guardians of the galaxy

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ is the biggest movie of 2014. It’s made over $750 million worldwide. Kids love it. Adults love it. Grandparents even love it. Lots of people (us included!) have seen the movie multiple times, but do you know everything there is to know about Marvel’s latest superhero phenomenon? They're the frickin Guardians of the Galaxy!

Marvel's ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ was one of the most surprising blockbusters of 2014 for a variety of reasons, but one of the most interesting side effects of its success is that it got people all over the world listening to a bunch of catchy songs from the '60s and ‘70s. Yes, Star-Lord's “Awesome Mix Vol. 1” mix tape took the world by storm, even reaching number one on the billboard charts. Considering how much the soundtrack informed the tone of the film, it's not surprising that the movie ended with the reveal of an “Awesome Mix Vol. 2,” which we‘ll surely get to hear in the sequel. Now, director James Gunn has revealed the existence of and “Awesome Mix Vol. 0” playlist.

The whole Marvel Cinematic Universe is based around the fact that the strongest power in the universe are these magical Infinity Stones, gems of incredible power over time and space. When Ronan the Accuser combines an Infinity Stone with his hammer in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ he becomes nigh-invulnerable and almost unbeatable. The only things left to stop him from destroying the universe are the Guardians… and dance moves. Sweet hot funky dance moves.

As successful as 'Guardians of the Galaxy' was at the box-office (and, as the highest-grossing film of the year, it certainly was that), the film's iconic soundtrack was equally as successful. "Awesome Mix Vol. 1" spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and is currently the 10th largest selling album of 2014. You've been able to buy the digital album, the CD, vinyl and even a "Deluxe Edition," but so far, no actual cassette like the mix tape in the film. But, that's all about to change.

We'd previously heard that the 'Bond 24' filmmakers wanted the villain for the upcoming sequel to be unlike the modern day villains and instead a throwback to the big hulking henchmen like Jaws or Oddjob. The casting call was looking for "an imposing, extremely physically fit actor" over 6'2" tall. Not a ton of guys like that around, but the director Sam Mendes didn't have to look further than the biggest movie of the year.

Though New York Comic Con 2014 kicked off this past Thursday, October 9, the high-profile panels and festivities bring out more intense fans, and that means more cosplayers. For those of you who can't attend the four-day-long nerd fest, check out our NYCC cosplay photo gallery and see what you've been missing.

Well it's about time! Marvel has finally revealed an officially licensed dancing baby Groot toy from 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' and this little dude will be available to take home just in time for you to put him under the tree for that special someone for Christmas. Or if you're anything like us, you're already making plans to use him instead of a Christmas tree this year. Festive!

We all know what you've been thinking since you saw Rocket Raccoon and dancing Groot steal our hearts on the big screen: when can we take home Marvel's 'Guardians of the Galaxy' on Blu-ray and DVD, or even Digital Download? Just, when can we take this bad boy home, period? Well, you're in luck, because Marvel announced the home release dates for its superhero space opera. And guess what?! They come with an exclusive sneak peek at 'Avengers 2'!

A few weeks ago, this column was skeptical that Marvel's 'Guardians of the Galaxy' could reach $300 million. Now, it seems impossible that it won't. Thanks to ecstatic word of mouth, killer marketing and only one genuinely successful box office challenger (that would be 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'), Marvel's oddball space opera has managed to spend three of the past four weekends at the number one spot at the box office, giving it enough momentum to officially become the highest grossing film of 2014.

Marvel Studios and the character of Tony Stark/Iron Man transformed Robert Downey Jr. from a has-been into one of the biggest movie stars on the planet, so it's not surprising that he'll sing their praises outside the context of the movies he stars in. However, he recently took it a big step further, declaring 'Guardians of the Galaxy' to be the best Marvel movie yet. Yep, even the ones that he's not in.

While we were incredibly charmed by all things 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' perhaps nothing charmed us more than that final scene of a baby Groot dancing to the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" in his flower pot. It's one of those moments where you almost immediately think, "I WANT THAT...

Although 'Guardians of the Galaxy' has already been in theaters for several days now, that's not keeping Marvel from releasing some fun 'Guardians' goodies -- like this latest featurette, in which Chris Pratt takes a very MTV's 'Cribs'-style approach to showing us around Peter Quill/Star-Lord's spaceship, the Milano.