The Bottom Line
Pros
- Katie Holmes successfully transitions from teen star to a more adult role
- Entire ensemble cast is pretty much perfect
Cons
- A few more bonus features would have been nice
Description
- Commentary by writer/director Peter Hedges
- 'All the Pieces Together' Featurette - A behind-the-scenes look at the making the of film
- Theatrical trailer
Guide Review - "Pieces of April" DVD Review
TV audiences grew to love Katie Holmes in the teen hit "Dawson's Creek." With "Dawson's Creek" now in her past, Holmes is making the leap from playing the girl next door on TV to being an adult actress to be reckoned with.As 'April', Holmes portrays the quirky daughter of Patricia Clarkson and Oliver Platt. She's the one no one in the family believes will turn out any good. April's dated a dope dealer in the past, lives in a run-down part of town, and now on Thanksgiving with her mom battling cancer, she decides it's time to reunite the family for a good old-fashioned sit-down dinner. April and her family all realize there are quite a few obstacles to overcome before they can unite as a happy family, chief among them is the fact she's estranged from her mother. Also complicating the matter - April's never cooked a holiday meal before and her oven is on the fritz.
Writer/first-time feature film director Peter Hedges (screenwriter of "About a Boy") takes us on a touching journey into the lives of one dysfunctual, realistic family. Superb acting and a tight script make "Pieces of April" one of the most interesting 'holiday' movies in recent years.
