Pieces Of April
"Witty and wise"-Us Weekly
Katie Holmes is "terrific" (People) as the quirky black sheep of her family in this delightful comedy that "sparkles with acerbic wit, original characters and genuine heart" (Variety). Patricia Clarkson gives "a career-making performance" (Boxoffice), and "the entire cast is inspired" (Film Threat) in this "moving, hilarious comedy" (People).
Rebellious daughter April Burns (Holmes) has offered to host an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner for her suburban clan in her Lower East Side apartment. But her attempts to create an unforgettable feast go awry when she discovers that her oven doesn't work. Now, as her weary family makes its way to the city, April must rely on the kindness of strangers to pull off the perfect meal... and the perfect memory.
Member Reviews
I didn't like it - JayT
I can't believe I wasted time watching this entire movie. It had some well known actors but the filming itself was worse then a B rated movie. I just think they could have done a better job with the entire movie. I would not recommend this movie to anyone it was a total waste of time.Cute, But Not Too Cute - Cinemista
I get the sense that with a different lead actress and director, this movie could have been a great black comedy about familial dysfunction. As is, it's a good movie that keeps trying to be a bad movie. Luckily, it doesn't quite succeed.
It has two great things going for it: Patricia Clarkson, and the location. Clarkson keeps forcing the movie to a higher level than it wants to be at. She nudges you from a hatred her bitter character to a sort of admiration when you sense that it's her method of coping with pain and fear that would otherwise send her into a screaming breakdown. And the location is perfect; you cringe at every second spent in April's refreshingly authentic, ratty Manhattan studio.
April is the 'black sheep' daughter of the family, who from what we see has really done nothing besides be a teenager and have an affinity for tattoos, who has escaped suburbia to live in the city with her boyfriend. Handicapped by her humble abode and lack of domestic abilities, she is nonetheless determined to host the Thanksgiving dinner for a family who is not sure they want to go.
Will she manage to overcome colorfully 'diverse' neighbors, racial tension, a broken stove, and her family's grudges to get the bird done? I'll leave it to your speculation.
The thing that tries hardest to kill the movie is the director, Peter Hedges. He casts Katie Holmes as April, who accesses a nice vulnerability, but who doesn't have the depth needed to go with all the eyeliner; she comes off like a Bratz doll version of Avril Lavigne. And Hedges gives her lovely boyfriend, played with a gentle warmth by Derek Luke, a shamefully tired red herring plot; does he really think his audience assumes all black men are gang members? And the ending feels like he realized that film was running low and just yelled, "quick...be quirky!"
See it for Clarkson and to find out what $1500 a month gets you in Manhattan.WesternWilson - WesternWilson
This is a great little flick well worth spending an evening with. Dark, funny, and bittersweet, the script is served well by the impressive and impressively talented cast. The direction is deft but relaxed, the set perfect, and the editing is wonderful. It's a romance, cooking show, road trip movie all in one, as April struggles with a Thanksgiving turkey, meeting her eclectic neighbours, and daring to hope her family will actually show up. It's all about where we fit in in life. Well worth an evening.
Member Reviews
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I didn't like it - JayT
I can't believe I wasted time watching this entire movie. It had some well known actors but the filming itself was worse then a B rated movie. I just think they could have done a better job with the entire movie. I would not recommend this movie to anyone ...Cute, But Not Too Cute - Cinemista
I get the sense that with a different lead actress and director, this movie could have been a great black comedy about familial dysfunction. As is, it's a good movie that keeps trying to be a bad movie. Luckily, it doesn't quite succeed.
It has two ...WesternWilson - WesternWilson
This is a great little flick well worth spending an evening with. Dark, funny, and bittersweet, the script is served well by the impressive and impressively talented cast. The direction is deft but relaxed, the set perfect, and the editing is wonderful. It's ...