Synopsis
Quirky and rebellious April Burns lives with her boyfriend in a low-rent New York City apartment miles away from her emotionally distant family. But when she discovers that her mother has a fatal form of breast cancer, she invites the clan to her place for Thanksgiving. While her father struggles to drive her family into the city, April -- an inexperienced cook -- runs into kitchen trouble and must ask a neighbor for help.
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Cast
- Katie HolmesApril Burns
- Derek LukeBobby
- Patricia ClarksonJoy Burns
- Oliver PlattJim Burns
- Alison PillBeth Burns
- John Gallagher Jr.Timmy Burns
- Alice DrummondGrandma Dottie
- Lillias WhiteEvette
- Isiah Whitlock Jr.Eugene
- Vitali BaganovHalf Asleep Man
Recommendations
- 90
Film Threat
A film to savor and to be thankful for. - 90
Variety
A Thanksgiving family reunion comedy that sparkles with acerbic wit, original characters and genuine heart. - 80
Film Threat
As the debate between digital video and film rages on, Pieces of April proves a point that many people overlook in the DV/film debate. If you have a great story, a great script and a great cast, DV will work as well as film onscreen. - 80
New York Magazine (Vulture)
Hedges keeps everything in balance: The sadness and frivolity all seem to be part of the same emotional continuum. He’s made a lingeringly poignant little movie. - 75
Rolling Stone
Holmes nails every laugh without missing the dramatic nuances. She makes April and her movie well worth knowing. - 75
ReelViews
Despite its themes of terminal illness, dysfunctional families, and the need to heal old wounds, the film spends more time provoking laughter than tears. - 63
Premiere
A modestly scaled film on every level, but Hedges and company manage to ring true on almost all the material's sweet and sour notes. - 50
The A.V. Club
Though Pieces Of April comes together with improbable grace, Hedges evokes unearned tears from a premise that's already loaded from the start. Like Holmes, he serves up boxed stuffing and canned cranberries, then fishes for compliments to the chef.
