WINTER WONDERLANES
Bowling brings childhood friends back together over Christmas.
Should You Watch It?
Yes, you should. This uplifting story is about a second-chance romance, revamping a local business, and embracing memories of lost loved ones. The cast works well together, and leads Ashley Newbrough and Franco Lo Presti share great chemistry as high school sweethearts who reconnect as adults. It's a fun Christmas movie that spotlights romance and family relationships, and fans of the holiday romance genre will enjoy it.
The movie presents a moral worldview that promotes hard work, community, and strong family relationships. It includes light Christian elements, like the celebration of Christmas and a character telling Ashley her late grandfather smiles down on her from heaven. Some scenes show alcohol use, but otherwise, the movie remains safe for all ages.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESWhen Ashley learns her family’s bowling alley is for sale, she decides to use all her pop-up restaurateur expertise to get the best deal possible over the Christmas holidays. Complications arise when former high school sweetheart and current local news anchor Jason gets involved; he wants to cover the bowling alley’s annual Christmas tournament for his network. As the pair work together to put on the event, they start to remember why they felt so drawn to each other as teenagers and wonder whether their romance deserves a second chance.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars for a fun script, solid performances, and heartfelt themes. The story gives as much focus to family dynamics, community ties, and the grieving process as it does to the movie’s romantic plot, making the characters feel more well-rounded and realistic.
Lead actors Ashley Newbrough and Franco Lo Presti have great chemistry as high school sweethearts who have reconnected as adults. The plot can drag at times, and some viewers might get bored with the lack of real drama. However, fans of the holiday romance genre will really enjoy this one.
The Worldview
A light moral worldview that emphasizes strong family ties, hard work, and community service shines throughtout this movie. The characters work together toward a common goal and encourage one another to trust their talents and act with confidence.
A subplot deals with grief and shows how fond memories of lost loved ones can bring comfort. Light Christian elements also appear: the characters celebrate Christmas, and one character tells Ashley her late grandfather now smiles down on her from heaven.
Two scenes show characters who drink alcohol, and one couple kisses twice. Beyond that, this movie contains no objectionable content and offers a safe choice for viewers of all ages.
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 moral worldview, promoting family, friendship, forgiveness, and community. There are some light Christian elements, like the celebration of Christmas and a character telling a character that her late grandfather is “smiling down on you” from heaven
Foul Language
No foul language;
Violence
No violence;
Sex
A couple kisses twice
Nudity
No nudity;
Alcohol Use
Two scenes show characters drinking alcohol, but not to excess
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or drinking; and,
Miscellaneous Immorality
A chracter apologizes for “ghosting” another when they were teenagers, and she forgives him.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Ashley grieves the loss of her grandfather, and has stopped bowling, as she doesn’t want to be reminded of their time together. How has your faith comforted you in times of grief? Psalm 34:18
Ashley and her family’s bowling alley is a major community hub where people connect. What unique skills or passions has God given you that you can use to service your community? 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Jason apologizes to Ashley for hurting her when they were younger, and she forgives him. As Christians, why is it so important to forgive those who have hurt us? Ephesians 4:32
The Final Word
WINTER WONDERLANES blends holiday cheer, second chances, and an honest look at grief into a warm Christmas romance that fans of the genre will enjoy. Its characters rally around family, friendship, and hard work, and its light Christian touches remind viewers that love outlasts loss. Clean, cozy, and full of heart, WINTER WONDERLANES gives viewers a reason root for love this Christmas.
