The Turkey Bowl

The Turkey Bowl is a 2019 Christmas-themed sports comedy directed by Greg Coolidge, who also co-wrote the script with Kirk Ward. The film captures the essence of holiday traditions, rivalries, and humor with the fictitious annual football game that brings a group of old friends and acquaintances together.

The story follows Patrick van Dorn (Ryan Hansen), a former high school quarterback who has a comfortable life as a successful real estate agent in Los Angeles. However, when he returns to his small hometown in Ohio for Thanksgiving, he reunites with Zeke (Matt Jones) and his crew, who share a long-standing rivalry with Patrick's team from high school.

Zeke and his team still hold a grudge against Patrick for a game-winning touchdown he scored in the Turkey Bowl fifteen years earlier. To settle the score, Zeke challenges Patrick and his city-slicker friends to a rematch, which Patrick accepts. However, there is a twist to the game as the friends and locals come up with a rather unconventional style of rule changes that makes the game a literal battlefield.

The Turkey Bowl also features former NFL star-turned-actor Alan Ritchson as 'The Champ', a local celebrity who has a secret connection to Zeke’s team. Other notable cast members include Kristen Hager as Patrick’s girlfriend, Brett Cullen as Patrick's father, and Ashley Fink as Zeke’s sister.

The film’s central theme revolves around the nostalgia of returning to one's small hometown and reconnecting with old friends. Patrick's character undergoes a transformation, reflecting the subtle joy one feels in revisiting a place where he once lived and loved. The movie presents a realistic portrayal of life in small-town America, where the sense of community and togetherness is prevalent.

On the other hand, the movie also highlights how as people grow older, they are carrying more baggage, fears and live a fast-paced life, which takes a toll on them. For the characters, playing the game of football works wonders, providing an opportunity to unload their emotional baggage while also revisiting their long-forgotten dreams and aspirations.

Director Greg Coolidge keeps the runtime tightly paced with no lulls in the action, providing enough comic relief and wholesome moments to keep the viewer engaged throughout. The film boasts of some impressive cinematography, especially during the peak moments of the game, which uses intricate camera movements, editing, and sound design to showcase the chaos and frenzy of the game.

While the plot may appear predictable at times, the movie delivers on its promise of providing an entertaining and heartwarming experience. It is the perfect watch for the holiday season, capturing the festive spirit and the joy of coming together with loved ones.

Overall, The Turkey Bowl is a sports comedy that provides easy laughs, endearing characters, and an intriguing plotline that keeps the viewers hooked till the end. The movie explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and redemption, using football as a metaphor for life, in a touching and heartwarming manner.