It’s been a while folks, but we’re back with another debate between the two halves of Tenor Dad’s brain. In one corner, the opera singing man-about-town: Tenor! And in the opposite corner, his eternal nemesis, the responsible stay-at-home parent: Dad! Today’s topic is, now that we know that “Guardians of the Galaxy” is pretty much the best movie of the summer (or ever…?), why? Aaaaaand…begin!
Dad: “Well, I guess I’ll just start off by saying that this movie had it all. It was funny, it was full of action, it was surprisingly full of heart for an epic space battle film, I mean, this thing has appeal to almost everyone. What’s not to love?”
Tenor: “Yes, that’s all true, but there is clearly one reason that pushes this movie over the edge, in terms of all around greatness. I’m talking about, obviously, the music. From the Hooked on a Feeling trailer music that set the tone for our perceptions of this movie, all the way through the amazing soundtrack, the music is clearly what makes this the best movie of the summer.”
Dad: “Now hold on, the music was awesome, sure, but I don’t think you can say that it’s the reason that the movie is the best movie of the year. It may have been one of the components, yes, but it was only one of many parts that, together, combined to make “Guardians of the Galaxy” so fantastic.”
Tenor: “No way. Listen, dude, think of all of the best parts of the movie, from the opening scene, to all of the singing, the dancing, epic cosmic dance battles, sing-offs, and mix-tapes. All the best bits have one thing in common: the music! Take away the sly, self-aware irreverence, brought to life by the soundtrack, and you have just a normal summer space movie, but with all of that added in, creating the most memorable scenes and moments in the film, and you have a true modern classic of the space opera genre.”
Dad: “Ok, I see your point, but you could take away so many other parts as well, leaving the movie a shell of its former self! Take away all of the action, prison brawls, space battles, etc, and you just have a weird alien comedy. Take away the weird-but-lovable aliens, the talking space raccoon, the giant tree monster, etc., and you have a slightly funnier “Top Gun.” Take away any one piece, and the movie becomes only good. It is the way that all the pieces fit together that makes the movie truly great.”
Tenor: “Especially the music part.”
Dad: “I don’t know why I even try to talk to you. You’re impossible. There’s a reason we haven’t done one of these in a while…”
Tenor: “Okay, okay, okay, calm down. I will refute your argument in a more civilized manner. Yes, the space battles were cool, but they weren’t any cooler than any other space battles. They were just the average levels of cool. Normal cool. You could probably see similar battles in Transformers…”
Dad: “You take that back! Nothing good ever came out of a Transformers movie!”
Tenor: “You’re right. I crossed a line there. I apologize. But you see my point. All of the pieces worked together to make a great movie, true, but that’s the case in any great movie, and in this case, the music piece was, for me, the piece that stood out as exceptional, unusual, and startlingly amazing. It pushed it over the edge.”
Dad: “Well, either way, this movie was incredible. I can’t wait to show my kids!”
Tenor: “You’re going to show this movie to your kids?”
Dad: “Yeah! I mean, you know, when they’re 13. It’s PG-13 after all.”
Tenor: “You are so lame.”
Dad: “Well, when do you think I should show it to them?”
Tenor: “I don’t know, when they’re 10 maybe?”
Dad: “Maybe. Hey, now that this is wrapping up, do you want to go out and grab a Charleston Chew with me?”
Tenor: “Definitely! I’ll bring the Coke!”
Dad: “And maybe we could sneak them into another showing of “Guardians of the Galaxy…”
Tenor: “Don’t you have kids to watch?”
Dad: “Crap. Is it Monday already? I guess I’m busy.”
Tenor: “Ha haaaaa! Later, sucka!”