Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy has to be the best film that Marvel have ever laid their hands on.

Setting itself up as a proper sci-fi flick rather than a superhero movie gives it a chance to add depth to all its characters rather than just one lead.

Of course, the entire thing is indebted to Star Wars: Quill is just Han Solo, Ronan is Darth Vader and Rocket and Groot a backwards version of C3PO and R2D2 but it thrives on it playing the retro card the whole way through (spaceships have leather seats, characters wear goggles and long coats) and the soundtrack, oh man, the soundtrack is one of the greatest in movie history (watch in IMAX for the full effect.)

Genuinely hilarious, but not to the detriment of the plot or the world (it feels tangible and real if a little hard to follow for those unfamiliar with the series, hopefully the different species and planets will be better explained in the sequel.)

It whisks you along on its thrill ride and takes in all those old-skool sci-fi influences (Blade Runner is another massive one) and melds them into the most fun you'll have at the cinema this year.

5 stars *****