'Tis The Season For Holiday Movies!

DETROIT (WWJ) - With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the film studios are busy cranking out a boatload of new movies, with much more to come before the end of the year. But, what moviegoers should keep in mind is that, in addition to the major studio releases, there are plenty of independent films that deserve attention, as well. One such movie is the absolutely hilarious "The Best Thanksgiving Ever: a Detroit Holiday Misadventure."

I had the opportunity to see this film during its red carpet premiere at the Emagine Royal Oak in early November and I couldn't stop laughing. In fact, this very well-made movie had me laughing from the very first scene. And, I wasn't alone. There were plenty of others laughing right along with me; some of whom laughed so hard they had tears in their eyes. And, I was one of them!

"The Best Thanksgiving Ever" focuses on metro Detroiter Kevin and how he handles a holiday heartbreak. During a phone interview before the movie's premiere, David Paulus, the writer, co-producer and co-star, told me that while the movie is based on actual events that occurred on Thanksgiving Day back in 2008, there is some fiction mixed in with the raunchy fun.

"A guy who's in love with his girlfriend and he goes to basically advance the relationship to another level and instead of the usual warm embrace, he catches her cheating on him, and that insights his best friend to invite him over for Thanksgiving dinner because he was gonna spend it alone otherwise, and it ends up turning into just a disaster."

As the screenwriter, Paulus did an excellent job with the script. He uses humor to tackle some very tough subjects. As he puts it, this "film goes places that most mainstream comedies are afraid to go." But, the story is not just funny, it'll keep your attention because -- if you're anything like the members of the audience that attended the premiere -- you won't be able to keep yourself from wanting to see what's going to happen next.

Yes, this very funny film deserves to be seen. And, if enough people take note, it'll help catapult the careers of Paulus, as well as his co-stars. And, it very well should.
"The Best Thanksgiving Ever: a Detroit Holiday Misadventure" also stars Jay Seals, Heather Adair, Tate Hanyok, Ashley Platz and "Jesus." The soundtrack is by the very talented G Tom Mac (who's worked with such artists as Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin and Roger Daltry of The Who). Native Detroit rap artist Obie Trice provides an original song on the soundtrack, as well. It was directed by JD Shapiro, the writer of 'Robin Hood: Men in Tights'.

See you at the movies!

Be sure to tune in to WWJ Newsradio 950 every Friday for my weekly look at the movies with Midday Anchor Jackie Paige.

Follow Terri on Twitter @TerriJLee

Member:
Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA)
Detroit Film Critics Society (DFCS)
African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA)
Digital Arts, Film & Television (DAFT)
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)