It's that time of year again, Thanksgiving! I've already fried one turkey & before it's over I'm sure I'll end up frying several more for friends, family & for myself. I love turkey, Thanksgiving & everything that goes with it. While most holidays have their share of music, movies & traditions, at first glance Thanksgiving seems to lack in the way of entertainment when compared to other holidays. That's just not true.

There's all the food, football, Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, Music...Sure turkey day has a few songs like the epic magnum opus the "Thanksgiving" song by Adam Sandler. Plus all those get togethers, but if you're looking for something more to do & celebrate Thanksgiving right here's a list of my top 5 Thanksgiving movies I like to watch before, during & after the big meal.

  • 5

    Dutch (1981)

    Directed by Peter Faiman & written by John Hughes, who also wrote & directed another movie in my  Thanksgiving top 5 "Planes, Trains & Automobiles".  I guess Mr. Hughes is also a big fan of Thanksgiving. Dutch stars the wildly hilarious & talented Ed O' Neill  along side Ethan Embry, JoBeth Williams, Christopher McDonald &  E.G. Daily. The story centers around Dutch Dooley (Ed O'Neill) picking up his girlfriends son Doyle (Ethan Randall) & bringing him home for the Thanksgiving holiday. The only problem is Doyle doesn't want to go so Dutch has to tie him up & force him to go. On the way home they have a ll kinds of adventures, problems & funny mishaps that in the end brings the family together.

  • 4

    Home For The Holidays (1995)

    Directed by the one & only Jodie Foster & staring: Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr. Claire Danes, Anne Bancroft, Charles Durning & Dylan McDermott. "Home For The Holidays" is another great Thanksgiving movie that tells the story of Claudia Larson (Holly Hunter) who's just been fired from her job & ends up going to her parents house for Thanksgiving. Her daughter Kitt (Claire Danes) decides to stay home & spend the holiday with her boyfriend. While preparing for the big meal the family goes through all kinds of turmoil as personalities clash, fighting & family secrets are brought to light. Dinner is at risk & the entire Thanksgiving holiday could be ruined if  everyone can't find common ground.

  • 3

    Blindside (2009)

    Directed by John Lee Hancock & staring America's sweetheart, the very lovely & talented Sandra Bullock with Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw, Jae Head & Kathy Bates. "Blindside" tells the true story of Michael Oher played by (Quinton Aaron) who grew up on the streets in Memphis, Tennessee who despite the odds became a professional football player in the N.F.L as an offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens. There's really only one scene that includes Thanksgiving but that's enough, it's a great story that the entire family will enjoy. Sure it's kind of a chick flick & somewhat touchy feely but Sandra Bullock is in it!

  • 2

    Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

    Written, Directed & produced by John Hughes & staring the late great Johny Candy along side Steve Martin. The story is about Neal Page (Steve Martin) trying to get home to his family for Thanksgiving with the help of  Del Griffith (John Candy) It's another story of the journey home for the holidays with all kinds of hilarious situations, more like disasters along the way. Featuring 2 comic geniuses at their best "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" is a must watch Thanksgiving movie.

  • 1

    Thankskilling (2009)

    Directed by Jordan Downey & staring, if that's what you want to call it Wanda Lust, Natasha Cordova and Lindsey Anderson. The story is about a demonic homicidal turkey killing a group of college kids on their Thanksgiving break. Talk about wholesome, quality, family entertainment! "Thankskilling" has been described as the ultimate low budget experience & I'd have to agree. I absolutely love these types of movies & unlike all the other Thanksgiving films in the top 5 my #1 pick is completely devoid of any feel good, heartfelt or family oriented content. As a matter of fact there's absolutely no redeeming social qualities or important life lessons to learn of any kind to speak of.  It's pure mindless horror & comedy just the way I like it! If you're looking to clear the room of those pesky in-laws, kids & other annoying as hell guests & family members put on "Thankskilling" it's guaranteed to empty the room almost as fast as Grandma's after turkey dinner gas. WARNING: Watch at your own risk, it's terrifying!

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