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

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

Pieces of April is built around the tired premise of a dysfunctional family's Thanksgiving get-together, but -- surprise -- it's fresh.

Full Review | Aug 7, 2004

A collection of indie clichs, it's about as refreshing as being slapped in the face by a five-week-old kipper.

| Original Score: 1/5 | Feb 13, 2004

Longer on calculating sourness than on psychologically organic wit.

| Feb 5, 2004

It's in the cross-cutting between April's disaster-prone preparations and her family's turbulent journey that Hedges's movie finds its lively and likeable rhythm.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 14, 2003

This is one of those quietly wonderful films that really deserves an audience.

Full Review | Nov 11, 2003

Ultimately Hedges' film, like the turkey, comes out underdone.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Nov 9, 2003

The film more than earns its heartwarming finale by virtue of the skilled performances of the leads.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Nov 7, 2003

It looks like what it is: a movie shot quickly, with digital cameras and on the cheap, but with enough talent on screen to keep the audience engaged.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 6, 2003

The film grows on you, thanks to strong characters and the shrewd observational humor of writer-director Peter Hedges.

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Oct 31, 2003

A near-perfect holiday film about families and imperfection.

Full Review | Original Score: A- | Oct 31, 2003

While pleasant enough, Pieces is more a sweet snack than a feast.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Oct 31, 2003

Too rare pleasure: an honest and sentimental journey.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 31, 2003

Few films manage to be this light and hopeful without being drop-dead dumb.

| Original Score: B | Oct 30, 2003

Seamless blend of over-the-top farce with sincere drama.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 30, 2003

The film grows on you.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 24, 2003