Operation Christmas Drop (2020)
I didn’t know Operation Christmas Drop existed until this movie, which means it earns points for teaching me something. The issue is, this isn’t a documentary; it’s a fictional story with elements of real-life sprinkled in. The characters and their drama become the least interesting aspect of this light holiday tale.
Congressional assistant Erica (Kat Graham) is sent to investigate what appears to be an egregious waste of taxpayers’ money. Every year, the US Air Force base in Guam airdrops gifts and supplies to the surrounding islands. Captain Andrew “Claws” Jantz (Alexander Ludwig) assures her it’s a training exercise that doubles-up as a humanitarian effort. She’ll need some convincing before writing her report.
Director Martin Wood could’ve begun the film with a “based on a true story” title card but decided not to. This choice was good. I had never heard of “Operation Christmas Drop” and was as skeptical as our heroine going in. Well, maybe not quite as much. I knew I was watching a holiday film, which practically guarantees a happy ending. The point is, as Andrew explains the intricacies of the operation – the way money and supplies are raised, where the drops are going, how everyone ensures it's all done by-the-book to avoid this kind of audit - you get sold on the concept. You want it to keep going. There’s no doubt “Operation Christmas Drop” will bring further attention to the mission, which has been going strong since 1952. Had I already known this, I would’ve known how the film would conclude even more than I already did. This would've greatly reduced my interest in the plot.
The main plot is about Andrew convincing Erica. On the side, there’s a developing romance between them. That’s nothing special. They don’t have the kind of chemistry necessary to generate intrigue. Their jobs pit them against each other but he wants her to join his side. What’s missing is an irresistible attraction that makes Erica wonder if she isn’t believing what she wants to believe. It’s obvious to everyone watching that the yearly airlifting of goods is beneficial, necessary, and 100% altruistic. How could it not be when the man in charge of them is practically a saint to the point of being boring? To inject drama, writers Gregg Rossen and Brian Sawyer must therefore resort to contrivances and artificial plot points.
There’s a built-in flaw with the film’s romance as well. She’s working all the way in Washington, DC. He’s in Guam and far too busy with the Christmas Drop to foster any kind of relationship – much less one that’s long-distance. This means the movie has an ending that makes you go “ok... but what now?”
Operation Christmas Drop does generate warm holiday sensations despite its flaws. There's no way it'll be anything you'll be compelled to revisit but as something you can throw on TV and have the whole family get together and watch, it gets a mild recommendation. (December 14, 2020)
