18 December 2023 , 07:55
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It didn't take long for last year's simply Marvel-lous Disney Plus mini-film Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special to grab a special place in our hearts - with plenty of viewers already deeming it a Christmas must-watch.
Released last year, audiences and critics were quick to heap praise on the interstellar outing - which at a brisk 44 minutes long really is all killer and no filler. Starring Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Pom Klementieff and a kidnapped Kevin Bacon, the stand-alone story aims to fill in the timeline gaps between Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 (from 2017) and this year's Vol.3.
The Christmas-flavoured Holiday Special follows Mantis and Drax on a quest to find the perfect Yuletide gift for fellow Guardian Peter Quill ( Chris Pratt ). Perhaps understandably, they think their '80s-obsessed buddy would love to meet/own much-loved movie star Kevin Bacon, so they journey to Hollywood for a spot of kidnapping.
Suffice to say, a whole heap of festive chaos ensues, which we won't spoil for you here. If you haven't seen it yet, you can settle in for many belly-laughs - particularly from the mirthful double act of Pom Klementieff's good-hearted Mantis and Dave Bautista's gruff Drax.
Their naive misunderstandings of Earth customs are so on-point, they'll surely raise a titter from even the most Scrooge-like member of your family. The Guardians holiday special is shot through in a real razzle-dazzle of colour, with a fantastic soundtrack including The Pogues, The Strokes' Julian Casablancas, The Smashing Pumpkins, Hanoi Rocks and Low.
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'It’s become a new holiday tradition in my home'
Jeth Rothman posted on X, formerly Twitter, "It’s become a new holiday tradition in my home. So funny & sweet, still can’t believe Marvel actually got Kevin Bacon to be in it too lol"
Michael said: "The perfect Marvel characters to be centered around for a holiday special. Such a funny and really sweet time with the Guardians, as usual."
Locar posted: "I'm rewatching Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday special and I Don't Know What Christmas Is (But Christmastime Is Here) is a banger (of a) song".
Surly Claus: "Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is very good"
Cole said "The Guardians holiday special is among one of the best holiday movies over the past 20 years".
El The said: "I'm usually not into Christmas movies, other than Die Hard, but I very much enjoyed the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. That is one I intend to watch every Christmas."
Movie Hangover: "No better way to prepare for Xmas than The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. Really taps into that warm Christmas spirit."
'An ode to warmth and friendship'
Critics were bowled over by the mini-movie when it was originally released in November last year. IGN Movies' Alex Stedman said: "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special delivers all the Christmas cheer, sentiment, catchy musical numbers, and laugh-out-loud moments you could ask for in a quick 44 minutes".
Film Companion's Gayle Sequeira said: "This is an adventure about a giant misunderstanding that only drives home all the ways in which our found families really understand us. It's an ode to the warmth of friendship, even the kind that begins with kidnapping and mind control."
Over on Twitter, Dee posted: "Not even joking when I say that The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is my favourite MCU project."
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Josh Thomas said: "The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is absolutely bloody wonderful!"
Meanwhile, on Reddit, iSRS73 said: "No spoilers, but I loved this special. Also, loving this Special Presentation format. They are the MCU equivalent of comics “Annuals” that have some minor tidbits to the overall story, but are really their own thing".
But fellow poster Flermy remained unconvinced: "I seem to be in the minority on this, but I found the holiday special super cringe and unfunny, which is a shame because I typically enjoy Gunn's brand of humour and the Guardians characters.
"That said, I'm glad others are enjoying it and am a huge fan of the one-off "special feature" format."