Movies with a Christmas theme abound but ones that focus on Thanksgiving are rarer. Still, a handful of notable films have incorporated the November holiday into their plots.
Surprisingly few of these pictures, however, are appropriate for younger viewers, perhaps reflecting the fact that Hollywood does not generally favor a Norman Rockwellesque depiction of big family gatherings. Instead, they tend to be portrayed on screen as occasions for angst, heated confrontations or unwelcome revelations.
Following, in alphabetical order, are capsule reviews of eight productions that mature movie fans pausing to render thanks might find enjoyable as well as timely. Unless otherwise noted, their OSV News classification is A-III — adults and their Motion Picture Association rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
“Alice’s Restaurant” (1969)
Based on the popular song by Arlo Guthrie, the movie loosely follows various events alluded to in its lyrics, a kind of personal odyssey in which Guthrie plays himself. Although not a very cohesive work, director Arthur Penn succeeds best in satiric bits done in the style and spirit of the song. Despite its stylistic lapses, the result is a balanced film, presenting the life of flower children neither as dismal nor utopian, but as human. Adult themes. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. (Olive Films; also available on Blu-ray)
“For Keeps” (1988)
Romantic melodrama about two high school seniors (Molly Ringwald and Randall Batinkoff) whose plans for college and careers have to be deferred when they decide to face an unintended pregnancy by getting married and raising their child. The result is less than realistic in its treatment of the consequences of teen sex. Yet for all of its mixed messages, director John G. Avildsen’s movie is emotionally on the side of the miracle of human life and the value of the family bond. Some direct sexual references and a harrowing childbirth scene are definitely not for the young and impressionable. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (?Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
“Grumpy Old Men” (1993)
A half-century rivalry between two old pranksters (Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon) escalates when an attractive widow (Ann-Margret) moves in across the street from them. Director Donald Petrie’s contrived romantic comedy benefits greatly from the veteran actors’ crusty portrayals despite the formula script and a feel-good finish. An implied sexual encounter, some crude sexual references, mild menace and a few instances of profanity. (PG-13) (Warner Home Video; also available on Blu-ray)
“The Ice Storm” (1997)
Somber drama set during Thanksgiving week in 1973 when a suburban housewife (Joan Allen) learns her husband (Kevin Kline) is having an affair with a neighbor (Sigourney Weaver), while the neglected adolescent offspring of both families furtively explore their sexuality until a sudden ice storm causes a sobering tragedy. Directed by Ang Lee, the movie does a marvelous job in re-creating the era and its discontents while following the disordered emotional lives of its characters and the consequences of their parental neglect of family responsibilities. Numerous sexual situations, occasional profanity and some rough language. The OSV News classification is L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. (20th Century Studios Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray)
“The Myth of Fingerprints” (1997)
Prickly family relationships and tenuous romantic involvements are at stake when four adult children (including Noah Wyle and Julianne Moore) return to rural Maine for a tense Thanksgiving weekend with their gentle mother (Blythe Danner) and coldly critical father (Roy Scheider). Writer-director Bart Freundlich’s keenly observed character study reflects how young adults continue to be affected by parental figures as they struggle to form lasting love relationships. Discreet sexual encounters, brief recreational drug use, some rough language and much profanity. (?Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
“One True Thing” (1998)
Contemporary family drama in which a grown daughter (Renee Zellweger) reluctantly puts her writing career on hold when summoned home by her father (William Hurt) to care for her cancer-stricken mother (Meryl Streep) and, in the process, acquires a deeper understanding of her parents and of herself. Directed by Carl Franklin, the movie is rooted in traditional values of home and family relationships, though the story unfolds under the cloud of an investigation into the mother’s death from an overdose of medication. A tragic death, some sexual references, several scenes of inebriation and occasional use of rough language and profanity. (Universal Studios Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray)
“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987)
Steve Martin plays a hapless traveler trying to get from New York to Chicago in time to have Thanksgiving with his family but, among other disasters and discomforts, planes are grounded, trains break down and even automobiles catch fire. Adding to the disagreeable experiences of the journey is fellow traveler John Candy in director John Hughes’ comedy which, though uneven, does have its truly hilarious moments. Some very rough language and sexual references. (Paramount Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray)
“Scent of a Woman” (1992)
A high school student (Chris O’Donnell), needing to earn some extra money, accompanies a blind, retired military officer (Al Pacino) for Thanksgiving weekend in New York City where the despairing ex-soldier intends to live it up before killing himself. Bo Goldman’s literate script and an exceptionally nuanced performance from Pacino allow producer-director Martin Brest to orchestrate an ultimately satisfying drama of human failings transformed by renewed hope. An implied sexual encounter, momentary violence, several coarse sexual references and recurring rough language. (Universal Studios Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray)
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