41 Greatest Moments In The Marvel Cinematic Universe

32. Guardians of the Galaxy – Rocket Raccoon makes an … um, adjustment

A big part of what made Guardians of the Galaxy a breath of fresh air in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was its slightly off-kilter tone. All of the other Marvel films had moments of humor in them, but Guardians was the only one that you could really say was irreverent at times.

Sometimes, a little crass, too. It was crassness used to good effect, though, helping to even break up what otherwise would be a very stereotypical, dramatic shot of the whole team of characters walking heroically toward the camera. Very standard stuff.

That is, until Rocket Raccoon reaches down to give himself a slight adjustment. Presumably, that bit was added by director James Gunn, and even though it’s a small bit, it’s very much in character for Rocket, and it just works. These are oddball heroes, and even in their most stock trope moments, they’re not to be taken too seriously.

It’s cool when super hero movies leave you with the sense that you believe a man can fly or turn himself into a super hero by inventing a suit of armor. Only this one answers the question of whether anthropomorphic raccoons have the same issues in that region as men, and there’s probably something to be said for that.

(Write-up by Nick Tylwalk, Bam Smack Pow editor)

Next: No. 31: Don't get too cocky, Iron Monger