THE TOWN THAT CAME A-COURTIN’
A gentle romance that is better saved for home.
Should You Watch It?
This is a clean, morally grounded romantic comedy with prayer chains, positive references to God, and a heroine who treats others with honesty and respect. Those qualities make it a welcome choice for viewers seeking Christian values.
But the movie is mediocre rather than memorable. The acting is mixed, some performances are over the top, and the story becomes convoluted. A scary kidnapping scene is not violent, but it may unsettle younger or sensitive viewers.
You can skip the theater-style commitment and watch it at home, where your family can decide whether the tone and suspense suit them.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESAbby is a down-to-earth bestselling author traveling through small towns on a book-signing tour. When she arrives in the quaint southern town of Bliss, nearly everyone decides to help match her with Spencer Alexander, the town’s widowed mayor.
Abby and Spencer feel a mutual attraction, but both are awkward around each other. As the townspeople meddle in their romance, Abby must decide whether Bliss—and Spencer—might become something more than another stop on her tour.
Is It Any Good?
Two stars means this is mediocre television, not the UP TV network’s best. The acting is mixed, with some good performances and others that are over the top. Lauren Holly is too old for the romantic lead, according to the source review.
The story is also too convoluted and loses its way several times. The film has only minor questionable elements, but its uneven acting and wandering plot make it better suited to a relaxed home viewing than a special family movie night.
The Worldview
The film presents a strongly moral, Christian worldview. The town preacher and townspeople use prayer chains, and the story makes positive references to God. Abby is honest, compassionate, humble, and respectful toward others.
The movie also values community involvement and the possibility of love after disappointment. Its matchmaking is meddlesome, but the town’s concern for Abby and Spencer reflects a belief that people should not face life’s difficulties alone.
The story’s emphasis on compassion, humility, and respectful treatment of others fits Scripture’s call to Christian character: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility” (Colossians 3:12).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Strong Christian, moral worldview were community has telephone prayer chains, positive references to God, and female protagonist is honest, compassionate and humble and treats other people with respect; no foul language; heroine kidnapped by mentally disturbed fan with an unloaded gun; no sexual content, but some kissing; no nudity; couple has champagne at their table during dinner; no smoking or drugs; and, a woman is divorced.
Talk About It
Three questions for the couch, the commute, or the couple bingeing it together.
The people of Bliss use prayer chains when someone is in need. How can prayer become a real act of care rather than just a routine?
Philippians 4:6–7 · James 5:16Abby is described as honest, compassionate, humble, and respectful. Which of these qualities is hardest to practice when relationships become awkward?
Colossians 3:12 · Ephesians 4:25The townspeople try to help Abby and Spencer find love, but when can good intentions become unwanted interference?
1 Thessalonians 4:11 · Philippians 2:3–4The Final Word
This romantic comedy offers strong Christian values, but its uneven acting and convoluted story make it ordinary television. The scary kidnapping scene also deserves a parent’s attention. For a gentle, morally grounded movie, WAIT FOR HOME and watch it at your family’s pace.
