Review: Guardians’ Holiday Special is Special to this Galaxy

The holiday season is made by a variety of aspects including gifts, foods, and songs. The most important aspect is arguably the holiday movies spread across streaming services. The best holiday production released this season is undoubtedly The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.

This special is the second installment of special presentations released by Marvel Studios. It features the Guardians of the Galaxy, a group of space vigilantes, with the addition of Cosmo the SpaceDog. Cosmo assumes a larger role than he did in previous Guardians films.

This special is the penultimate release featuring the Guardians of the Galaxy, as many members of the cast have confirmed that Volume 3 will unfortunately be the last for the group. The release focuses on Mantis (Pom Klementiff) and Drax (Dave Bautista). The pair venture from their newfound home (the planet Knowhere) to California in order to retrieve a gift for their friend Peter Quill (Chris Pratt). After learning that their friend finds the Christmas season to be a difficult time, they decide to get him their idea of the best present ever: Kevin Bacon. This detail is a nod to jokes from previous Guardians films. After strenuous efforts to retrieve Bacon including flipping police cars and experiencing the effects of adult beverages, the two
finally present Quill with his gift. Although Quill reacts in terror due to the fact that his friends kidnapped a celebrity, the special ends with a big holiday celebration. Everyone gets meaningful gifts that reference other jokes from throughout the marvel universe. In addition, Kevin Bacon sings a meaningful song called “Here it is Christmastime.”

Outside of the special, I appreciated the fact that critics were raving over Pom Klementieff’s performance. Her character Mantis usually takes a side or supporting role in the series. Because her character is so bright and humorous, I was overjoyed to see her take a leading position. In a review from Variety Magazine, Jordan Moreau wrote: “Mantis shines in the holiday special. She lets loose on Earth, holds her own in a fight or two and uses her mind-control powers in creative, funny and occasionally dubious ways.” In addition, the friendship between Mantis and Drax is incredibly entertaining and heartwarming. The traditional golden retriever and black cat duo is one that can make everyone smile.

This special was a wonderful escape from the current state of the marvel universe. Other current projects are based around the multiverse and mourning. For this reason, a light, happy, and humorous Christmas special was exactly what the fandom needed from Marvel Studios.