Directed By James Gunn

Starring – Chris Pratt, Pom Klementieff, Dave Bautista

The Plot – Star-Lord (Pratt), Drax (Bautista), Rocket (Bradley Cooper), Mantis (Klementieff), and Groot (Vin Diesel) engage in some spirited holiday shenanigans

This film is currently not rated

Marvel Studios’ Special Presentation: The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special | Official Trailer – YouTube

POSITIVES

This is another example of a Disney Plus seasonal offering that knows exactly what it is, and because of such never attempts to tie itself to any film of the franchise, nor transcribe the kind of sequel-baiting that unnecessarily hinders the charm of the experience that is right in front of us. Instead, it’s established and carried out as if the Guardians of the Galaxy have a weekly television show, with this being the holiday themed episode that sees its charismatic cast of characters imbedded with the holiday spirit eliciting a warmth and infectiousness transferred to its audience. Like most Christmas themed specials, there’s an underlining message and tantalizing tinsel of the holiday likeness that can easily be seen in every single visual of the luminous presentation, but what’s most endearing is that despite its yuletide consistency in sight and spirit, the material from James Gunn is just as ruthlessly unapologetic as can be expected, stitching with it a barrel of laughs among its fish out of water scenarios and exaggerated deliveries that immediately make it a rousing good time while making the comedic emphasis flow as naturally as possible. Equally appealing in uniqueness are the alternative selections of its soundtrack, as well as two-dimensional animated flashbacks that prove a semblance of artistic integrity that went into even the most temporary of occasions. The former implants a rocking edge to its merry lyrics that prove not all Christmas songs have to be corny or compassionate, and the latter dazzles with a vintage exuberance that not only works wonderfully in filling in the gaps with actors in frame who aren’t fortunate enough to be a part of this special, but also illustrates the expressive emphasis of this franchise’s visual circumference, with the kind of comic book radiance that initially birthed this fantastical world and its characters. Speaking of which, the performances here from the entire returning ensemble, sans Zoe Saldana’s Gamora, are all meaningful in garnering a respective importance to the plot, however it’s Bautista and Klementieff who take the biggest step forward as the special’s co-leads continuously driving the narrative. Klementieff’s Mantis exudes the same innocence and occasional naivety that we’ve come to depend on, but this time with more of an assertive emphasis that drives her often mishandling of the Christmas essence, and when combined with Bautista’s childlike glee for all things violent or compromising, cements a chemistry between them that hits the mark every single time, leaving me yearning for more dynamic between them for future Guardians installments. The other cast members are really just glorified cameos, but in the case of Pratt’s Peter Quill, it’s wise to center the plot around his character because it gives a reasoning for his off-camera limitations, and in the case of the plot has his character as a looming presence over its events that still maintain a vital importance in him being the quintessential leader of this franchise.

NEGATIVES

For only a 40-minute offering, the pacing is nearly perfection in the air of its consistency, but the occasionally vital subplot is often glossed over in ways that do it a grave disservice in the confines of its effect on the rest of the franchise. One such instance pertains to a newfound revelation between Quill and Mantis, which feels like it virtually comes out of nowhere, then delivered upon with a complete lack of struggle or confusion that all but outlines the limitations in run time to force it to keep moving forward. Considering this is life-altering news for each of them, it’s a bit difficult to believe that the receiver of this news just goes along with it without even remotely questioning its legitimacy, and in turn abruptly reminding me of how close to the end of this special that we are, in the most unceremonious way imaginable. Like “Werewolf by Night”, the previous Disney Plus MCU seasonal offering, this film could’ve definitely used at least twenty additional minutes to further flesh out meaning or merit to what transpires. Failing to do so undercuts the measure of its importance, and in the case of Mantis undercuts what is arguably the biggest arc in the lore of the character. Beyond this, my only other problem with the special is in its decision to maintain the worst kind of consistency to the other Guardians installments. I’m of course talking about weak post-credit sequences, this time with a scene that could’ve and should’ve easily been left into the duration of the narrative run time, but instead is an afterthought to what is essentially the perfect holiday ending. I get the desire to end matters out with a laugh, James Gunn style, but it just feels like an unnecessary continuation of the MCU tradition meant to set the stage for future installments, but in this case carries about as much relevance as a Howard the Duck cameo.

OVERALL
“Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” keeps the coal away from the often-disappointing Disney Plus brand of MCU installments, with a hilariously havoc-filled rock and roll romper that will warm even the coldest of hearts. At 40 meager minutes, the special is a little too light to linger, but does make the most of its limitations while steering the focus in an entirely different direction, cementing star-making turns for Bautista and Klementieff along the way.

My Grade: 8/10 or B+