Michael Cuby them. Sep 28, 2022

A classic dysfunctional family dramedy, Pieces of April is a deliberately intimate affair that works because of its small scope.

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Felicia Feaster Creative Loafing Jan 29, 2020

Pieces of April feels ready for the insertion of canned laughter and a sitcom slot in network prime-time.

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Ellie Lucas The Dispatch (Lexington, NC) Jun 5, 2019 3/4

A light, delicious confection that hits you like a bullet to the heart.

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Kaleem Aftab The List Apr 17, 2019 4/5

Thanksgiving and the frenetic family gathering have given rise to a remarkable number of good films. Pieces of April is a worthy addition to this well furnished genre.

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Sheila Norman-Culp Associated Press Nov 9, 2018

Thanksgiving just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a dysfunctional family reunion, but writer-director Peter Hedges comes up with an original take on the holiday disaster theme in the quiet gem Pieces of April.

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Antonia Quirke London Evening Standard Dec 20, 2017

It's interesting to see [Katie] Holmes in something like this, which gives an edge to her usual cute and cloying persona.

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media Dec 27, 2010 4/5

Thought-provoking, engaging; mid-teens and older.

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Nick Rogers Midwest Film Journal Sep 17, 2010 3.5/4

Peter Hedges sustains the idea this family's interactions have begun with bared teeth for years. If they can summon it, one comforting moment will have to do. At best, it's a ramshackle reconciliation of tough-minded emotion and well-earned laughter.

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Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed Apr 29, 2009

An entertaining character study with the holiday theme...

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Urban Cinefile Critics Urban Cinefile Oct 18, 2008

Pieces of April has its heart in the right place, and while it may not always be entirely successful, marks a promising debut for a talented filmmaker.

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Mark Halverson Sacramento News & Review Aug 7, 2008 4/5

Screenwriter Peter Hedges makes his directorial debut with the best entry to date in the burgeoning Thanksgiving Day-from-hell genre.

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Keith H. Brown Eye for Film Dec 7, 2007 2/5

Had Hedges gone with unknown actors, or non-professionals, it might have worked, but with recognisable faces one can never quite suspend disbelief enough to care about the characters.

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Kam Williams Princeton Town Topics Apr 16, 2007 4/4

A delightful, charming, instant holiday classic which makes us laugh repeatedly while delivering an emotionally satisfying message about unconditional love.

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Betsy Bozdech DVDJournal.com Oct 29, 2006 3/4

The real news here is that Holmes turns in a heartfelt, genuine performance.

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Wesley Lovell Cinema Sight Aug 8, 2006 3.5/4

A series of terrific performances (led by the amazing Patricia Clarkson) make this unusual Thanksgiving comedy a feast for the mind.

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Derek Adams Time Out Jun 24, 2006

Laughter and poignancy go hand in hand in this DV debut whose comedy that may be standard, but never ceases to deliver sharp, dark laughs.

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Natasha Aitken Empire Magazine Apr 1, 2006 4/5

A shining example of just how compelling and affecting low-budget filmmaking can be when you've got a good story and strong cast.

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Don R. Lewis Film Threat Dec 6, 2005 4/5

Peter Hedges has made a simple and sweet movie that will leave you misty eyed.

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Tim Merrill Film Threat Dec 6, 2005 4.5/5

A film to savor and to be thankful for.

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