What Is the Story About?
After the Guardians of the Galaxy purchase Knowhere from the Collector, Christmas season kicks in. Kraglin Obfonteri narrates the story of how Yondu Udonta ruined Christmas for Peter Quill in his childhood. Mantis and Drax plans to gift a special someone to Quill, as he is still grieving Gamora. After brainstorming for ideas, they decide to go to Earth and bring actor Kevin Bacon, Quill’s Childhood hero.
Performances?
Dave Bautista as Drax, Pom Klementieff as Mantis drive most of the proceedings in The Guardians of the Galaxy : Holiday Special. They are hilarious and a joyous duo generating nerve-cracking giggles, but it is Kevin Bacon who plays a fictional version of himself that stands out and how.
Analysis
The Guardians of the Galaxy : Holiday Special serves as a conclusionary television film for the MCU Phase 4. It is written and directed by the wickedly original, whacky-comedy creator James Gunn and it wouldn’t be a reach to say that, even a 42 minute television film has his signature giggles all over.
The film starts with Kraglin narrating how Peter Quill no longer has a happy Christmas memory because of Yondu. Terribly pained at this, both Drax and Mantis decides to gift happy Christmas memories again to Quill. The duo discusses a lot of potential gifting ideas and finally rounds up at Kevin Bacon, Quill’s Childhood hero whose stories he kept narrating to the Guardians of the Galaxy since his time there. Both Drax and Mantis travels to Earth during Christmas season with the only aim of getting Kevin Bacon.
What follows is a brief, yet hilarious ride with both Drax and Mantis evidently having the time of their lives shooting aka searching for Kevin Bacon. The lines land perfectly, the unintentionally comic scenes fit in James Gunn template like a cookie and the audience would certainly have a ball watching this unlikely trio (Drax-Mantis-Kevin Bacon) chasing each other.
Arguably the best part of The Guardians of the Galaxy : Holiday Special is its duration. Its pretty crisp and to the point. At the same time, you’d wish to see more of the trio together and Kevin Bacon at nowhere with the rest of the guardians. The writing also has its heart at the right place. Within a short span of 42 minutes, James Gunn reasserts the importance of chosen family and how family remains to be the greatest gift of mankind.
If you have less than an hour to spare, then The Guardians of the Galaxy : Holiday Special is worth a watch. The television film neither has a lot to tell, nor are there much happenings. But, it fits right into the Christmas mood and is indeed a cheery and heartful gift to the Marvel fanatics.
Other Artists?
Vin Diesel‘s Groot and Bradley Cooper‘s Rocket as always makes the best impression in the most minimal screen-time. Maria Bakalova’s Cosmo the Spacedog leaves quite a mark too. Besides, The Old 97’s also makes a surprisingly nostalgic musical performance in the film.
Music and Other Departments?
John Murphy’s music for The Guardians of the Galaxy: Holiday Special is exceptional. The opening music number and the concluding pop performance in particular takes the audience on a nostalgic festive ride. Henry Braham’s lighting and camera work captures the festive vibes accurately.
Highlights?
Writing
Kevin Bacon
Drax-Mantis-Kevin Bacon trio
Music
Drawbacks?
Duration (Very Very Short)
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Movie Review by Binged Bureau