Pieces of April
2003, Comedy/Drama, 1h 21m
154 Reviews 25,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Pieces of April transcends its small-scale setting and budget with endearing performances, playful humor, and genuine sweetness, resulting in a touching holiday treat. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
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Movie Info
Quirky and rebellious April Burns (Katie Holmes) 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 (Patricia Clarkson) has a fatal form of breast cancer, she invites the clan to her place for Thanksgiving. While her father (Oliver Platt) struggles to drive her family into the city, April -- an inexperienced cook -- runs into kitchen trouble and must ask a neighbor (Sean Hayes) for help.
Cast & Crew
Katie Holmes
April Burns
April Burns
Patricia Clarkson
Joy Burns
Joy Burns
Oliver Platt
Jim Burns
Jim Burns
Derek Luke
Bobby
Bobby
Alison Pill
Beth Burns
Beth Burns
John Gallagher Jr.
Timmy Burns
Timmy Burns
Critic Reviews for Pieces of April
Audience Reviews for Pieces of April
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May 26, 2010A one part great movie and one part bad movie. The storylines of Derek Luke and Katie Holmes are perfect and extremely well done, while the scenes with the family are the same cliche seen over and over. I think what also works extremely well is the cinematography and documentary look. It feels like you're living in this apartment building and taking a look at a real place rather than fiction. Overall, it works. It's just not as good as it theoretically could have been.Conner R Super Reviewer
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Oct 11, 2009A generous, heartfelt little motion picture that helps us remember that excellence doesn't exclude compact, unambitious projects like this one. Pieces of April speaks to the human nature, i.e. our unability to express the love buried somewhere inside ourselves, underneath long-lasting resentment and different values. Its short running time still doesn't prevent us from getting inside these complex minds, and backed by all-around superb performances (Holmes and Clarkson getting the top honors), the characters in Pieces of April really resonate and stick with the viewer. Add to that an almost completely naturalistic flow of great dialogue and solid, unpretentious directing from Hedges, and you've got yourself a real hidden gem. Don't miss out on this one...Laurence C Super Reviewer
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Nov 28, 2008A chaotic and different type of thanks giving movie with a sweet ending, quite underrated.Matthew M Super Reviewer
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Nov 25, 2007A decent quirky indie film about an imperfect daughter having her imperfect family over for thanksgiving dinner.Nicolas K Super Reviewer
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