Enjoyable film set in small-town East Texas. I rank it a couple of notches above the Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas movies, for a couple of reasons: first, this film carries the authenticity of being shot on location, and nicely conveys the atmosphere and quirkiness that small towns have. Friendships are key, but grudges are also held. (My parents are both from small towns, and I can tell you that memories there are long.)
Second, unlike most Hallmark type films, "GoS" doesn't ignore the religious basis of Christmas in favor of lights and decorations. The main character's best friend is a pastor and we get not one but two Christmas Eve services in the course of the film. (The company producing the film is "Ichthys," which should provide a clue.)
I hope you like bowling, because there are lots and lots of bowling scenes in this film. Much of the plot, in fact, takes place at the town's bowling alley. The acting overall is slightly hammy, though I think Glenn Morshower does a good job as the main character coping with a major life change. In particular, I liked the detail in the scenes set after the breakup of his marriage that show him living in a trailer instead of his former home; no reference is made to this in the script, but the point is made if you look for it.
Kimberly Williams, in the role of the first wife who is the instigator of the plot, is stuck with a somewhat thankless role but does her best with it.
Overall, would recommend. If you're looking for a light Christmas movie with some romance, give this a try.
