Thanksgiving is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. Thanksgiving wasn’t considered a national holiday until 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln released a proclamation, officially establishing the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving holiday was later moved to the fourth Thursday in November by President Franklin Roosevelt to extend the Christmas shopping season and improve the economy.
Thanksgiving is a time for the entire family to gather and of course give thanks. During this four day weekend, it’s a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends, share stories and relax. It is also the perfect time to share some laughs and catch up on the lives of others.
Remember that laughter, along with an active sense of humor, may help protect you against a heart attack, according to a recent study by cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.
So, in between cooking and football, here are some funny Thanksgiving movies to share with the family. Please note these movies are for a more mature audience.
Funny People (2009) Rated R. 146 minutes.
Adam Sandler never fails to provide a good laughing movie. One of the most memorable scenes is when a bunch of singles gather at Sandler’s character's house for a Thanksgiving dinner. Seth Rogan stars as Sandler’s hilarious number two banana. Sandler’s egotistical character has terminal cancer and attempts to do some of the un-wrongs in his life. This film provides some good laughs and demonstrates how precious life is even with mistakes.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1997) Rated R. 93 minutes.
This John Hughes classic pairs Steve Martin and John Candy in a comedy of errors. Neal Page (played by Martin) is heading back home to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family. Unfortunately he has bad luck on one side and Del Griffith (John Candy) on the other. Candy is the shower curtain ring salesman’s whose endless talking takes Martin to his limits as they face a series of unfortunate events. This movie is about truly about the journey not the destination. Also, it will leave you laughing and appreciating your family.
Home for the Holidays (1995) Rated PG-13. 103 Minutes.
This family film is about the Larsons who insist on getting together for Thanksgiving year after year. This family is full of characters that love each other unconditionally but barely survive another Thanksgiving. This film was directed by Jodie Foster and includes a spectacular cast including Holly Hunter, Robert Downey, Jr., Anne Bancroft, Charles Durning and Dylan McDermott. This film is for anyone who’s ever dreaded spending Thanksgiving with their family. The Larsons’ family Thanksgiving gathering demonstrates how this holiday is for being grateful for all those folks you’d like to run away from most of the time.
Scent of a Woman (1992) Rated R. 157 Minutes.
Al Pacino won an Oscar for his performance as the angry Retired Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade. Chris O'Donnell plays Charlie Simms, a young fresh faced student of the prestigious Baird School. Hoping to earn extra money over the Thanksgiving break, this innocent and reserved scholarship student agrees to look after the blind Colonel. Pacino takes O’Donnell on a wild New York City weekend. This movie features Pacino at his acting best especially when he confronts his family at Thanksgiving dinner. Hide the silverware.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving movie?
Sources:
http://thanksgiving2010.net/
http://www.umm.edu/features/laughter.htm
http://blisstree.com/feel/gallery-10-thanksgiving-movies-to-netflix-before-the-holiday
http://www.squidoo.com/thanksgivingmovies
http://worldfilm.about.com/od/toppicks/tp/thanksgiving.htm