April is on a mission, she's got to cook up a Thanksgiving dinner for her family like none before. And this will be difficult seeing as, she's done none before. In fact, as far as her family goes, she's apparently created quite a backstory of terror. No one in the family seems to have much hope that April's little party will be anything less than another disaster to be endured, save for her ever diplomatic father aptly played by Oliver Platt.

And that is the movie, pierced and tattooed April struggles to manage a turkey dinner which runs fowl at every turn, while her unstable mother and station wagon full of other family members drive to New York to join her.

The dialogue is crisp, sometimes funny, always real and unexpected. The direction clips along as well. The filmmakers utilize the shaky camera technique, which I've grown tired of, but yes, it does help create a more panicky atmosphere. And all the acting is very good.

Negatives? That panicky atmosphere subconsciously might get on your nerves. And just who is this April that I should care whether or not she makes things good with her family? There is nothing in the film to make me care about her too much; in fact every sweet thing about her is countered with a crass one.

Still, the picture is entertaining and surprisingly emotional as it rounds up with a strong dose of heart.