There's something glorious about the world of indie cinema. There's always a bit of a smile that forms whenever I stumble across a new up-and-comer such as Jeff Macolino, co-writer and director of the holiday-themed comedy Thanksgiving, Again?, a time-looper set in the world of that other holiday. You know the one. It's not Christmas, but Thanksgiving. 

I suppose you could figure that out from the title, eh? 

Tori (Samantha Cevasco) and Joseph (Michael Girgenti) are hosting the fam for Thanksgiving, a task for which Tori seems uncommonly excited while Joseph seems, well, less so. 

For the most part, Thanksgiving, Again? goes where you expect it to go and goes where you want it to go. The story, a family affair created by Macolino alongside a couple other Macolinos - Joseph and Victoria - handles its few narrative threads nicely and there's a solid bit of chemistry between co-leads Cevasco and Girgenti. It's arguable, but I'm arguing it, that Cevasco is really front-and-center here as someone who finds herself amidst this somewhat stereotypical Italian family with more than a little mania and an inexplicable time-loop that has her experiencing so frequently that you can't help but start looking for a groundhog. 

The film's ensemble is for the most part quite enjoyable, though I'll also acknowledge the film wears its low-budget indie status on its cinematic sleeves. I'll argue and argue that making a low-budget flick is much harder because you don't have the budget for special effects, editing out mistakes, and making difficult spots less difficult. Me? I enjoy them all the time, though the world of microcinema isn't for everyone. However, the winning family and the holiday theme should help Thanksgiving, Again? find the audience it deserves. 

Cevasco is a definite highlight here, though initially you'll likely scratch your head and wonder even Joseph seems to like her. Eventually, we get that and we get her. More importantly, eventually even she gets her. 

Man, that confused even me. 

Thanksgiving, Again? offers most of what you want from a holiday-themed flick even if it's now mid-April and we just passed Good Friday. Just grab a turkey sandwich and go with it. This is a fun little flick with family values galore and winning heart and humor. I have no doubt this is a flick that will find its way once it snags a streaming release. When it does, make sure to watch for it. 

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic