The Turkey Bowl – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Turkey Bowl

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2019

32%

WISE Score

A forgettable made-for-TV turkey about 30-somethings finishing their high school football game—as uninspired as it sounds.

The Turkey Bowl

movie

R, 2019

32%

WISE Score

A forgettable made-for-TV turkey about 30-somethings finishing their high school football game—as uninspired as it sounds.

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: this is a forgettable made-for-TV movie that exists solely to fill Thanksgiving weekend programming slots. The 5.4 IMDb and 2.8 Letterboxd ratings tell you everything—this is not good.

The premise is tired (guys reliving high school glory), the execution appears lazy (no critical reviews, straight-to-streaming on every bargain platform), and the developmental value is basically zero. It's rated 17+ for mature humor but offers nothing enriching for that age group.

If you're looking for a Thanksgiving movie, literally watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles again. If you want a sports movie, there are dozens of better options. This is the definition of media that exists but doesn't need to be watched.

Age Fit

This is technically for older teens and adults (17+) based on mature humor and themes, but honestly, even they probably won't be interested. The low ratings suggest it's a skip for pretty much everyone unless you're desperately searching for Thanksgiving-themed content.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A nostalgic reunion comedy about 30-somethings reliving high school glory days. The premise models friendship and showing up for your buddies, but the 'reliving glory days' trope can feel emotionally stagnant rather than growth-oriented. Common Sense Media's age 17 rating suggests mature themes that may include crude humor or language typical of buddy comedies. The tone appears lighthearted but likely skews toward adult humor rather than genuinely wholesome family content.

Imaginative

This is a paint-by-numbers sports reunion comedy with zero originality. The 'finish the game from high school' premise has been done countless times, and there's nothing in the synopsis or reception (5.4 IMDb, 2.8 Letterboxd) to suggest any creative spark. It's a formulaic made-for-TV movie that doesn't invite curiosity, exploration, or creative thinking—just nostalgia for a very specific demographic.

Safe

Likely contains mild language, drinking, and crude humor typical of adult buddy comedies (hence the CSM age 17 rating), but nothing that screams major content warnings. No indication of graphic violence, sexual content, or genuinely disturbing material. The main safety concern is that it's rated for older teens/adults, so younger viewers would encounter mature themes unexpectedly. As a streaming comedy, it's predictable and unlikely to have shocking content.

Enriching

The abysmal ratings tell the story: 5.4 IMDb, 2.8 Letterboxd, even the generous Rotten Tomatoes audience at 89% can't save this. There's minimal cognitive growth from watching guys play football to recapture their youth. No meaningful themes about personal development, just surface-level 'friendship is important' messaging wrapped in tired sports comedy tropes. Entertainment value appears low based on critical reception.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

If your teen is really into sports movies and has literally watched everything else, this exists
The nostalgia angle might resonate with parents who played high school sports, though that's about it
It's harmless background noise for Thanksgiving if you've exhausted every other option on seven streaming platforms

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What to Watch For

Rated for age 17+ by Common Sense Media, expect crude humor, language, and drinking typical of adult buddy comedies
The 'glory days' messaging isn't exactly aspirational—it's about guys who peaked in high school trying to relive it
With a 5.4 IMDb and 2.8 Letterboxd rating, be prepared for a genuinely mediocre viewing experience

Conversation Starters

"Do you think it's healthy to be this hung up on something from high school fifteen years later?"
"What would you actually want to 'finish' from your past if you could?"
"Why do you think so many movies are about guys reliving their sports glory days?"

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