What's Cooking?

PG-13

Released Nov 17, 2000

1h 49m

Drama

List

52%

Tomatometer

66 Reviews

65%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

You are invited to a tasty Thanksgiving dinner that will all at once transport you to four different worlds and take you home again. On the menu this November are turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie -- but also tamales, spring rolls, kugel, mac & cheese, love, betrayal, sibling rivalry, prejudice, politics, uninvited guests, unexpected accidents, outrageous conversations -- and all the other succulent and spicy surprises that arise when modern families come together for an annual meal.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Buy Now

Critics Consensus

What's Cooking? is well-acted, but the scenes sometimes sink into melodrama as characters scream at each other, and the movie as a whole is too lightweight and forgettable.

Read Critics Reviews

Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

A bit melodramatic at times, but still charming.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 29, 2010

Full Review

Empire Magazine

Rated: 3/5

Dec 30, 2006

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

Variety

This valentine to the cultural diversity that defines L.A. is a second-tier Altman (or even Paul Thomas Anderson)a broad, accessible comedy that contrasts four large and dynamic families residing on the same street: Latino, black, Jewish, and Asian.

Rated: B-

Dec 20, 2006

Full Review

Mark Halverson

Sacramento News & Review

Rated: 4/5

Aug 7, 2008

Full Review

Film Threat

Rated: 2/5

Dec 6, 2005

Full Review

Robin Clifford

Reeling Reviews

Rated: B

Apr 9, 2005

Full Review

Read all reviews

StephenPaul C

The greatest 01 hour: and 49 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ages 13 and older!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Co-starring Dennis Haysbert (FOX's "24")!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/24/23

Full Review

steve m

An interesting concept, how Asian, Latino, Black, and Jewish families celebrate Thanksgiving. Each family has their issues and problems surface throughout the day. But there really isn't any connection among them so the movie is a little disjointed.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Of all the "Thanksgiving" movies, this one is the most realistic and all-encompassing. It's also more upbeat than "Home for the Holidays" and "Pieces of April." I truly love and appreciate the directors vision of the different versions of Thanksgiving, without a traditional Anglo family (I already know that one). How is a turkey in four different families treated, prepared, and eaten? How do four families "bond" around that holiday table? And while a little cheesy (Thanksgiving pun?), I like the family-dynamic themes of transgenerational parenting, sexual preference, dating outside your culture, bullying, etc.) and the ending. Stereotypes are distracting, but it's part of this style of movie. Bonus: there are some good actors here. Problem: they aren't at their best (ie., overacting, forced, playing up clichés). Overall, for a realitic Thanksgiving movie, check it out.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is absolutely a must see Thanksgiving movie. You can almost smell the food as each of the 4 families prepare for the big meal in their own way. Sure some of it's melodramatic, but isn't that what family gatherings are? This movie also contains a twist at the end. Remember, "It's A Wonderful Life " didn't catch on at first.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I absolutely love this movie. It's a look into the lives of real people. It's a fun watch every year in November.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Likable cast in a film that has genuine drama and humor. A really entertaining watch.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

POST RATING

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

Gurinder Chadha

Director

Alfre Woodard

Audrey Williams

Dennis Haysbert

Ronald Williams

Ann Weldon

Grace Williams

Mercedes Ruehl

Elizabeth Avila

Victor Rivers

Javier Avila

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

Chocolat

63%

83%

Chocolat

Passion of Mind

19%

52%

Passion of Mind

Safe Passage

54%

73%

Safe Passage

Focus

56%

62%

Focus

Crooklyn

79%

90%

Crooklyn

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Trailer Bulletin: Mission Impossible 3

A Day to Give Thanks (for Good Thanksgiving Movies!)

View more photos

Synopsis

You are invited to a tasty Thanksgiving dinner that will all at once transport you to four different worlds and take you home again. On the menu this November are turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie -- but also tamales, spring rolls, kugel, mac & cheese, love, betrayal, sibling rivalry, prejudice, politics, uninvited guests, unexpected accidents, outrageous conversations -- and all the other succulent and spicy surprises that arise when modern families come together for an annual meal.

Director: Gurinder Chadha
Producer: Jeffrey Taylor
Screenwriter: Paul Mayeda Berges, Gurinder Chadha
Distributor: Lionsgate Films, Trimark Pictures
Production Co: Hope and Gravy Inc., Stagescreen Productions, Because Entertainment, Flashpoint
Rating: PG-13 (Some Sexuality|Perilous Situation|Brief Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 17, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.0M
Runtime: 1h 49m

Most Popular at Home Now