Biggest ever US August opening for Guardians

Guardians of the Galaxy has had the biggest August opening weekend of all time in North America.

The sci-fi adventure smashed box office expectations by making $94m.

The record was previously held by The Bourne Ultimatum, which took $69m on its debut weekend in 2007.

Meanwhile, Vin Diesel believes his 'Guardians' character is similar to his real-life self.

The 47-year-old actor insists the innocence of his alter-ego Groot - a genetically modified tree who tries to save the world - in the new Marvel flick is comparable to his own off-screen persona.

He explained: "To maintain your innocence is a feat. So much magic comes from it. Ironically, people probably see more of Groot when I'm posting [on Facebook] than they would in any of the characters I play."

However, despite Diesel's love of Facebook, he argues that stars ought to be more aware of the direct interaction social media allows with fans.

He explained: "Imagine if you were able to Facebook Elvis, and talk to him, and hear from him without the Hollywood of it all. That was the 'Fast & Furious' experience."

Meanwhile, 'Guardians of the Galaxy' - which also features Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper and Chris Pratt - is in Irish cinemas now.