Operation Christmas Drop is a 2020 American Christmas romantic comedy film directed by Martin Wood from a screenplay by Gregg Rossen and Brian Sawyer. The film stars Kat Graham and Alexander Ludwig and is loosely based on the real-life U.S. Air Force Operation Christmas Drop humanitarian mission.
| Operation Christmas Drop | |
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 Official release poster | |
| Directed by | Martin Wood |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Michael C. Blundell |
| Edited by | Brad Rines |
| Music by | Hamish Thomson |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Netflix |
Release date |
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Running time | 95 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot
editErica, a congressional assistant in Washington, DC, is tasked with investigating a US Air Force base in Guam. The ultimate goal is to find a reason to justify its closure.
Andrew is the Air Force captain chosen to show Erica around the USAF base to convince her that it should remain open. She arrives two hours earlier than expected, then ditches him at her first opportunity to try to explore on her own.
The base has a yearly tradition of airlifting goods to the small islands of Micronesia for Christmas. Andrew shows Erica around the base and various islands, explaining how they gather local donations of food and money, proving that the base's resources, thus American tax dollars, are not being spent here.
An example is given of how a shipment of 10 fir trees arrive there at no cost. Andrew's Oregon friend donated the trees, and they come via several connections through military flights. The trees are traded in a Guam hotel for sheets and food donations.
At the base's big solar-powered fundraising event, the rest of Erica's skepticism dissipates and she and Andrew have a moment. The next day, as the care packages are being assembled, news of a serious typhoon comes to Guam. The planes are grounded, but Erica tells them to keep the faith.
The weather clears, and Erica opts to disobey her congresswoman's orders to head back to Washington. Just before the planes are set to take off, she shows up to again insist she leave. Erica stands up to her, suggesting she also participate. The experience inspires her, revitalizing her Christmas spirit and demonstrating that the tradition is worthwhile and the base should not be closed.
Romance between Erica and Andrew blooms during these events.
Cast
edit- Kat Graham as Erica
- Alexander Ludwig as Captain Andrew Jantz
- Virginia Madsen as Congresswoman Bradford
- Janet Kidder as Lieutenant Colonel Blaine
- Jeffrey Joseph as Brigadier General Hatcher
- Bethany Brown as Sunshine
- Trezzo Mahoro as Joker
- Rohan Campbell as Travis
- Aliza Vellani as Sally
- Aaron Douglas as Sampson
- Xavier de Guzman as John-Michael
- Bruce Best as himself (Brother Bruce)
- Linden Banks as Haskell
- Eileen Pedde as Anna
- Brittany Willacy as Christina
- Anthony Salas as Big Tone
- Reymundo Villaflor as Sweeper
- Zainab Alzaba as Laura
Production
editIn May 2019, it was reported that Kat Graham and Alexander Ludwig would star in Operation Christmas Drop for Netflix from a screenplay by Gregg Rossen and Brian Sawyer.[2] Production of the film took place on the U.S. territory of Guam.[1] It is one of the first movies filmed in Guam to receive wide distribution.[1]
Release
editOperation Christmas Drop was released on November 5, 2020, by Netflix.[3]
Reception
editOn review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 47% based on 17 reviews, with an average rating of 5.6/10.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "First Look at Netflix's Operation Christmas Drop (Shot on a Military Base!) Starring Kat Graham". People. October 7, 2020.
- ^ @seewhatsnext (May 22, 2019). ".@KatGraham & @alexanderludwig will star in Operation Christmas Drop as a congressional aide and a U.S. Air Force captain who clash when she's asked to shut down the base he calls home. The film is scheduled for 2020" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Mallenbaum, Carly (October 21, 2020). "Everything new on Netflix in November: 'The Crown' Season 4 to Shawn Mendes documentary". USA Today. Archived from the original on October 21, 2020. Retrieved October 21, 2020.
- ^ "Operation Christmas Drop (2020)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
