Top Thanksgiving Movies Nov 28, 2008
"Pieces of April" (2003) -- Low-key but affecting seriocomic indie film offers appealing Katie Holmes as black-sheep daughter April who is trying to reconcile with her family, dying mom Patricia Clarkson (an Oscar nominee) and dad Oliver Platt, by hosting a Thanksgiving dinner in her crummy New York City apartment. Clarkson and Platt on the road to NYC are perfect. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Katie Holmes and `All My Sons' debuts on Broadway Oct 18, 2008
Among the celebrities strolling the red carpet: Patricia Clarkson (who played Holmes' mother in the 2003 film "Pieces of April"), Barbara Walters, Dennis Farina and Isabella Rossellini. Rebecca Miller, the playwright's daughter, came to see the latest version of her father's play, which was first performed on Broadway in 1947. (FOX 11, AZ)
Holmes Conquers Opening Night Nerves! Oct 18, 2008
Those friends included Jada Pinkett Smith and Patricia Clarkson, who costarred with Holmes in the movie Pieces of April. Barbara Walters, Blythe Danner and Isabella Rossellini. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Obama 'Gossip' Oct 15, 2008
Before the Tom Cruise business, Katie had a solid acting success in the movie "Pieces of April." When I met her in April 2005, she told me she wanted to do plays. Then she met Cruise, and all of that was over. (Fox News)
Katie Hits Broadway Sep 20, 2008
Theater wags and tabloid gossips can t have it both ways: If we want Katie Holmes to try to be the fine actress she was trying to be in Pieces of April, she shouldn t be knocked for taking this part. More power to her for trying something hard and succeeding. (Fox News)
Our man in Cairo Jul 19, 2008
For Cairo Time, Iron has assembled an international cast that includes the Oscar-nominated Patricia Clarkson (Pieces of April, Far From Heaven), Sudan-born actor Alexander Siddig (Syriana, Kingdom of Heaven), Spain's Elena Anaya (Savage Grace, Sex and Lucia) and Winnipeg's Tom McCamus (The Sweet Hereafter, Shake Hands With the Devil). Written and directed by the 35-year-old Nadda (whose earlier work includes 2005's Sabah, about a Muslim woman living in Toronto who falls for a non-Muslim man),... (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Katie Holmes Seeks Career Suicide Jul 18, 2008
Before Holmes met Tom Cruise, she made a highly praised performance in the indie movie "Pieces of April." She had a nice part in the blockbuster film "Batman Begins." She was in the much-praised comedy, "Thank You for Smoking.". Related. (FOXNews)
Mad Money Abounds at Anchor Bay Entertainment May 20, 2008
Starring Academy Award winner Diane Keaton (Annie Hall, Something's Gotta Give), Oscar nominee Queen Latifah (Chicago, Hairspray) and Katie Holmes (Pieces of April, Batman Begins), Mad Money is the story of three ordinary women who decide to do something extraordinary -- rob the Federal Reserve Bank. Directed by Oscar and Golden Globe-winner Callie Khouri (screenplay: Thelma & Louise, directing: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood) and written by Glenn Gers (Fracture), Mad Money also... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Dan in Real Life Feb 15, 2008
Carell quite nicely plays Dan Burns, an advice columnist for a local New Jersey paper, who is rearing his three strong-minded daughters, Jane (Alison Pill, from Hedges' earlier weepie Pieces of April), Cara (newcomer Brittany Robertson) and fourth grader Lilly (Marlene Lawston, Flight Plan). Dan's wife, the girls' mother, has been dead for four years, and Dan is still unattached. (Courier Mail)
Lost in translation Feb 10, 2008
She chooses her projects strictly by director and had liked Hedges' little indie Pieces of April. Binoche usually prepares intensely for her parts, and this was no exception. (The Age)
You'll feel shortchanged by Mad Money Jan 21, 2008
Despite noteworthy turns in such drama as Pieces Of April, Wonder Boys, and Thank You For Smoking, Holmes' model-like beauty, and hit-and-miss career has often overshadowed her acting abilities. In Mad Money, Holmes gets to stretch her comedic muscles as a kooky, blue-collar character who sports long, curly hair, always has her headphones on so she can shake her groove-thang, and lives in a trailer with her equally spaced-out husband (promising newcomer Adam Rothenberg) who's a motorcyle-loving... (Edmonton Sun)
Carell banks on luck and laughter Jan 11, 2008
Directed by Peter Hedges (Pieces of April), the film also stars Oscar winner Juliette Binoche as Marie - a move that pleases Carell. "If you had said to me three years ago that I would be appearing in a movie as Juliette Binoche's love interest, I don't think I would have believed that.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes Skip Katie's Premiere Party Jan 11, 2008
Before Cruise, she was on a good career path with "Pieces of April" and a few other little movies after "Dawson s Creek." Her role in "Batman Begins" could have launched her into a whole new realm. "Mad Money" is an odd choice. (Fox News)
'Golden' Clip Job? Jan 8, 2008
And: Oscar-nominee Patricia Clarkson ("Pieces of April") is joining the cast of Martin Scorsese s "Shutter Island" starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley and Michelle Williams. Clarkson has two films at this month s Sundance Film Festival and at least three more in the can. (Fox News)
Katie: Movie Star? Jan 4, 2008
She followed her "Dawson s Creek" TV hit with impressive performances in the indie flick "Pieces of April" and the box office smash "Batman Begins.". Just as she and Cruise crossed paths, though, Holmes appeared in Jason Reitman s excellent "Thank You for Smoking." Controversy erupted, however, when her sex scene was severely edited, prompting cries that her new boyfriend had ordered changes to the film. (Fox News)
No Oscars for comedies? What a tragedy Dec 13, 2007
And dont forget the recently released Dan in Real Life, a very pleasant comedy similar to the charming The Family Stone a few years back that smartly combines the cant-be-taught timing of Steve Carell with the radiance of Juliette Binoche under the direction of Peter Hedges (Pieces of April). Slide show. (MSNBC -- News)
Carell does justice to more serious role Nov 2, 2007
While those movies were worked on by the likes of Charlie Kaufman and Sophia Coppola, this movie is Peter Hedges' first work since "Pieces of April." He brings a much more wholesome and family-friendly picture to the table than found in those movies previously mentioned. The heart of the plot has been seen before throughout the movies: a man falls in love with an unattainable girl and struggles with that fact. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Dan uses strong ensemble to show love in real life Nov 1, 2007
Dan in Real Life, a film directed by Peter Hedges (Pieces of April), attempts to challenge those long-held notions that reality and romance cant exist at the same time. His success is evident, as Dan in Real Life is not only the most realistic romantic-comedy youll probably ever see but one of the most enjoyable as well. (The Gateway)
Interview : Juliette Binoche Oct 30, 2007
So I saw Pieces Of April and I loved it, because theres sincerity in it, it feels authentic to me and the subject touched me very much. I think Peter is very good at telling stories that belong to your heart and to the family kind of questions, which I could see that in pieces of April. (Moviehole)
New at the movies Oct 28, 2007
Director and co-writer Peter Hedges made a wonderful film debut with another family reunion tale, 2003's indie charmer "Pieces of April." While the family there was truly messed up yet utterly endearing, the "Dan" clan is boring to the point of aggravation. Carell plays a widower with three daughters who falls for a woman (Binoche) he meets while running an errand during a reunion with his parents and siblings. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Dan in Real Life? Not even close Oct 27, 2007
Alas, his forays behind the camera with Pieces of April and now Dan in Real Life indicate hes got Sundance intentions but a Hallmark Channel soul. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- Movies)
Review: Carell, Cast Bring Feeling To 'Real Life' Oct 27, 2007
Thanks to a funny yet poignant script co-written by director Peter Hedges ("Pieces of April"), "Dan" has an atmosphere of goodwill that's undeniable, even when the characters find themselves in the most complicated of situations. While Carell is billed as the star of the film, he comfortably projects more of a team player approach, allowing the likes of the always engaging Binoche and an impressive actor newbie in Cook to shine. (Click2Houston, TX)
Sentimental, glib 'Dan' steers clear of real life Oct 26, 2007
The novelist ("What's Eating Gilbert Grape") turned screenwriter ("About a Boy") turned director ("Pieces of April") apparently thinks he's cutting through the Hollywood bushwa with his smallish movies, but the digitally-shot "April" was a fake indie with a Hallmark soul and his new film, "Dan in Real Life," bears as much relation to the real real life as "The Game Plan" does to professional football. Co-written with Pierce Gardner and co-starring Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche as mismatched... (Boston Globe)
Steve Carell, in real life Oct 26, 2007
The movie is directed by Peter Hedges ("Pieces of April") who shares writing credit with Pierce Gardner. The director explained in a recent phone interview that he chose to film in Rhode Island in part to appeal to Carell, who has family in the Boston area and a vacation home in Marshfield. (Boston Globe)
Review: Widower meets perfect match (almost) in 'Dan in Real Life' Oct 26, 2007
The picture marks the arrival of director Peter Hedges, a playwright and novelist ("What's Eating Gilbert Grape?"), whose directing debut was "Pieces of April." "Pieces" was a charming effort, but "Dan in Real Life" is an achievement of a whole other order. Hedges' screenplay, co-written by Pierce Gardner, is close to perfection, and he brings it home with truthful performances and camerawork that's tasteful and psychologically astute. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Advice to 'Dan': Wake up and smell the rehash Oct 26, 2007
Director Peter Hedges' last film was 2003's appealingly offbeat Pieces of April. This came a decade after the talented writer's wonderful screenplay (based on his own novel) of What's Eating Gilbert Grape. (USA Today -- Life)
'Dan in Real Life' is an actor's feast Oct 26, 2007
It stars Steve Carell as a mopey widowed father of three girls, author of a common-sense newspaper column, "Dan in Real Life." It was directed and co-written by Peter Hedges, whose heartfelt "Pieces of April," "About a Boy" and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" tip us that however familiar this is, the sweetness will shine through. Dan hasn't done much dating since his wife died. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Carell finds contrived love in 'Dan in Real Life' Oct 25, 2007
After years as a novelist and screenwriter, director and co-writer Peter Hedges made a wonderful film debut with another family-reunion tale, 2003's indie charmer "Pieces of April." ... Carell's Dan is a widowed advice-column writer raising three daughters, sturdy Jane (Alison Pill, stuck here playing the mother hen after her marvelous performance as a self-righteous sibling in "Pieces of April"), rebellious Cara (Brittany Robertson) and adorable Lilly (Marlene Lawston). (North County Times)
'Life' Is Good For Steve Carell Oct 25, 2007
Carell felt that director and co-writer Peter Hedges ("Pieces of April") handled the "tricky situation" smoothly for "Dan in Real Life," and avoided any implications that Dan and Marie are conspiring to purposefully ruin other people's lives. "Marie and Dan are people who have an immediate connection but realize that it could potentially hurt other people, but they're both good individuals," Carell said. (Click2Houston, TX)
Film review: Carell finds contrived love in ‘Dan in Real Life’ Oct 24, 2007
After years as a novelist and screenwriter, director and co-writer Peter Hedges made a wonderful film debut with another family-reunion tale, 2003 s indie charmer Pieces of April ... Carell s Dan is a widowed advice-column writer raising three daughters, sturdy Jane (Alison Pill, stuck here playing the mother hen after her marvelous performance as a self-righteous sibling in Pieces of April ), rebellious Cara (Brittany Robertson) and adorable Lilly (Marlene Lawston). (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Carell tries gentler role with 'Dan' Oct 24, 2007
When director Hedges started working on "Dan in Real Life," which opens Oct. 26, he figured he'd be working on the approximate scale of his previous film "Pieces of April," an indie-comedy that won a lot of hearts and support at the Sundance Film Festival. (The film went on to have some success on the art-house circuit. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Movie Review: Dan in Real Life Oct 24, 2007
Writer-director Peter Hedges (who co-wrote the script with Pierce Gardner) wrote and directed the superior Pieces of April, an indie success in 2003. That film s gradual character development and subtle blend of humor and heartbreak are lacking in Dan in Real Life. (Suite101.com)
Steve Carell in "Real Life" crowd-pleaser Oct 22, 2007
At age 45, he has written the novel and screenplay for the offbeat, felicitous "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," penned the screenplay for the sharply observed comic drama "About a Boy," wrote and directed the wonderfully dysfunctional Thanksgiving comedy "Pieces of April" and now has co-written and directed "Dan in Real Life.". This latter film, among many other fine things, provides Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche with comic roles that fit them like designer threads. (Reuters Canada)
The Reel Queens: Richmond Hill teen joins Carell on big screen Oct 13, 2007
Dieppa landed the role after responding to a local casting call with director Peter Hedges ("Pieces of April"), who made all of his auditioning actors belt out a 1970s Pete Townsend song. "Peter made us all sing, so I sang my brains out to a song I'd never heard before," he said. (Bayside Times, NY)
Thanksgiving Films for The Family Oct 9, 2007
Movies to Watch at Thanksgiving Family Gatherings. Here's a list of touching holiday films to enjoy with the whole family during your Thanksgiving celebration. (Suite101.com)
Iraq and terrorism figure on screen - but so do bees, Beatles, and multiple Bob Dylans Sep 12, 2007
"Dan in Real Life" In this comedy by Peter Hedges ("Pieces of April"), Steve Carell plays a respected advice columnist who, surprise, is a failure with his friends and family. Juliette Binoche and Dane Cook also star. (Boston Globe -- Living)
Heart-warming romance Aug 24, 2007
But with this film, he teams with an interesting director in Hedges (Pieces of April) and the comedy is less broad, which should play to his strengths. He proved in 40-Year-Old Virgin that hes an engaging leading man, and luckily, thus far hes been cast opposite smart, talented actresses (Binoche and Virgins Catherine Keener). (MSNBC -- Movies)
Mr. Smithee digs in to films that feature food Aug 1, 2007
Movies with food like the upper crust "Babette's Feast" and "Like Water for Chocolate" and the lower crust "Tampopo" and "Pieces of April" often make me hungry. Lately I've been starving. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Press Conference: Steve Carell on Evan Almighty! Jun 14, 2007
I thought the script of 'Dan in Real Life' was and Peter Hedges is a very thoughtful filmmaker and his 'Pieces of April I thought was fantastic and he wrote 'About a Boy' and 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' so he's a really accomplished person. I thought that is somebody I would love to work with so it wasn't so much, 'Oh, I want to be in romantic comedy with Juliette Binoche. (IESB.NET)
Best supporting actress showdown Apr 29, 2007
Neither would Patricia Clarkson, because Pieces of April wasnt marketed serious-mindedly enough and few people saw it. That left three contenders, so, using the Unifying Crap Shoot Theory of the BSA category, I picked Shohreh Aghdashloo to take it for House of Sand and Fog. (MSNBC -- Academy Awards)
Ask Alan Smithee, The Movie Guy Apr 21, 2007
To wit: Pieces of April (2003; 80 minutes), March of the Penquins (2004; 85 minutes), Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006; 84 minutes), A Hard Day s Night (1964; 87 minutes) and Toy Story (1995; 81 minutes). BTW, if anything needed a trim these days it was Babel. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
The stars will come out, all shiny and bright Apr 13, 2007
Jonathan Sehring: Producer of "Boys Don't Cry," "Pieces of April," "Girlfight" and many others, and president of IFC Films. Appearing: Night of a Thousand Stars; Filmmakers' Tribute Dinner (Sehring will receive the Producer's Award). (Herald-Tribune)
Katie Holmes' Creepy Magazine Cover Story Feb 21, 2007
They are all over the Internet, for movies like "Pieces of April" and "The Singing Detective," as well as when she was on "Dawson's Creek.". When I met her in April 2005 at the Broadway premiere of "Steel Magnolias," Holmes was relaxed and funny. (Fox News -- Views)
