Turkey Bowl

I caught this film at the 2011 Driftless Film Festival. Overall, I enjoyed it. It's not often you see a sports film that's focused solely on the game, and it's even less common to see a sports film based on amateurs, who have no ambitions of going pro. It's just a group of ten who play an annual game of touch football and try to have fun. There are flashes of conflict in the film, but the roots of that aren't explored a whole lot and the immediate conflicts are resolved fairly quickly. Mostly, it's just focused on the game itself, and that's pretty rare.

The cinematography is good in the sense that they vary the shots so the film doesn't get boring (which could've easily occurred). I liked the fairly natural method of acting that the performers utilized; they felt like real people anyone would know. And what makes the film engaging isn't necessarily the game itself, but the personalities of the characters, and their chemistry with each other as they make amusing comments throughout the film.

The main I'm rating this only a 7 is because the concept goes on a little longer than it needs to. After about 50 minutes, I was more or less satisfied. Still, it's worth checking out if you want a different kind of sports movie with a unique sense of humor.

I mean its OK, I guess. It is really a different type of film. I am a HUGE SUPPORTER of the IMDb Rating System. So I went ahead and watched it on Netflix...but it is not within its Genre or Film Counterparts. What I mean is that Netflix puts this movie with Van Wilder, Goon, American Pie, College etc... movies that are Comedies and involve sexuality and drinking etc... This movie is a different Genre. Don't be fooled it is a indie film. Not saying indie films are bad, because I am a fan. But just giving the guys a heads up. So just be aware of the fact that IMDb and Netflix may lead you to expect or believe something else.

Cheers!!!

This is the thinking person's sports film. Essentially it's a story of old friends and a few new people who get together to play a tradition of an annual touch football game. But below the surface, it's much more than that. "Turkey Bowl" busts the many clichés of films that revolve around a game or team, and uses the device to tell a deeper stories about fractured friendships, mending relationships and the beginnings of bonding. The action on the football field keeps the story moving forward, but the authentic interplay between characters - including improvised dialog - make this a much more satisfying and true parable on several different levels. Highly recommended.

Low-budget movies can be hit or miss, dependent on relatable characters and a sharp script. "Turkey Bowl" leans more on the hit side. Nothing stands out but as the film progresses, there's a gentle sense of humor that keeps this afloat. That and a cast that seems to be enjoying themselves. Somewhere along the line, I too began having a good time, overlooking the limits of production and instead soaking in the mostly good-natured atmosphere. It is not really a sports story as a human one. Worth it if you don't hold high expectations.