Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special – Christmas Vibes

It’s always a fun time when seeing Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy in a new film or project. They’ve gotten a huge bump in popularity for since they’re first outing in the first two Guardians of the Galaxy movies, as well as the Avengers films. But what happens when they aren’t facing down massive threats and the holidays come around? We get the hilarity and fun that is The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. Even if you don’t celebrate the Christmas holiday, you’re going to have a fun time here.

All of the goofiness and humor from the previous Guardians outings is on full display within this Marvel Special on Disney Plus. We get to see the whole team but the primary focus is on Mantis and Drax the Destroyer, who try to bring some holiday cheer to Peter Quill, better known as Star-Lord. This takes place after the events of Avengers End Game and Thor Love & Thunder, with Peter still morning the loss of Gamora. In addition to that, the Christmas holiday brings back some memories to Peter of his youth with Yondu, which seems dower at first. To help lighten him up and address a secret revelation, Mantis decides to bring Drax with her to Earth and get him a special Christmas gift. Unfortunately, that involves kidnapping the famed actor and Peter’s role-model Kevin Bacon.

The hijinks and awkward situations that ensue are right in line with what you expect to see from the Guardians of the Galaxy. It’s funny, over-the-top ridiculous, and goofy at every turn. Yet at the same time, this holiday special still manages to squeeze in a few heartwarming and genuinely emotional moments that fit the theme of a Christmas story.

When things come together by the very end, you may find yourself shedding a tear of happiness for what happens. Followed by a gag that will bring you right back to laughter and silliness. It might feel like emotional whiplash at times for some, but those who already understand the humor from the Guardians of the Galaxy films will know how much in-line it really is.

Yet the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special isn’t without a few stumbles. Because the special is shorter, clocking in around 40 minutes total, we don’t get to see the entire team together a whole lot. Most of the screen time is devoted to Mantis and Drax, which makes sense for what happens to them. We only get to lightly see Star-Lord and Nebula, as well as the rest of the Ravagers that are with the team.

The same goes for Rocket Raccoon and Groot, who has very little screen time when things are taking place on Knowhere. However, the little time we do see all of these characters is filled with good moments that allow each one to shine in a small way. Groot shows off his new tree muscles and ends up in a fun gag toward the end and after-credits scene. Rocket has some funny moments, including one that if you remember a few details from Avengers: Infinity War, you’ll have a big laugh.

But what about Kevin Bacon? Is his presence significant at all? Not only does Kevin contribute to the shenanigans Mantis and Drax get into, but also gets to have some heartfelt moments that play to the Christmas cheer and holiday themes. The exchanges he has with members of the team are good, even though some don’t last for very long. A fun musical number he gets comes in at the right time towards the end, allowing Kevin to show off his musical skills and bring everything together for the special. Would it have been nice to see him interact with more of the Guardians for longer? Yes, but the time he’s there feels significant and relevant, rather than lingering for too long.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is short but sweet in the best way. It gives us a quick, fun adventure that is goofy and emotionally satisfying for the holiday season. It also is a heartwarming short story to let us enjoy the team undeterred one more time before things begin to change once again within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With the third Guardians of the Galaxy movie around the corner, parts of the team will switch up and we’ll end up with a very different group of cosmic adventures going forward. It feels nice to get this moment with the group, have some goofy fun, and let out some laughs together for the holidays.

Did you have a chance to watch The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special yet? What did you think of it? Post all of your thoughts in the comments!