Awkward Thanksgiving

Henrique Couto's "Awkward Thanksgiving" is a solid comedy/drama about one dysfunctional family's Thanksgiving get together.

Years after their mother's passing, one daughter tries to carry on the traditional Thanksgiving that her mother used to host.

The family is full of all types of interesting characters, which I'm sure we all have one or two family members that are relatable to the ones on screen.

One son hasn't been home for the family Thanksgiving since his mother passed away. He picks up a gal, Erin R. Ryan, along the way, who is also trying to get home to her family's Thanksgiving. They both have some reservations about their families Thanksgivings, but both bring out the courage in each to return home.

The father of the family shows up with his young girlfriend, Haley J. Madison, there's a sister that brings her "friend", the brother who has brought his fiancee, the lazy brother who makes his living posting videos online, the man child of an uncle, and be the comical great uncle.

Will this family gathering be the dream Thanksgiving or a wacky get together?

You'll have to watch this visual treat to find out.

An Awkward Thanksgiving" (2014) is a delightful exploration of family dynamics during the holiday season, and Erin R Ryan's captivating presence elevates the film to new heights. Directed with finesse, the movie skillfully weaves together humor, heart, and a touch of awkwardness, creating an authentic portrayal of Thanksgiving gatherings.

Erin R Ryan, with her undeniable talent and beauty, brings a unique charm to the film. Her performance is a standout, portraying her character with a perfect blend of vulnerability and strength. Ryan's on-screen presence is magnetic, drawing viewers into the narrative and making her scenes truly memorable.

The film, set against the backdrop of a Thanksgiving celebration, cleverly captures the relatable awkward moments that often accompany family gatherings. The script is peppered with witty dialogue and genuine emotions, allowing the audience to connect with the characters on a personal level. Ryan's portrayal adds a layer of authenticity, making her character not only beautiful but also deeply relatable.

What sets "An Awkward Thanksgiving" apart is its ability to balance comedic elements with poignant family dynamics. The ensemble cast delivers stellar performances, and Erin R Ryan's contribution stands out as a testament to her acting prowess. Her chemistry with fellow cast members enhances the overall appeal of the film, creating a believable on-screen family.

Visually, the film is well-crafted, capturing the warmth and chaos of a Thanksgiving celebration. The cinematography skillfully navigates between intimate moments and larger family interactions, providing a dynamic and engaging viewing experience.

In conclusion, "An Awkward Thanksgiving" is a gem of a film that beautifully captures the essence of family, love, and laughter during the holiday season. Erin R Ryan's performance not only enhances the film's aesthetic but also adds a layer of depth to the narrative. A must-watch for those seeking a heartwarming and relatable cinematic experience, this movie, with its talented cast and charming storyline, is a testament to the magic of Thanksgiving and the beauty of family connections.

I was able to attend the world premier and have to say, this exceeded expectations! The whole theatre could not stop laughing, there were times were I even missed part of a scene because of the non-stop-laughter. The jokes, while crude at times, fit the scenes perfectly.

The cast was phenomenal! Majority have worked with director Couto before and he knows how to best make use of their acting abilities. I can't think of any scene where an actor underperformed.

A few of the actors went above and beyond, in my opinion: Bradley Diehl stars as David and fits the archetype of overcompensating jokester who hides his feeling behind any type of joke he can make. He even dips into non-joking emotions in a great scene with Haley Jay Madison.

Todd the Fox is a newcomer to acting, in fact I think this may be his first role! His scenes with the amazing Erin R. Ryan are very reminiscent of Overnight Delivery where two strangers bond over a road trip. Most of the time he is a calm and collected person, never losing his cool even in the face of someone screaming at him. As time goes on and the road trip continues, he slowly loosens up and shows a variety of emotions. He did a great job and had great chemistry with Erin R. Ryan, who did the usual amazing job. I look forward to seeing him in more movies! Mike Hilinski did a spectacular job with his character. I can't go into much detail to avoid spoilers but halfway through the movie his character is taken in a very different direction and he tackles the role perfectly. I would even go as far as to say one of his lines was the second most laughed at scene in the movie, and in a movie full of deep laughter that's saying something.

This movie should definitely become a staple for Thanksgiving.

The acting was bad but the message sound. A lot of people forget what Thanksgiving means and in a weird way this movie embraces family in a roundabout way.

Again, the acting was off-putting but worth a watch. The message was the strong point. The different family stories can be relatable in today's families and in a strange way was a great heartfelt positive and wholesome.

It did have some questionable moments so it's not for kids but families going through hard times should take a look at a modern and unsung movie that focuses on an overlooked holiday.

It's not academy award winning but it's a decent movie that message outweighs the negatives.

This movie essentially begins with several members of a family gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving, with one particular young man named "Terry" (Todd Rogers) offering to give a woman by the name of "Nancy" (Erin R. Ryan) a ride across the country so that she could see her family in Ohio as well. In addition to that, his brother "Jeremy" (Mike Hilinski) is taking his fiancé "Becki" (Tara Clark) to the Thanksgiving dinner, while at the same time his sister "Renee" (Marylee Osborne) has invited a friend named "Ellen" (Joni Durian) to also join. Unfortunately, the family dynamics are such that peace and harmony prove to be extremely difficult for everyone involved. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this could have been a good comedy if it hadn't been so crude and vulgar--with one particular character named "Rich" (Bradley Diehl) being especially loathsome. It was all so unnecessary. That being said, I didn't particularly enjoy this movie, and I have rated it accordingly. Below average.