. But while this film wears its heart on its sleeve with pride, there are some niggling flaws that could be improved. If our heroes are the film's greatest strength, its villains are the weakness. I can't fault the performances, as Lee Pace's Ronan, Karen Gillian's Nebula, and Djimon Hounsou's Korath are all imposing and evil to the core. Their designs are perfection, their scenes are great, and they're all endowed with genuine menace. The problem is they aren't given enough screen time to breath.

While Ronan's religious fanaticism is a great motive and puts him a notch above the worst MCU villains like Malekith, he isn't explored enough to be truly effective. Nebula's sister relationship with Gamora should have been explored more, but they only get two short scenes to play off each other. Poor Korath is barely there, but makes use of what little time he does have. Ditto for the supporting players, like Glenn Close's Nova Prime and John C. Reilley's Rhomann Dey. Michael Rooker is a blast as Quill's adoptive father Yondu; his only crime is not being around enough. The real crime is under-using Benicio Del Toro as the Collector, who despite providing key exposition is in the film for under five minutes.

The big takeaway from these actors though is that each one manages to be memorable with what little screen time they have. They're really there to provide flavor to this universe and give more fodder for the Guardians to bounce off of. There's only one actor I didn't have a problem with in terms of screen time, despite having so little. Yes, we all knew it was coming. "Guardians" gives us our first clear look at the Mad Titan Thanos, along with a speaking part courtesy of Josh Brolin. And by god, he is PERFECT. The Emperor Palpatine to the film's "Empire Strikes Back", Brolin completely sells Thanos as the ultimate evil of the Marvel Universe. I can't wait for the Infinity Gauntlet to get here, so Thanos can appear in his full glory. This was just a tease, but it was more than enough to let you know that Thanos is out there and up to no good.

Speaking of the Gauntlet, that key exposition the Collector provides reveals more back story on the Infinity Stones. Our macguffin here is the Power Stone, contained in a metallic orb, and endowed with the ability to disintegrate any organic matter it touches. As a comic fan, it's a delight to have a third Stone pop up after the Tesseract and the Aether, but to casual film goers it may seem tiresome. Thank god Quill rattles on about the Orb's "Ark of the Covenant, Maltese Falcon" vibe. Self-awareness is the name of the game here, and the other key to the film's success. While there's an overwhelming emphasis on character here, the action and humor are always present.

I can't remember a blockbuster movie being this funny in years. The humor is oddball, to be sure, but director James Gunn is the perfect man to do it. Almost every joke is a winner, and makes for some of the best one-liners in a blockbuster film in a good long while. "You're making me kick grass", "Pelvic sorcery", and "Nothing goes over my head, my reflexes are too fast" are only some of the many instantly quotable lines to be found here. But the real humor lies in the dynamic between our characters, and the situations they find themselves in.

You'll find no RDJ improv or Cap/Thor fish-out-of-water jokes here. You'd think that Quill, being an Earthman (sorry, "Terran") would stick out, but he was raised in space, so he's just another space-faring citizen. Such organic humor makes the film hilarious, but the relentless onslaught of jokes also makes the quieter, more serious moments stand out. The aforementioned Rocket scene, Drax's heartfelt friend speech, Star-Lord taking command, and our last lines from Groot come to mind.

The tender mix of comedy and seriousness also plays into the action, which works with the pulpy, cartoon-ish tone but also gives off a sense of awe and wonder. The tone is really set by the music, all '70s hits from Peter's Walkman, that not only sell the overtly "Star Wars/Flash Gordon" vibe but also act as Quill's only remaining ties to Earth and his mother. You really get the sense that every joke, action scene, music montage, and character beat is planned out. There's a reason for everything, and seeing it all gel on screen is movie magic at its finest.

So as a movie, it's pretty much brilliant, even with a few flaws like underdeveloped villains. One could argue that the intense universe building is also a minor weakness, since the upbeat pacing never gives us a chance to breath and take in all the cosmic weirdness around us. But one could also argue (as I do) that the heartfelt tone, fresh character dynamics, and wholly organic humor makes up for it. Everything draws you in and makes for such a good time, that the few genuine flaws come off more as nitpicks than anything else. There is, after all, a confirmed sequel for 2017 that can iron out these few mistakes.

Besides Thanos and the Infinity Stone references, this film succeeds as a comic adaptation due to all the in-jokes for fans of Marvel Cosmic. Celestials. Kree. Sakaarans. The Nova Corps. Cameos from the Chitauri, Dark Elves, Cosmo the Space Dog, and (in a credits scene that came out of nowhere) Howard the Duck. All add to the rich flavor of this unique universe, and do more to set up potential MCU films than most of the other standalone movies. Ironically enough, besides the Thanos and Infinity threads, this film is actually the most standalone out of all the other MCU additions since the original "Iron Man".

Its cosmic setting and focus means the central story and characters come first. It just so happens that the playground here is so vast that it probably sets up twelve other films as an added bonus. It's a brilliant move, solidifying "Guardians" as one of the best films so far in the Disney/Marvel canon. The greatest triumph here, however, is that the premise and characters are so out there, and were pulled off with such success, that Marvel shouldn't be afraid to do anything now. In many ways this was a bigger risk than "Avengers", executing a D-List comic book property for a mainstream audience. And since this worked, it hails a landmark moment for the comic book genre.

It says that any property can be successful if brought to the screen with care and passion. And that's exactly what's happened here. If I were to rank "Guardians of the Galaxy", it'd probably tie with "Winter Soldier" as my fave standalone film, and is definitely one of the best up there with the original "Iron Man" and the first "Avengers". In one fell stroke, "Guardians" has laid the foundation for all things cosmic in the MCU, making this universe a whole lot bigger. The thoughts on where Marvel can go from here are mind-blowing. But what's really mind-blowing isn't just the future, but what we have right now. "Guardians of the Galaxy" is a triumph, and should be hailed as such. Gear up for 2017, people. I'm already drooling over what potential songs will be on Awesome Mix Volume 2.