Next up Disney treated us to rare behind-the scenes footage and scenes from their newest upcoming Marvel-tied franchise, “Guardians of the Galaxy”. The film itself is shaping up to look like an epic and action-packed outer space adventure, featuring a rag-tag bunch of unlikely heroes. It also looks funny, which is no surprise with ‘Parks and Recreation’ veteran Chris Pratt starring as Starlord. Both companies are working hard to create a strong brand presence for this less-than-well-known Marvel property, and from the looks of it, it might actually work. They also included a fair amount of footage with writers, producers, and directors, all of which built strong excitement for a franchise that is still rather mysterious. The standout presence in all of it was that of the ornery CG mercenary mascot, Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper). His design is believable and adorable. And I want one of those, too.
Another video was quickly rolled out featuring Chris Pratt playing with a doll version of himself, with hilarious results ensuing. Pratt joked and lit up while playing with the Battle FX Starlord-version of himself, wondering if he might be able to get one for his son. The figure itself looks sharp, and boasts Pratt’s voice, with a cool little light-up mask and sound effects included.
After video-Pratt departed, the host went on to demonstrate Starlord’s quad-blaster, which is in effect a NERF gun. A very cool NERF gun. It looks great, and I was later delighted to discover it available to try out, and I’m pleased to report that it’s really fun shoot at stuff, too. Cardboard cut-out Chris Pratt never stood a chance. You get several darts to work through, and the cocking action of the cool little gun is disarmingly satisfying.
The rest of the line of toys for “Guardians” presented later were largely equal in their appeal and standards. Side-by-side with the 12” Starlord, there’s also a wonderfully sculpted large-scale Rocket Raccoon accompanying him, both of which look ready for their own space adventures. The more diminutive 2-pack mini-figures looked like cool and accurate representation of the film’s otherworldly cast, and the compatible miniature spaceships are equally well-constructed. Like with Spiderman, playful masks also made an appearance in the “Guardians” line. Starlord’s looks accurate and comes with its own little gun , whereas the Rocket Raccoon mask, while well-constructed, I couldn’t help but feel was verging on the unsettling. Which kind of made me love it, too.