PUMPKIN REGATTA ROMANCE
A breezy romance about family and community, with the perfect fall atmosphere.
Should You Watch It?
Yes. Fall romance gets a fresh splash of color with this charming story, especially for fans of the holiday romance genre. While the movie doesn’t focus on a specific holiday, it captures the perfect fall atmosphere with pumpkins, turning leaves, apple cider, and more. Consider it an easy way to get into the fall mood.
The romance works best when the story gives its two leads lives and motivations beyond their relationship. Viewers will enjoy watching them work together to pull off an entertaining fall event and root for them as they try to repair their families’ relationships and begin their own. The plot also promotes strong family relationships, friendships, and community ties, with characters who work together, support each other, and encourage forgiveness.
Some light immorality does take place. Most of the characters keep the pumpkin regatta plan secret from two characters, which leads to some lying and sneaking around. However, they apologize for their actions by the end of the movie. One brief scene shows upper male nudity while a character changes his shirt, and another scene shows a couple sharing a kiss. Otherwise, this sweet fall romance brings enough family-friendly charm to make the regatta worth attending.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESAfter an accusation of cheating, Nadine and Ethan’s fathers called off their town’s traditional Pumpkin Regatta Race. However, when the chance arises to use the event as a fundraiser for a teen in need, the pair decide to put on the regatta without their dads knowing. Nadine and Ethan work together and rekindle their old friendship, but will they pull off the regatta and maybe find love?
Is It Any Good?
Four stars mean this romance has more than pumpkin spice on its mind, with an interesting storyline that complements the romance plot. Pumpkin regattas, yes, they are a real thing, offer an entertaining concept on their own, but the family-centered story adds even more heart.
The two romantic leads share close relationships with their fathers and want them to reconcile, which gives their motivations more weight and makes them feel well-rounded. Viewers will root just as hard for the fathers to restore their friendship as they will for the two leads to get together by the end.
The movie also delivers plenty of fall fun. Scenes at pumpkin farms, along with moments that feature cider and apple pie, create a cozy autumn atmosphere. With its pumpkins, family ties, romance, and plenty of fall flavor, this movie will be sure to get viewers in the autumn mood!
The Worldview
A strong moral worldview runs throughout this cozy romance. Characters have strong relationships with family and friends, and they remain dedicated to their community.
The characters' desire to raise money for a deserving teen in their town to go to college drives the movie's central plot. Several scenes also emphasize forgiveness; characters lie, sneak around, or speak unkindly to each other, but by the end of the movie, they apologize and receive forgiveness.
The movie includes some instances of immorality: a character accuses a friend of foul play, and several characters lie and sneak around to put on the regatta. However, everyone apologizes by the end of the movie and receives forgiveness.
There's one brief moment of upper male nudity when a character changes his shirt, and a scene where a couple kiss. Beyond that, this one keeps its content light and family-friendly.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
A strong moral worldview, with a focus on strong relationships with family, friends, and community. Characters are also charitably-minded, deciding to put on the regatta to raise money for a deserving teen’s college fund. Stresses forgiveness as well, with characters forgiving each other for any wrongdoing by the end of the movie
Foul Language
No foul langauge;
Violence
No violence;
Sex
Acouple share a kiss;
Nudity
One brief scene of upper male nudity when a character changes his shirt
Alcohol Use
No alcohol use;
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or drug abuse; and,
Miscellaneous Immorality
Characters lie and sneak around in an effort to keep the regatta a secret from two other characters, but ultimately apologize and are forgiven.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Nadine, Ethan, and their friends agree to sneak around so that their fathers don’t find out about the Pumpkin Regatta. While they are trying to put the event on for a good reason, is it ever alright to lie? How can lying ultimately damage our communities? Ephesians 4:25
Nadine and her friends decide to start the regatta again to raise money for a deserving teen’s college fund. Why is it so important as Christians to give back to our community? Proverbs 19:17
Nadine and Ethan’s fathers ultimately forgive them for their deception. How does understanding God’s forgiveness for us deepen our understanding of those we forgive in our own lives? Ephesians 4:32
The Final Word
PUMPKIN REGATTA ROMANCE proves that love, like a good pumpkin, only sweetens with the season. The movie grounds its romance in family, friendship, and community rather than attraction alone. Small deceptions and unkind words give way to honesty and forgiveness by the end. Parents should note a brief kiss, though it doesn't push the movie past family-friendly territory. Overall, this one offers a warm autumn romance the whole family can enjoy.
