Movies for Thanksgiving Day

 For many years, when I lived in New York, I had an entertainment tradition on Thanksgiving Day. Before the big meal and after the watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, I'd watch Woody Allen's HANNAH AND HER SISTERS, a romantic comedy/drama that begins and ends with a turkey dinner. When I was still pretty new to the city, I worked on a local weekday show that aired on WPIX/Channel 11. On it, I interviewed veteran actress Maureen O'Sullivan and Barbara Hershey. The film hadn't opened yet and both ladies from the cast were extremely proud of it. I saw it in a private screening room packed with known film critics. The whole audience gasped with joy at the film's last line. We loved HANNAH AND HER SISTERS. For me, it's one of those films that makes me want to know why the hell Mia Farrow has never, ever been nominated for an Oscar. Not for ROSEMARY'S BABY, THE PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO, RADIO DAYS, ALICE, BROADWAY DANNY ROSE or HANNAH AND HER SISTERS. Farrow is excellent as the oldest of three grown sisters. She's so dependable and supportive that her needs are often overlooked by her sisters and her husband. It seems as though Hannah has blended into the wallpaper. I'm the oldest of three kids and I saw some of myself in Hannah.

HANNAH AND HER SISTERS brought Oscars in the Best Supporting category to Michael Caine and Dianne Wiest.

Nowadays I include the delightful 2009 feature from director Wes Anderson that's based on a novel by Roald Dahl. It's FANTASTIC MR. FOX featuring voiceover work from George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Willem Dafoe and Bill Murray. Even though life on land in the outside world has grown darker and more perilous, these underground critters learn to take joy in just being together for Thanksgiving. They make each other feel appreciated, despite some differences. I love this film. Humans need to learn from these talking animals.

Wes Anderson's new film, currently out, is THE FRENCH DISPATCH.

Another turkey-centric movie is a 2000 comedy that totally entertained me. I reviewed it for ABC News on Lifetime TV. This comedy did not get a lot of press, but it truly reflected the Los Angeles I know with its racial and sexual diversity. I grew up in Los Angeles. Gurinder Chadha directed and co-wrote this look at four different families in L.A. gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. Her comedy stars Alfre Woodard, Joan Chen, Lainie Kazan, Julianna Margulies, Oscar winner Mercedes Ruehl, Dennis Haysbert and A Martinez. It's a sweet movie called WHAT'S COOKING?

Director Gurinder Chadha grew up in London but she got the L.A. tone just right. She went on to direct the very popular BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM (2002).

There you have it. Three films to keep in mind for your home entertainment on Thanksgiving Day.