The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022) May 14th, 2023

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is a successful sendup of classic holiday specials complete with format staples like musical numbers, celebrity guest appearances (here’s looking at you Mark Hamill), and a heartwarming message about love and family. Despite it’s tongue-in-cheek meta comedy, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special successfully harnesses the most precious and quaint characteristics of the most cherished holiday specials. This is due, in no small part, to James Gunn’s ability to balance goofy comedy with heartwarming dramatic sincerity.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special primarily follows Mantis (who’s been hiding the secret that she and Peter are both children of Ego the Living Planet which in a complicated but definite way makes them siblings) and Drax as they seek out the perfect Christmas present for Peter Quill. The legendary Star Lord is mourning his recently deceased girlfriend Gamora and could use some cheering up. After brainstorm everything they know about Peter from his stories of Earth, Drax and Mantis decide the best gift to pull their leader from the depths of despair is none other than the Earth’s Mightiest Hero… Kevin Bacon.

You’ll remember, Peter Quill was abducted by aliens in the late 1980s which froze his pop culture references in that era. And has at least twice onscreen reverently referenced Footloose even once calling it the greatest movie in history. This is the core of what makes The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special so much fun. Both Drax and Mantis love Peter and somehow, despite being space aliens, innately understand the spirit of Christmas is gratitude expressed through presenting a thoughtful gift representing the recipient’s character, interests, or a shared experience with the giver. As a gift from Drax and Mantis, Kevin Bacon checks all those boxes for Star Lord. Absurd comedy-chaos ensues but in the end everything turns out alright. Mantis reveals to Peter that she’s his sister, which for an orphaned Earth-boy who’s recently lost his adoptive Father, his evil biological planet-father, and his longterm girlfriend, is the best Christmas present ever. As a Toretto might say, it’s about family.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is not an S tier holiday special (its no Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman) but it is a wonderful contemporary novelty perfect for anyone who enjoys goodwill and laughter throughout the holiday season. It’s especially nice for those of us who want more good Guardians content without having to tolerate a kind-of boring movie (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2.) or ball our eyes out every few minutes (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3.).