The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special on Disney+ Hotstar is all about the jolly Mantis magic

The recently released Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is the perfect end to Phase 4.

On Earth, it's almost Christmas time! It's the time to be jolly and what better than a good holiday movie to add that sparkle to it? To add their own little magic to the mix, Marvel released its Christmas Special and it's everything we needed to kick off our winter celebrations. Marvel is on a stink to try something and their Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday special seems to be just another take on giving us a look into the Guardians' lives when they're not out there saving the universe.

After being absent from our screens post the Endgame drama and their brief appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder, the team came back for a special. A fun-filled, emotional, and exciting journey from Earth to a galaxy unknown in true Guardians style, the movie will leave you with your heart full and a cheerful smile.

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James Gunn managed to give us a glimpse of our favorite spacefaring misfits' lives outside of a universe-ending event. It's all about the team trying to find a way to cheer up their leader and fellow space buddy Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), who has been upset after losing Gamora (Zoe Saldana). The movie begins with an animation showing Peter introducing the idea of a Christmas celebration to his fellow ravagers. Peter, who is still very excited about the season is shut out by Yondu (Michael Rooker), who on the other hand believes that "What a Ravager gets, he works for. We ain't about no damn handouts" which is quite contrary to what the season stands for.

With Kraglin recalling it being Christmas on Earth and something that always excited Peter, Mantis along with Drax takes on a mission to 'bring the joy of Christmas back in Quill's life.' They want it to be something that he hasn't had since he was a child and decide to bring his childhood hero Kevin Bacon as a present. Knowing the duo and their chaotic energy, the movie doesn't fail to explore their experiences until they meet the actor. Drax's and Mantis' adventures on Earth included taking pictures with tourists with someone assuming they took a picture with the God of War, taking digs at the similarity between Drax and the now popular video game character Krotos.

Unlike all the other Marvel movies, this Holiday Special seems to be one you can watch without trying to solve and create theories. The fact this story has nothing to do with the next phase (apart from the revelation that Mantis and Peter are siblings) or connecting the dots and can survive on its own with its silliness is what makes it extra special. It was an opportunity to highlight and give Mantis the recognition and screen time that was overdue. Pom Klementieff plays off the innocence of her character quite well to the point that we wish we can pass through the screen and give her a hug. Dave Bautista has mastered Drax's characteristics so well that all of his dry humor manages some laughs. And Kevin Bacon became a great addition to their craziness, joining in and goofing around with these characters without feeling out of place.

Here's the trailer:

If you consider the Guardians one of your favorite MCU films, then the soundtracks have to be a major reason for any debate that comes your way. And like all its previous movies, this was also rich in the music department. With epic Christmas songs, 'Here It Is Christmastime' is among my Xmas jam but "I Don't Know What Christmas Is (But Christmastime Is Here)" definitely tops it and will have you grooving. Nebula showing off her killer moves should say something about the same. The movie lives up to its previous two installments, especially when it comes to its music.

This one also proves yet again why Yondu is a better dad to Peter and why he deserves to never be forgotten. Special mention to an all-grown Groot who is still very fond of video games. And the highlight of it all has to be Rocket finally getting the arm, a significant call-back to Infinity War.

So bask in the season's joy as our favorite superheroes go on a fun-filled adventure.

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