Ben Patton
Staff Media Lead
Smashed between Halloween and Christmas, Thanksgiving is all but forgotten these days.
It truly is that one day a year where everyone joins together with family and friends to chow down on turkey, ham, green bean casserole, stuffing and pumpkin pie, but then it’s just over. Set up the tree and move on.
Other than food and football, it has seemingly also been lost in the pop culture world. There’s no fanfare, no 24 days of Thanksgiving on ABC, no controversy over which Indian you dressed up as; and, I’ve even heard discussions about the Mayflower being a botanical specimen and not a ship…
(That’s almost as bad as people not knowing the Titanic is a movie based on real life events).
Despite their apparent obscurity, there are a few gems in pop culture film history that center on Thanksgiving and would be the perfect choice for a holiday themed movie night.
Photo courtesy of DrafthouseOne of the more well-known selections is the 1987 comedy starring Steve Martin and the late John Candy, Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Martin plays Neal Page who is trying to commute from New York City to Chicago in time for Thanksgiving dinner with his family. Candy plays a jubilant, obnoxious salesman who shares in the adventure and eventually shares the family dinner.
Photo courtesy of LeosighKatie Holmes starred alongside Patricia Clarkson in the 2003 dramedy, Pieces of April. Katie plays the title character who invites her dysfunctional family to her small apartment in the Lower East Side of Manhattan for Thanksgiving dinner. Her mother (Clarkson) is fighting breast cancer and it may be her last Thanksgiving with her family. Clarkson was nominated for both an Oscar and Golden globe for her role in the film.
Photo courtesy of ManiadbIn 1995, Jodie Foster directed Home for the Holidays that boasted a cast including Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., Anne Bancroft, Dylan McDermott and Claire Danes. Hunter plays Claudia Larson, a single mother who just lost her job and has decided to fly home for Thanksgiving. This comedy has its share of drama, but will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
Photo courtesy of WiredWhat is more iconic and enjoyable than the Peanuts and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving? This animated TV special first aired back in 1973 and went on to win an Emmy. As we know, the special has been aired on ABC every November since. You can watch the entire special when it airs, or check it out below! (Or both!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN4Grf4Sem4
As you spend time with the people who mean the most this season, curl up with one of these films, pop some corn and enjoy!
We’re thankful for you, PopWrappers!
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