Guardians of the Galaxy (so far) versus new Star Wars

[Joelist]

Here's a different thought.

To me, so far the two Guardians of the Galaxy movies are better than both the new Star Wars films and the new Star Trek films.

Why?

To be honest they have better drawn (and far more relatable) characters and both are better scripted. Visuals nowadays are pretty even around the block so things like acting and writing are now my main determinants.

Guardians so far has had pretty logical if simplistic stories in both films, has developed its characters pretty evenly and they all are characters you can root for. Both nuStar Wars and NuTrek show the signs (especially after TLJ) of writing by committee while it is really clear in the Guardians films that the stories and scripts are from one writer.

What do you think?

 

[Overmind One]

Here's a different thought.

To me, so far the two Guardians of the Galaxy movies are better than both the new Star Wars films and the new Star Trek films.

Why?

To be honest they have better drawn (and far more relatable) characters and both are better scripted. Visuals nowadays are pretty even around the block so things like acting and writing are now my main determinants.

Guardians so far has had pretty logical if simplistic stories in both films, has developed its characters pretty evenly and they all are characters you can root for. Both nuStar Wars and NuTrek show the signs (especially after TLJ) of writing by committee while it is really clear in the Guardians films that the stories and scripts are from one writer.

What do you think?

Agree! Both the Guardian movies are awesome, and they have created a proper universe where they can do a lot more stuff and combine science fiction with fantasy.

 

[Overmind One]

I gave this a go...I watched The Force Awakens, then Guardians of the Galaxy (first movie). They are VASTLY different in style, storytelling and how the visuals are used. Both are equivalent in terms of the special effects, in my opinion.

Guardians of the Galaxy is light and easy to watch and is fun because the characters are so much fun. Unlike Star Wars, GotG is using a team concept. Star Wars has a group of central characters, but they only seem to be allies and not an actual team. The enemies in GotG are more interesting too.

 

[Joelist]

I agree that the GotG blow away both the NuTrek and NuStar Wars films. Guardians does a MUCH better job with its characters - you wind up caring about them which helps the enjoyment of the films immensely. It also all feels much more coherent and like everything and everyone fits together properly. I think a good part of this has been James Gunn being the screenwriter and the director - he has successfully kept the Disney effect away. It's also why these films may have the "Marvel" moniker on them but they don't at all feel like Marvel or MCU films.

 

[PussyGalore]

Obviously they're two different stories but the central theme of good vs. evil is the same. Both stories have groups of characters that are on competing sides and obviously we're expected to root for the good guys. Guardians is better though because, as you guys have pointed out, the writing is so much tighter and cohesive. There's also way more humor in Guardians -- and it's good humor; well timed and clever. When it comes to humor in SW they have "cute" droids rolling around beeping and...beeping.

Additionally Guardians is more simplistic and easier to understand compared to SW. This doesn't mean it's stupid or unintelligent. This just means the writer respects the audience enough not to clutter it up with a bunch of confusing nonsense. He keeps the story moving at a fresh pace and doesn't allow it to get bogged down. (In Vol. 2 "Drax" really stands out in terms of comedy. I was rolling with laughter. I loved how they wrote him.)

 

[Joelist]

You know, the difference comes out even more when you comparison watch The Last Jedi, Guardians Vol, 2 and especially Star Trek Into Darkness.

The Last Jedi is borderline incoherent in its story and does not even properly follow up the plot elements set up in The Force Awakens. It feels like it was written by someone who did not watch any of the prior films. But at that it is like Citizen Kane compared to....

Star Trek Into Darkness. In this one the plot is nonsensical and illogical. it ignores Trek canon and the characters don't even feel right. It isn't just a poor Trek film it is a poor movie in general (remember that ultimately Abrams and Orci actually apologized for it and Pegg and Lin deliberately acted like it never was made when they did Star Trek Beyond).

Meanwhile, Guardians Vol. 2 was tightly written and felt like a completely logical and natural continuation of the first film. The characters felt like they should feel and indeed all of them had logical character development arcs. Drax was indeed comedy gold and his relationship with Mantis worked perfectly. Rocket was also outstanding and the film was in a real way his story (as well as that of Yondu). But overall this film could be used as a clinic on how to make a good sequel.

 

[PussyGalore]

I can only assume they are planning a Guardians Vol.3, right? It will probably be forever before we see it but I can't imagine they wouldn't continue the series.

*Conversely I'm not eager to see any new Star Trek or Star Wars movies. They simply don't thrill me that much.