Christmas isn’t the only holiday
that gets love from Hollywood. Though there are a lot of movies set at or
around Christmastime, what many people may not realize is that there are just
as many great movies set around Thanksgiving as well. Beyond sitting down with
the family for a nice turkey dinner this year, consider popping in one of the
following classics to really let you enjoy the holiday with a little extra help
from people like Steve Martin, John Candy and acclaimed directors Terrence
Malick and Woody Allen.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
“Planes, Trains and Automobiles”
stars Steve Martin and John Candy as two very different guys trying desperately
to make it home for Thanksgiving. This comedy classic is a staple of cable
television around November and December, and with good reason. Between Steve
Martin’s deadpan comedic timing and John Candy’s broad sensibility, this is one
holiday classic that you need to have in your collection.
The New World
“The New World” is director
Terrence Malick’s take on the founding of Jamestown, Virginia and the
historical legends of John Smith and Pocahontas. If you want to bring a little
history into your home with your Thanksgiving dinner, “The New World” is one of
the best ways to do just that. The film stars Colin Farrell, Christopher
Plummer, Christian Bale and Q’orianka Kilcher.
Hannah and Her Sisters
“Hannah and Her Sisters” is Woody
Allen’s third greatest film that happens to be set at Thanksgiving. It tells
the story of very different people over an entire year and is as heartwarming
and dramatic as it is downright hilarious. Highlights include Woody Allen as a
hypochondriac who learns that his greatest fears may have come true, and a
bravado performance by Michael Caine in what is still one of his finest roles.
Funny People
“Funny People” tells the story of
comedy legend George Simmons as he mentors up and coming standup comedian Ira
through the trials and tribulations of his own career. George learns that he
has a very serious form of cancer and starts to take another look at the
decisions he’s made in his life. Perhaps the most poignant scene in the film
takes place at Thanksgiving dinner where George recounts experiences from his
youth and tells everyone that “these are the times you’ll always remember.”
Dutch
Before he was Al Bundy, Ed
O’Neill was the titular character in the Thanksgiving comedy “Dutch.” Dutch is
tasked with getting a young boy from his private school to his home for
Thanksgiving, which requires long hours in a car with two people who couldn’t
be more different and absolutely can’t stand each other. In the pantheon of
road trip comedies, “Dutch” is definitely near the top.
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