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Turnover
By Brian Costello,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Dramedy challenges stereotypes; some cursing, drinking.
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Turnover
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What's the Story?
In TURNOVER, Peter is the owner of the Cresperie Café, a popular French eatery in the neighborhood. His manager, Henry, is disgruntled, and after he's snubbed out of a promotion, Henry decides to get revenge. While Peter is out boating, Henry hires a new staff, including a recently paroled ex-felon, a saucy elderly woman who is hard of hearing, a mentally challenged boyfriend and girlfriend, a Goth slacker, and, to top it off, a timid young man with no real business experience. When this is accomplished, Henry quits, leaving Peter to deal with the chaos unleashed. While off to a rocky start, the employees of the restaurant start to work together, and soon they have transformed the place into the Eclectic Café, where the regulars are as quirky as the employees -- a place where "love has no boundaries."
Is It Any Good?
It's rough around the edges, but this film ultimately wins out for those looking for a feel-good, earnest dramedy. Turnover is a low-budget indie with some moments of amateurish storytelling and community theater acting, but the overall message of acceptance of those who are often marginalized finds a way to shine through.
Some of the flaws, however, can't be overlooked. For instance, in a movie that's trying to overcome stereotyping, the chef at the beginning of the movie is a flustered Indian whose final word is "Namaste." Instead of acceptance of the "Goth slacker's" fashion and hair choices, it's considered a triumph that (spoiler alert) she looks more "normal" at the end of the movie. Again, it's not perfect, but the overall takeaway is a heartfelt and positive movie in an era where cynicism is the default setting.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stereotyping in movies. Throughout movie history, there are countless instances of groups of people being stereotyped -- often in an attempt at humor -- by race, ethnicity, age, gender, etc. How does Turnover attempt to go beyond these limiting and hurtful stereotypes in its portrayal of the Eclectic Café staff?
How is this an example of a "low-budget indie" movie? What would be the challenges in making a movie with limited resources?
Does this movie glamorize cigarette smoking, as was the case in Hollywood for decades, or does the movie show the health risks associated with a lifetime of smoking?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: March 8, 2019
- Cast: Paul Guilfoyle , Riker Lynch , Adwin Brown
- Director: Linda Palmer
- Studio: Runaway Productions
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Cooking and Baking , Friendship
- Character Strengths: Teamwork
- Run time: 123 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: April 2, 2023
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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