By MELISSA CHAPMAN
Cataloging Supervisor, Warsaw Community Public Library

The first thing I should say, since “Guardians of the Galaxy” is not one of the better known Marvel comics, is that you don’t need to have read the comics to enjoy or understand the movie. The story starts you from zero, introducing the characters with their own individual backgrounds and personalities.

It’s the funniest of any Marvel movie yet, lending the film a lightness that goes a long way toward deflating the grandiosity that sometimes inflates and bloats the studio’s films. “Guardians of the Galaxy” goes down like cotton candy: colorful, sweet, nutrition-free, melting in your mouth.

Chris Pratt as Peter Quill/Starlord, plays the best heroic doofus I have seen in years. He is a delight and works perfectly with Zoe Zaldana’s, Gamora, who is more serious but looking for a pal. Dave Bautista is wonderful as the literal minded wrecking crew that is Drax the Destroyer. Rocket Raccoon and Groot are two of the best CGI characters that I’ve ever seen on film, a perfect blend of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel. These misfits work beautifully together and make every frame of this film a treat. Their feuding and bickering are the best part of the film.

My favorite Guardian is Starlord. As soon as you watch him going all Indiana Jones after some ancient artifact as he dances to the tune of 1970’s rock song, “Come and Get Your Love,” by Redbone on his Walkman, you know who he is. This song has been stuck in my head pretty much non-stop since the first day I watched “Guardians.” The Walkman becomes an endearing character itself, along with the mix-tape and will get all ages moving in their seats. In fact this mix-tape is an important part of Quill’s past, a very moving part.

If you’ve found yourself underwhelmed by a lot of new movies that could have been a tad bit better this year, and if the modern superhero genre has you feeling that too much is too similar too often, then “Guardians of the Galaxy” will be a breath of fresh air for you. After the holidays are behind you, why not come into the Warsaw Community Public Library and pick up “Guardians of the Galaxy” or another movie that might pique your interest.

Our hours are 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday.