Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa

The logo was Disney, but Operation Secret Santa has quite a bit of the Pixar feel...and that's a good thing.

John Lasseter produces, and Pixar music regular Michael Giacchino lends a top-notch score. The pacing is great, everything is kept light and fun, and the animation itself is quite nice.

I was delighted to see a new animated holiday story put in the mix that has some solid production values. While I wouldn't put it on the level of some of the Pixar shorts (shown in theaters before their feature films), for TV, it's a stand-out. Perhaps, if it is well received, we'll see a return of new, animated shorts for the holidays like this one. Cross your fingers.

This short was recently shown on TV for the first time following the airing of the Charlie Brown Christmas special. My impressions were mixed. On one hand, the CGI was nice--not great but it's good computer animation. On the other, the story is a bit dull and the payoff at the end was a letdown. Kids will probably like it well enough, but I can't imagine anyone getting excited about "Prep & Landing".

The film begins with Mrs. Claus asking the elves, Prep & Landing, to help her steal something from Santa's workshop. It's odd that neither of them question this and spend much of the cartoon trying to sneak past a sleeping Santa. But there wasn't much in the humor department nor was there much in the way of the story. Not bad, but easy to skip.

Absolutely loved 'Prep & Landing', one of the revelations of my "watching as many Christmas films and shorts not yet seen before as possible" quest. So, also part of my quest, part of me was expecting a fair bit.

Viewing 'Prep & Landing Stocking Stuffer: Operation: Secret Santa', it is a let down after 'Prep & Landing' and doesn't quite have its magic. Having said that, 'Prep & Landing Stocking Stuffer: Operation: Secret Santa' is still very much worthwhile and won't convert you to a Scrooge or anything like that after watching. It's solid and does its job very well, without being truly special.

'Prep & Landing Stocking Stuffer: Operation: Secret Santa's' weakest asset is the story, it's somewhat flimsy for the length and sometimes the momentum suffers and lags a little.

It doesn't quite have 'Prep & Landing's' visual imagination and some may be disappointed in that it is fairly light in the humour department, what there is raises some amused smiles but there's not much hilarious here.

That is not to say however that the animation isn't great. It is. It is bright and colourful, and characters don't look blocky and move smoothly while the attention to detail in the backgrounds is solid. The music captures the nostalgia, warmth, excitement and emotion of Christmas to perfection.

Writing is not exceptional, but warms the heart, charms the ears and touches the soul while not being cheesy, preachy or over-sentimental. The story is flawed in execution but has charm and emotion at least and maintains attention enough to not want to turn it off.

The likeable characters still remains while the voice acting is solid.

Overall, worthwhile if not completely magical. 7/10 Bethany Cox

I was incredibly excited to watch the follow up to the superb original Prep & Landing but was immediately pessimistic about it once I saw the run time and was right to be

Although it still has the excellent charm of the first film and all the voice acting is again on point with the wonderful addition of Betty White who brought all the warmth and wit we have come to expect from her, and that is only with maybe 2 minutes of screen time.

The biggest let down for me and the most perplexing issue was the run time. What on earth made them cut it so drastically. It's still a wonderful 9 min gem 🎄x.

Prep and Landing: Operation Secret Santa continues the charm and creativity that made the franchise so beloved. Wayne and Lanny return with their trademark humor and charisma, and the short showcases Disney's ability to blend clever storytelling with festive cheer. The film captures the magic of Christmas while adding playful twists that keep the audience engaged throughout.

The screenplay is exceptional, balancing humor, heart, and holiday spirit perfectly. Every scene feels purposeful, with well-timed jokes and delightful interactions between characters that make the world of Santa's operations feel alive and dynamic. The story flows smoothly, maintaining excitement without ever feeling rushed or disjointed.

This installment is particularly funny, with moments that highlight the chaos and unpredictability of Christmas preparations. The humor is clever and family-friendly, appealing to viewers of all ages while still incorporating subtle jokes for older audiences.

Direction is strong, demonstrating a clear vision for the franchise. Each scene is carefully crafted, with attention to pacing, timing, and character interaction that elevates the short above typical seasonal fare. The visual style and animation are polished, vibrant, and engaging, capturing the magic Disney is known for.

The character development, though brief due to the short format, is effective. Wayne and Lanny remain lovable and relatable, and their interactions drive the story forward with both humor and heart. Their personalities shine, making them memorable characters in the Disney animated universe.

Overall, Prep and Landing: Operation Secret Santa is a delightful addition to the series. It's clever, funny, and visually appealing, reinforcing the franchise's charm and creativity. It leaves viewers wanting more, highlighting the potential for a full-length feature that could further explore these whimsical holiday adventures.