Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special

Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special is a fun and breezy romp that stops just short of being saccharine. The holiday special is a fun diversion that embraces the silliness and a looser sense of fun, being a Christmas Special.

Interestingly, this Holiday Special feels like a throwback to Gunn's early low-budget efforts, namely Slither and Super. Its use of tactile locations alongside focusing on Drax and Mantis (2 characters that require minimal use of CGI) feels judicious and a shrewd usage of resources, considering it was being filmed during the production of GOTG Vol3.

Interestingly, the GOTG Holiday Special exists in conversation with the (cringy) SW Holiday Special, with its 2D animated segments being an overt reference to it. Its crappy aesthetic exists in conversation with generic Christmas specials and films like "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians".

However, GOTG Holiday Special consists of thematic arcs of found family, acceptance, joy, and acceptance. It's underpinned and mirrored in Mantis and Peter Quill's arc. Mantiss's arc, coming off a deleted subplot from Vol. 2, is about finding acceptance and family after being treated like a slave.

It's refreshing to see Mantiss be the centerpiece of the story, with her being the weakest member of the GOTG ensemble and being underdeveloped. The revelation of Mantiss being the sister of Peter Quill feels like a poignant ending to her arc alongside Quill's arc for finding humanity.

Technically, GOTG: The Holiday Special is solid. Its direction maintains a festive tone alongside an action-adventure. The cinematography employs rotoscope animation sequences indebted to Ralph Bakshi alongside natural lighting and framing.

The editing conveys smash cuts, inserts, and split cuts that bolster the film's pacing. Bookended by two Christmas songs, the festive score brings soft rock flavor alongside festive music. The refreshingly sparing effects employ prosthetics, makeup, fantastical animals, and environments.

The sound design contains ambiance, foley, and background sound effects. The production design consists of a real-world composition, festive costumes, and an alien environment adorned with festive ornaments. Overall, the Holiday Special is a fun diversion albeit indulgent.

Writing: 8/10

Direction: 7/10

Cinematography: 6/10

Acting: 8/10

Editing: 6/10

Sound: 7/10

Score: 9/10

Prod design: 7/10

Casting: 9/10

Effects: 7/10

OVERALL SCORE: 7.4/10