As
Turkey Day approaches in America, many film lovers seek out recommendations for
Thanksgiving themed films. What follows is a list of 10 hilarious,
terrifying, heartbreaking, and cheesy films that embody the spirit of the
holiday...for better or worse.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
The
obvious choice in this list, and arguably the perfect Thanksgiving film.
Featuring unforgettable turns by Steve Martin and John Candy, this heartwarming
story about cross country travel during the holidays is one for the ages.
Available: Digital Rental
The Ice Storm
Ang
Lee's brilliant deconstruction of the American family was recently released by
the Criterion Collection. A cold, brutal look at the
disintegration of the tribes of the ‘70s, the film features unforgettable performances
by Sigourney Weaver, Kevin Cline, Elijah Wood, and Jamey Sheridan.
Available: Digital Purchase
Dutch
Written
by John Hughes and the second (and last film) by the director of Crocodile
Dundee, Dutch is a road trip, father-son bonding film lead by the unforgettable
Ed O'Neil. Panned upon release, the film improves slightly with age,
purely based on O'Neil's charisma. Available: DVD
Addams
Family Values
Perhaps
the best single Thanksgiving themed scene in cinematic history. Wednesday
Addams' revolution against her camp counselors is unforgettable and relegates
this film to an essential watch during the holiday. Available:
Digital Rental
Kristy
Alone
on campus during Thanksgiving break, Kristy is targeted by an enigmatic cult
who are hunting her because of her name. An unusually strong Lifetime
original, the cliché' plot is anchored by Haley Bennett's outstanding central
performance. Available: Netflix
The Big Chill
Lawrence
Kasdan's magnum opus, The Big Chill is an essential American film.
A star-studded rumination on growing up and infatuations with the past, this is
a remarkable, poignant story about a generation without cause. It also
features one of the most memorable soundtracks every compiled. Available:
Krackle, CBS Subs
Thankskilling
Pure,
glorious trash. Thankskilling is the best kind of awful cinematic
experience you can have. It's a story about a homicidal, demonic turkey
stalking college coeds during Thanksgiving break. If you're not already
in, there's no hope for you. Available: Amazon Prime.
The New World
The
Enigmatic Terrance Malick's moving work of art is nothing short of a
miracle. One of the most gorgeous films ever made, largely due to
Emmanuel Lubezski's angelic cinematography. The story centers on a love triangle between
John Rolfe, John Smith, and Pocahontas. Available: Vudu (Free)
Scent of a Woman
Al
Pacino's first Oscar win, the story focuses on a blind Colonel who is escorted
through New York over the Thanksgiving holiday by a blue-collar prep school
student. While it doesn't hold upon revisit, the finale is worth the
overly long run time, purely for Pacino's bravura. Available: STARZ Subs
Krisha
One
of the most terrifying films ever made about family, Trey Edward Shults' debut
feature is simply unforgettable. Krisha Fairchild's haunting central
performance is one of the greatest of the decade, transforming the horrors of
addiction into a tangible, broken matron that infests the bowels of a family's well-meaning
get together. Absolutely unforgettable, particularly during an apocalyptic,
turkey focused climax. Available: Kanopy, Digital Rental.
Honorable Mentions
Thanksgiving – Eli Roth’s legendary trailer demands feature treatment. (Youtube)
Pieces
of April – Katie Holmes leads an exceptional indie cast in this heartwarming
story about the meaning of the holiday.
(Amazon Prime)
House
of Yes – Parker Posey stars in a pitch-black comedy set during the holiday
weekend. (Amazon Prime – Rental)
--Kyle
Jonathan