Review of Pieces of April (2003) by Jose M — 19 May 2009

Pieces of April feels like the precursor to "Rachel Getting Married," and as such, the film treads the same territory. The cinematography is gritty, and reminiscent of a documentary style, and the protagonist is certainly dysfunctional, although unlike Anne Hathaway's character in RGM, you cannot help but love Katie Holmes.

That was probably a hindrance to the film, really. I could not understand why it was that April's family could possibly abhor her the way they did, which made me feel as though her family as unjustifiably scapegoated her for not being the straight-laced simpletons they seem to be.

The performances are good, but not stellar, especially on the part of Katie Holmes. The real standout is Patricia Clarkson, who has been in so many indies as of late, and has given a solid performance every time.

I don't know if she was Oscar caliber (she was nominated), but she certainly nailed the conflicted terminally ill mother bit as well as anyone. Overall, I thought this was a very compelling film that really emphasized the importance of family, and the need to forgive one another for personal faults, in spite of the agony they've caused in the past.