A classic dysfunctional family dramedy, Pieces of April is a deliberately intimate affair that works because of its small scope.

| Sep 28, 2022

Pieces of April feels ready for the insertion of canned laughter and a sitcom slot in network prime-time.

| Jan 29, 2020

A light, delicious confection that hits you like a bullet to the heart.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 5, 2019

Thanksgiving and the frenetic family gathering have given rise to a remarkable number of good films. Pieces of April is a worthy addition to this well furnished genre.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 17, 2019

Thanksgiving just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a dysfunctional family reunion, but writer-director Peter Hedges comes up with an original take on the holiday disaster theme in the quiet gem Pieces of April.

| Nov 9, 2018

It's interesting to see [Katie] Holmes in something like this, which gives an edge to her usual cute and cloying persona.

| Dec 20, 2017

Thought-provoking, engaging; mid-teens and older.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 27, 2010

Peter Hedges sustains the idea this family's interactions have begun with bared teeth for years. If they can summon it, one comforting moment will have to do. At best, it's a ramshackle reconciliation of tough-minded emotion and well-earned laughter.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Sep 17, 2010

An entertaining character study with the holiday theme...

| Apr 29, 2009

April's cranberry sauce may be canned but the laughter and tears of an affecting, unsentimental coda are real.

| Nov 24, 2008

Pieces of April has its heart in the right place, and while it may not always be entirely successful, marks a promising debut for a talented filmmaker.

| Oct 18, 2008

Screenwriter Peter Hedges makes his directorial debut with the best entry to date in the burgeoning Thanksgiving Day-from-hell genre.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 7, 2008

Had Hedges gone with unknown actors, or non-professionals, it might have worked, but with recognisable faces one can never quite suspend disbelief enough to care about the characters.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 7, 2007

A delightful, charming, instant holiday classic which makes us laugh repeatedly while delivering an emotionally satisfying message about unconditional love.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Apr 16, 2007

The real news here is that Holmes turns in a heartfelt, genuine performance.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 29, 2006

A series of terrific performances (led by the amazing Patricia Clarkson) make this unusual Thanksgiving comedy a feast for the mind.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 8, 2006

Laughter and poignancy go hand in hand in this DV debut whose comedy that may be standard, but never ceases to deliver sharp, dark laughs.

| Jun 24, 2006

A shining example of just how compelling and affecting low-budget filmmaking can be when you've got a good story and strong cast.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 1, 2006

Holmes, Clarkson, and Platt steer the course through the straight and narrow and keep the film from becoming an inedible holiday leftover.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Dec 6, 2005

A film to savor and to be thankful for.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Dec 6, 2005