SINGAPORE — Hey film fans, your Flick Chick is giving Guardians Of The Galaxy four bags of popcorn!

The space opera directed by cult indie film-maker James Gunn is certainly off-beat, and we love the flick all the more for that. It might be derived from an obscure part of the Marvel Universe, with its lesser-known heroes who have scarce ties to the all-conquering Avengers, but Gunn’s ability to balance tongue-in-cheek self-aware pop culture references (there is a hysterical Footloose running joke) with visual pizzazz and surprisingly touching character moments demonstrates that you don’t need to rely on big superhero brands to make a hilarious and endearing film with heart. Campy? Check! Loud? Check! Action, explosions and pyrotechnics? Check, check and check! Even its rollicking soundtrack boasting gems from the ‘70s and ‘80s matches the film’s histrionics.

You can only get scrappy, wisecracking fun in a would-be blockbuster if the cast are ready to rock and roll. And rock and roll they did, with Chris Pratt, better known as Andy from Parks And Recreation, channelling Indiana Jones-meets-Han Solo as the buffed-up and extremely likable Peter “Star-Lord” Quill, and former WWE wrestler Dave Bautista the unexpected scene-stealer as Drax The Destroyer. Throw in the butt-kicking Zoe Saldana as the “deadliest woman in the galaxy”, Vin Diesel as a one-liner uttering tree, and Bradley Cooper as a bad-ass raccoon assassin (yes, a raccoon assassin!), and you’ll be spoilt for choice deciding who’s your favourite Guardian.

Check out our interview with director James Gunn, who shared the entire film process and the awesomeness of his interstellar cast. And when you’re done, visit http://tdy.sg/guardians29july to join the contest.

Five readers will win a limited edition set of Guardians Of The Galaxy goodies worth $235. Each set includes a t-shirt, a keychain, a lenticular mousepad, a sticker reel, a movie poster and … an awesome *talking* Hasbro GGM 12” Star-Lord action figure!

All you have to do is tell us is who is your favourite member of the team and why.

Good luck!