Enjoy the New Tradition of Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
Happy holidays to everyone, and whomever out there is celebrating Christmas, I hope it’s a good one.
That said, there’s always room for a new tradition. Of course, I’m going to watch Die Hard tonight because, well, that’s what has to be done. But there’s always room for something new — like last year’s Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, which is available on Disney+.
A tie in with the conclusive Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the Holiday Special is a nice precursor — and a wonderful gift from writer/director James Gunn.
The focus is primarily put on Mantis (Pom Klementieff) and Drax (Dave Bautista) as they settle in to their new home camp at Knowhere alongside the other Guardians — including the adorable Cosmo the Spacedog (wonderfully voiced by Maria Bakalova).
Mantis reveals to Drax that she has a special connection with Peter (following their encounter with Ego in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2) and wants to find him that ideal holiday gift. And, of course, it can’t be Zargnuts, because they were all eaten.
Then it hits them — Kevin Bacon! Peter (Chris Pratt) has mentioned him before, and bringing him the actor would definitely introduce some holiday cheer. So they load onto a ship and head to Hollywood, where misadventures await.
Eventually they run into Kevin, and, yep, shenanigans ensue. I mean, never mind the fact that Kevin loves Santa Claus Conquers the Martians like the rest of us, he has to deal with space aliens. This leads to a rousing finale on Knowhere, along with little moments of cheer that Gunn truly knows how to deliver on.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is just about perfect, really. It’s funny, and it has a humorous amount of action (Mantis and Drax bouncing around like idiots after Kevin is hilarious) and appearances from all your favorites. Hell, I think I even saw Mark Hamill pop up in a cameo. (It’s not him, I don’t think, but, man, what a doppleganger.)
But it’s also surprisingly heartwarming, and allows Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to hit you right in the feels as it happens. Everyone’s on their A-game here, especially Karen Gillan’s bit role as Nebula. She never gets old. (“You can’t outrun me, Bacon!”)
So, yeah, if it’s holiday cheer you’re after, never mind this year’s comic book letdowns and instead indulge in this little piece of delight. You won’t be sorry — especially as you see Mantis and Drax getting down at a rave. (Or beating up a mascot on Hollywood streets, I dunno.)
Also…the animated bits are excellent, and, hey, The Old 97's!
Merry Christmas all, and I’ll see ya soon!
