Synopsis

April Burns (Katie Holmes) has never been on good terms with her mother, Joy (Patricia Clarkson), but in a burst of goodwill she's volunteered to host her family for Thanksgiving at the Lower East Side apartment she shares with her boyfriend, Bobby (Derek Luke). As if preparing a holiday feast isn't pressure enough, she discovers her oven is broken and has to search her building for one that works, making appeals to an eclectic array of neighbors.
Meanwhile, the Burns family is speeding down the highway towards New York while recounting April's failures. April's father, Jim (Oliver Platt), is determined to have a nice day, but Joy persists in undermining his plans. While perfect daughter Beth (Alison Pill) reminds everyone of her sister's faults and Grandma Dottie (Alice Drummond) can barely remember anyone's name, youngest child Timmy (John Gallagher, Jr.) dodges emotional bullets by photographing every awkward moment.
Pieces of April is a poignant and funny look at a day in the life of a family striving to create new memories while making peace with the old.

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATION for Best Supporting Actress (Clarkson)
Winner of the Special Jury Prize (Patricia Clarkson), SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2003
Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize (Peter Hedges)

''Clarkson is fantastic!''
-- CriminyPete.com

''A Thanksgiving family reunion comedy that sparkles with acerbic wit, original characters and genuine heart.''
-- David Rooney, VARIETY

''Holmes has her best screen role to date as April''
-- ROLLING STONE