'The Turkey Bowl' Review: This football drama makes you want to come home and enjoy the simple life with that special someone
Relatable is the term that comes to mind when watching ‘Turkey Bowl.' As far as Thanksgiving specials go, the movie comes in as a perfect, light-hearted drama that is sure to make ou relive the best moments of your life. ‘Turkey Bowl’ is predictable, has a simple plot and that works. This isn’t about last-minute cliffhangers and we’re thankful that it isn’t. If anything, just term the film a slice-of-life comedy.
Patrick Hodges (‘Veronica Mars’ star Ryan Hansen) is a well-settled man in the city. While he is a proper Oklahoman at heart, he seems to have moved on and is doing pretty well for himself. He is dating Ashley Sinclair (Blair Bomar), the daughter of the senator (Sean McGraw). He has plans of marrying her and all seems well until he receives a call saying his best friend Mitchell (Matt Jones of ‘Breaking Bad’) is dead.
Distraught, he flies back to his rural hometown over Thanksgiving and while he is there, he and his friends finish an epic football game (Badgers v Nobles) that was snowed out 15 years ago against their rivals. It is time for them to finish the game. And by finish, they are bent on winning it. Whatever it takes.
That’s exactly where the fun begins. Hodges misses his home and it takes a while for him to admit it. His friends, his high-school sweetheart, his folks - all these people who were part of his life seemed to have taken the backseat. Things aren’t easy though as the team realizes they need more than just gung-ho attitude to pip the Nobles lead by Ronnie Best (Alan Ritchson from ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Titans’). Ronnie and his team might be just as old as Hodges and Co. but they are fitter, more confident and well, they look every bit the team set to mop the floor with the Badgers.
It is hilarious and at the same time nostalgic to see that these men haven’t really grown up. Their childishness is out there to be seen when Ronnie actually spies the Badgers practice sessions (Not one of them last really long on the field BTW) and tracks their gameplans. For Hodges, this is also the time he meets his high-school sweetheart Jen (Kristen Hager) and deep down, the pair still nurses feelings for each other.
Ultimately, director Greg Coolidge’s movie is about the simple things that matter in life. And why? Which is a valuable lesson for a generation that is all about life in the fast lane and minting some moolah while at it. ‘Turkey Bowl’ also captures the Football spirit in small towns where it is more than just a game. It’s a matter of great pride and that one factor that unites the entire town. There are parades, there are whoops and cheers in every bit of the place and the players are local superstars. Again, who wouldn’t relate to this?
In Hansen, Jones, and Ritchson, the movie boasts of a formidable cast and the actors shine in their roles. The immensely talented Ritchson, in particular, is painted as the antagonist, but there is absolutely nothing that you can hate in him. He’s got the football build, the mean grin, and the swagger, but is downright funny in certain scenes and that is an absolute treat to watch. Jones and Hansen bring to life some great buddy chemistry and that lends to the fun factor.
‘The Turkey Bowl’ is sure to bring in some happy tears by the end. There are a few "aww" moments and are thoroughly deserving. This is a simple comedy-drama that’s got the basics spot on and if you’re in the mood to watch something feel-goody, then this one’s a must-watch.