Operation Christmas

I saw this one for the first time this year and wasn't sure if I would like it for some reason. But I was pleasantly surprised. Emotions are up and down but overall it's a feel good movie with a tearjerker ending. I'm not sure how it happened but these two lead actors were new to me but WOW Tricia and Marc were great together. I have since seen them each in other movies and they have both become favorites.

I rate it a good but not great movie. The lead actress and actor were OK in their roles but did not quite make it superb. The story especially at the beginning had some surprise in it, but then faded a little when the "Operation Christmas" got started. The issue of separation of husband and wife for these military Ranger Units was brought out and this brought about the main struggle for the lead actress. The movie did not pull off this struggle in a compelling way, but the ending was well done. The little girl in "A Heavenly Christmas" was also in this movie and pulled an emotional "I love you" which added to the drama. I would say the movie was more of a drama than romance. It passed the doze test (no one fell asleep) and I would probably not watch it again.

I loved this one! I've seen a lot of Hallmark military-themed Christmas movies, and Operation Christmas might be my favorite. With great chemistry between the leads, an important message, a love story to root for, and a tear at the end, what else is there?

Whenever you see Marc Blucas's name in a Hallmark, it's a good clue that the tv movie will feel more like a big screen movie than most of the others. He's a Hollywood-turned-Hallmark who treats every film as though it's the most important of his career. Plus he's a cutie, too! And Hallmark has a great type-cast for him as a strong soldier with a big heart. Tricia Helfer completely holds her own and doesn't let him take up all the energy on the screen. She's also strong, a career woman and single mom, but when she meets Marc on a Christmas vacation, she lets her girly sensibilities take over. He loses her number, she doesn't get his message, and a one big misunderstanding later, they're given a second chance.

What's the conflict? Even the lightest of Hallmarks has a conflict, right? This movie teaches about the sacrifice needed to become a military spouse. Tricia doesn't know if she has what it takes, and even though she's falling in love with him, she can't stand certain things about his job. When he has to leave, he has to leave. He can't tell her where or for how long, and she'll never know if she'll even see him again.

Will love conquer all? Watch this touching Hallmark Christmas flick to find out. Any military family, or any girl with a boyfriend in the service, will need their hankies at the end of the movie. I highly recommend this one; my family looks forward to it every year.

Hallmark are very variable when it comes to their output, especially their Christmas films, the best being very good and the worst being absolutely awful. While they tend to follow one formula and use it frequently with not much variation, there are times where they have a more mature story with more serious themes meaning that they are very capable with doing things differently to usual. That is the case with their military-themed Christmas films.

'Operation Christmas' is one of those films, and although 'Christmas Homecoming' and 'Holiday for Heroes' represent the military with more respect and accuracy (so if anybody prefers those films that's fair enough), when it comes to the performances, the lead chemistry and the emotion 'Operation Christmas' is the best faring of the three in my view. Though it is actually overall quality-wise a close call. While it is far from perfect and not my definition of a great film, it is proof that Hallmark should not be immediately written off and compares favourably when it comes to ranking their work.

Is 'Operation Christmas' flawless? No. It is a bit of a slow starter, with the film taking a while to get going in terms of pace (some sluggish moments here) and story progression (quite uneventful and predictable to begin with).

The portrayal of the military in 'Christmas Homecoming' and 'Holiday for Heroes' was also more realistic and human, it's somewhat too over-idealised here. The dialogue could have flowed better early on.

Conversely, Tricia Helfer is a likeable and heartfelt leading lady. Although Marc Blucas was a little better in 'Holiday for Heroes', the subtlety he has in his performance matches Helfer beautifully. Their chemistry actually felt warm and genuine, and the way it blossoms when it develops is not too sudden or feels too long to get there. Lisa Durupt and Gabrielle Rose sparkle in their supporting roles, particularly Durupt who has the most personality of the cast.

Furthermore, 'Operation Christmas' is a pleasant looking film with the scenery standing out in particular, while the soundtrack matches the spirit of the holiday and the film's themes very well. The script is neither too corny or over-serious, and doesn't come over as muddled tonally. Really liked its sincerity and heart. The story is very heart-warming and moving, its good intentions too admirable. The characters didn't come over as caricatures or one-dimensional, but instead came over as not too perfect or overly flawed real people.

Summarising, good if not great. 7/10.

This movie is a salute to and from all United States Military Personnel and their families. It is about the hardships and unexpected situations and problems that every family faces. It definitely shows the 'unknown' that military life brings.

Tricia and Marc did an excellent job of showing the heartache that is faced by not only their situation but others' problems by other families. Tricia and Marc put everything they had into this movie especially the love their characters felt for each other. The three children were perfect in each of their roles. The music and Christmas carols were placed in the movie at the right place and time. The ending carol is a message that all of America can sleep safely tonight as our brave men and women are on guard throughout the world.

A special thanks must go to Hallmark and especially Nina Wienman (writer) for capturing the heart of the military and their families. As a Marine Veteran, I have faced a lot of the same problems that were shown in this movie including being away several times at Christmas and the extended tours of duty overseas.

This movie is a 10 even though there are some goofs/mistakes. These goofs/mistakes are way over shadowed by the message this movie brings. That message is to face the unknown with bravery, courage and honor while sharing your fear with others.

THIS IS A MUST SEE MOVIE BY ALL. If you loved 'The Christmas Card' Christmas movie, you are going to more than love 'Operation Christmas'!