Guardians of the Galaxy was given a big platform to live up to before its official release with many calling the tenth Marvel instalment the best in the collection yet. First view critics were impressed with the look of the film and its special effects, the acting ensemble and the humour and comic play in it that is not always found in a Marvel superhero film. Even Jim Starlin, the comic book creator of villain Thanos, waded in, calling it Marvel’s best movie so far.

Guardians of the Galaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy has had a lot to live up to

But, upon release, could it really live up those lofty expectations? The answer is yes and for many reasons.

Firstly, the film has smashed its way to the top of the box office on its opening weekend on both sides of the Atlantic. Securing a whopping $94million in the US last weekend, Guardians of the Galaxy has set a new August record for a domestic debut, according to Variety, pushing 2007’s The Bourne Ultimatum, with $69.3million, easily off the top spot.

Internationally, the film has scored an impressive $66.4million in 42 territories, bringing its total to a staggering $160.4million with countries including China, Australia, France and Spain still to launch the motion picture.

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While all the numbers have stacked up bigger than even Marvel was anticipating - they predicted a $70million opening weekend at best - reviews of the film are also surpassing expectation. As an action film set in space, some reviewers have called it a ‘spiritual successor to Star Wars’ - Star Wars for a new generation.

It’s fun, its action-packed, it’s exciting with great characters and has lots of laughs. In short, it’s quite possible that this is the perfect film.

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