I try to rate/assess movies against other movies in the genre as opposed to comparing them to movies in general. So, how did this film compare to other Christmas romance films? It was...OK. I mean, it was a decent film, not the best I have seen nor the worst. It was a nice story, a caring story. And the script/dialogue was not bad. The acting was pretty good too. I am a fan of the Vampire Diaries and Vikings, the TV series that the two leads are known for. Kat Graham's performance was strong; she does a good job in such roles. Alexander Ludwig was not bad. To be honest, it was a bit strange seeing him in this genre of film after watching him for years in Vikings. But he did OK, though I am not sure this is the genre for him. The chemistry between them (the leads) was pretty good as well, which is important in a romance film. The supporting cast was strong. Fans of Battlestar Galactica will be happy (and maybe surprised) to see Aaron Douglas (as the Mayor) in the film. The scenery (filming location) was quite beautiful. I especially enjoyed the drop from the cargo plane at the end of the film. It was a nice scene. Overall, it was a decent film that Netflix has added to its original Christmas movie collection. Worth a watch if you want to get in the Christmas spirit.
121 Reviews
Touching - not for the romance or the comedy, but for the true story at the core
ghatbkk6 November 2020
As a romantic comedy, this movie is middling... but as a story of members of the Armed Forces finding ways to help others when they themselves are far from home on the holidays - a story that happens to be true - this story is hard to beat.
Hits all the beats of a typical rom com but still left me smiling
hmusol6 November 2020
I really dug this movie for a myriad of reasons. The leads had great chemistry with each, the scenery of Guam was beyond gorgeous and it was something genuinely pleasant to watch. 2020 been stressful enough and sometimes you just want to enjoy a movie that doesn't require you to be invested. Hopefully, this draws more attention to the beautiful territory of Guam and it's people.
Christmas time is here, folks!
and_shove_it_up_your_butt8 November 2020
This is my first Christmas movie of the 2020 holiday season and what a great way to kick the festivities off.
It wasn't as corny/sappy as the usual Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas movies tend to be (which I love) but instead had a slightly more realistic feel to it. I didn't feel amazing heat between Eri and Klaws and I believe that was intentional because the primary focus was the Christmas drop. I could have used a little more spice between them but overall the movie was solid and predictable.
I am giving it a 6.5 on my Lifetime/Hallmark/Holiday movie scale.
It wasn't as corny/sappy as the usual Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas movies tend to be (which I love) but instead had a slightly more realistic feel to it. I didn't feel amazing heat between Eri and Klaws and I believe that was intentional because the primary focus was the Christmas drop. I could have used a little more spice between them but overall the movie was solid and predictable.
I am giving it a 6.5 on my Lifetime/Hallmark/Holiday movie scale.
predictable but appealing
Sergiodave6 November 2020
A run of the mill Romantic comedy that isn't original, but ticks most of the boxes, the acting was okay but the scenery was amazing. It is a Christmas movie, so you don't need to be Einstein to figure out the ending, but it gives you that warm glow you need. Nice movie to pass the time.
Not a Christmas-y Christmas movie, but still decent...
PerryAtTheMovies23 November 2020
Initial Thoughts:
In the age old war of Netflix's quantity vs quality. I feel like this film fell on the quality side. Based on the real life, OPERATION CHRISTMAS DROP, this film is definitely a feel good, heart-warming movie that can be enjoyed by the entire family as a month before Christmas, Christmas movie. Though the acting and chemistry between actors seemed almost fake, or forced, they were still able to bring about a decent movie.
Pros: The story, for me, is incredible as it uses the real life OPERATION CHRISTMAS DROP as the inspiration for the movie. Emotions were strong with regards to the Christmas spirit and trying look out for those who struggle, especially around the Christmas season. Though the acting wasn't outstanding, it was just strong enough to bring this one home to a happy ending.
Cons: There was hardly any CGI used in this film, but the little that was is enough to mention. The gecko they used for the film should've been real as opposed to the awkward VR looking one they had. Besides bad CGI the chemistry between actors was weak. On their own they seemed to be great, but the romantic interaction they should've had was not. Any time they were together it felt awkward, forced, and uncomfortable the entire time.
Overall: I'd say if you're looking for a decent quality, family movie that doesn't have a bunch of romance in it, than this one would be for you. Would I recommend watching this film specifically as a Christmas movie? No, I wouldn't, but the story is great as it speaks about being selfless and doing what you can, and what makes you happy, to bringing joy to those around you.
Pros: The story, for me, is incredible as it uses the real life OPERATION CHRISTMAS DROP as the inspiration for the movie. Emotions were strong with regards to the Christmas spirit and trying look out for those who struggle, especially around the Christmas season. Though the acting wasn't outstanding, it was just strong enough to bring this one home to a happy ending.
Cons: There was hardly any CGI used in this film, but the little that was is enough to mention. The gecko they used for the film should've been real as opposed to the awkward VR looking one they had. Besides bad CGI the chemistry between actors was weak. On their own they seemed to be great, but the romantic interaction they should've had was not. Any time they were together it felt awkward, forced, and uncomfortable the entire time.
Overall: I'd say if you're looking for a decent quality, family movie that doesn't have a bunch of romance in it, than this one would be for you. Would I recommend watching this film specifically as a Christmas movie? No, I wouldn't, but the story is great as it speaks about being selfless and doing what you can, and what makes you happy, to bringing joy to those around you.
Cute movie
brian_board10 November 2020
It was good enough that I watched it all the way through.
Cute moments between characters.
Good background that the movie was based on. I just wish it spent more time on the people they were helping and less on the 2 main characters side story.
Just one question.
lmarta-908147 November 2020
Did anyone else notice Kat Graham's gait instability? I swear she was walking funny the whole movie. My roommate and I just need to know we weren't the only ones that noticed. Great shine on Guam though! Shoutout to the CGI gecko !!
Real-world generosity is a beautiful thing
Hammer-Rocks1 December 2022
I love feel-good movies like these that are based in real-world events.
While the reason for having the female lead character to be in the base is not real (Andersen Air Force Base in Guam will never be closed due to its strategic importance & the only US base on US territory close to Asia), the hard-work and generosity of the USAF personnel and their families is very much real.
I particularly liked this movie as it reminded me of my own personal experience when I was a very young boy. I'm in my late 40s now living in Australia for the past 35 years, but before this, as a very young boy in the late 70s/early 80s, I lived near Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. And to this day, I still distinctively remember the generousity of the men and women of the USAF, to the local townships every holidays. I still remember how excited the kids like me where at Christmas holidays to see Santa riding at the back of a military truck giving Christmas presents and US chocolates & candies to the kids. But their generousity goes beyond holidays. The local base also provided annually (sometimes more), free vaccinations to the local township, and first to respond and help out the authorities during disasters (ie. Typhoons, floods etc). They even provided free rabies shots to dogs. I know this, as one year when I was 7 or 8, I lined up with my dog to get it. Because of these generous actions, I grew up admiring the Americans. These actions is what wins hearts and minds of the locals.
And it is great that this movie show some of that. But other bases used to do it too. Sadly after Mt Pinatubo erupted and left the base in tatters, the USAF left the region. But their generous actions while they were there is still fondly remembered.
VERDICT: If you like to watch a feel-good movie that is based in real-world generosity, then this is a movie for you. I love it.
While the reason for having the female lead character to be in the base is not real (Andersen Air Force Base in Guam will never be closed due to its strategic importance & the only US base on US territory close to Asia), the hard-work and generosity of the USAF personnel and their families is very much real.
I particularly liked this movie as it reminded me of my own personal experience when I was a very young boy. I'm in my late 40s now living in Australia for the past 35 years, but before this, as a very young boy in the late 70s/early 80s, I lived near Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. And to this day, I still distinctively remember the generousity of the men and women of the USAF, to the local townships every holidays. I still remember how excited the kids like me where at Christmas holidays to see Santa riding at the back of a military truck giving Christmas presents and US chocolates & candies to the kids. But their generousity goes beyond holidays. The local base also provided annually (sometimes more), free vaccinations to the local township, and first to respond and help out the authorities during disasters (ie. Typhoons, floods etc). They even provided free rabies shots to dogs. I know this, as one year when I was 7 or 8, I lined up with my dog to get it. Because of these generous actions, I grew up admiring the Americans. These actions is what wins hearts and minds of the locals.
And it is great that this movie show some of that. But other bases used to do it too. Sadly after Mt Pinatubo erupted and left the base in tatters, the USAF left the region. But their generous actions while they were there is still fondly remembered.
VERDICT: If you like to watch a feel-good movie that is based in real-world generosity, then this is a movie for you. I love it.
CGI Gecko is the star of the movie
sbrowns-009237 November 2020
It's a bit early for Christmas movie with this coming out at the beginning of November. This one really missed the mark for me, I already had no real expectations going in, but this movie was over the top cheesy and predictable, not in a good way. From the worst CGI gecko I've ever seen to the random cringey Christmas carols uncomfortably sung by the actors to the overly happy locals and base people, this movie was one of the most generic I've seen.
Well i loved it, bought a tear to my eye when I realized its based on a true events
danniparton6 November 2020
Not sure why this received low review ratings from people. It was a cute christmas movie which was enjoyable to watch. Its nice to see a different style of Christmas movie and also shows what happens in the real world.
Kat and Alexanders chemistry was nice to see and id love them to make a second movie.
Light Hearted but Dull and Slow
melibee-250987 November 2020
This movie wants to come off as a Christmas Romance movie, but it never really gives time to develop the two main characters "relationship", until the very end with a stereotypical kiss ending which feels weird because to the audience the two main characters just feel like new friends instead of love interests. It seems to develop a good friendship between an Air Force Captain and a Congress Aid/Assistant. Together they spread the Christmas spirit and generosity with the help of the service men and woman of the American Air Force. The movie is slow and predictable and feels like it wants to be a lifetime movie or a Christian movie. The "lovers plot" is uninteresting.
Inaccurate depiction and terribly boring
mjlaq6 November 2020
This "movie" inaccurately depicts the gorgeous island of Guam. Claiming that the military is a savior for them, when all they do is ruin the land and terrorize the people. On top of the tiresome storyline and terrible portrayal, the moving is plain and boring. No chemistry between the actors and it sounds like a 13 year old on wattpad wrote it. I would give a 0/10 but it's not possible.
Great Movie
hagen-1361714 November 2020
This is a great movie with a great cast for what it is. I honestly did not expect it to be this good. It tells a great Christmas and a love story. It also contains a lot of beautiful scenery. This movie is absolutely adorable and gives you a sense of the Christmas spirit of giving back.
What a surprise!!!!
amarnold-5245331 January 2021
Don't even try this one..
remcoohak7 November 2020
If you've ever seen a good movie, you will notice this isn't one. Bad acting, awful special effects and too cheesy with al standards things. First few days bad cop, after a while changing the look, changing the way of reacting. Sorry, but this movie sucks.
Better that your average Hallmark style movie
jk8jj299 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this movie as it was just enough different than the standard formula. The casting was a nice choice and the location was not some small town! Yeah, it was a small island, but whatever. The main characters were intelligent and there was not some dumb wishy washy boyfriend. The main character doesn't give up everything and change her life, nor does she need to. It was a little slow at times but I just hit fast forward a tad.
Hilarious!
courtgibson198910 November 2020
I tried to like this movie but I kept getting distracted by the bad acting and the constant thought that Kat Graham either crapped her pants, has the back of an 80 year old or she was drunk while filming because the way she walked had me rolling. Idk but I couldn't stop laughing at the awkwardness of it all.
Operation Christmas drop drops into the holiday season
martibrj-7818129 November 2020
This film is nothing unique but it is a fun it tells the story of something extraordinary that was true it is boring and bland at some parts the relationship drags on at some part the comedy is sometimes flat and your generic romance comedy overall it's a fun joyride for the family and especially in military members of a family I would give it a 77% and it depends on the person you are if you want to watch it
Nothing happened in the entire film
camerongosal28 December 2020
Positive message wrapped in military package
rfmil96987 November 2020
I was impressed with the actual filming on Guam, the allowed use of base property, DOD personnel, and aircraft (Navy and Air Force)- that lent, to me, an extra level of realism/belief in the message of this movie. Yes, a standard Christmas feel good message with cheesy romance thrown in. But,.... I saw in the movie the message that all military feel when stationed abroad and away from their homes and family---- camaraderie and coming together in support and help of each other and their local community. I appreciate the movie for its message of the true story of assistance provided by USAF in the actual Operation Christmas Drop.
Surprisingly really good/ lovely story!!!
chloegalley9 January 2021
Operation Christmas Drop is a 2020 American Christmas romantic comedy based on true events, starring Kat Graham and Alexander Ludwig as the main characters. So it's January a little late for a Christmas film but I wanted something that was a feel good film and it certainly was that. The storyline was really good it had comedy, romance, sadness and happiness in it. The film started off good and got even better as it went along with some lovely beautiful scenery in it. The acting was good from all the cast especially from Kat and Alexander, there played the characters really well and certainly had good chemistry and was very believable. I really enjoyed this film you don't get many good Christmas films these days but this one was great, it even bought a tear to my eye which don't normally happen. Not like your normal Christmas movies but still a really good light hearted film to watch. So if it's a winters day sit in front of the fire with snacks and enjoy this lovely beautiful romance movie you certainly won't be disappointed. Don't leave it to late it's currently streaming on Netflix right now get watching, surprisingly really good. 😊
Concept Good; casting and writing bland
actaction11 November 2020
I kept thinking something wasn't quite coming through with the legitimate sentimental feelings of Christmas. It might be mis-casting with actors that don't have chemistry (I kept thinking what if Kurt Russel and Goldie Hawn were in the roles, how much more humble and regular their love struggle could be, more real). These two aren't bad, though, so it might have been a combination of lax directing style and a script that needed punching up. Too much seem like actors are struggling to be in a good mood, to be kind, to be real. Instead it too often feels preachy because the actors fail to relate the realness of their characters and their backgrounds. It could have worked. I'd like more like it, but done better, less fake sentiment and more real legit love in the lines.
Enjoyable
Nicolini68930 November 2020
A satisfying Christmas rom com
roger-99-1715998 November 2020
Sweet, warm and finely executed this Christmas set rom com is a fresh surprise. The pair of protagonists are really good and appealing, the story resonates to familiar themes with accuracy and magical realism. it's funny, lovable and emotional (it subtly depicts the effects of being apart from Loved ones, especially during holidays). Perfect for all ages.
See also
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