On the surface the new film "What's Cooking?" looks like an ordinary slice-of-life flick, that traces a quartet of families as each prepares for the Thanksgiving Day feast.

But writer and director Gurinder Chadha -- a Kenyan-born Englishwoman of Indian descent -- uses this most American holiday as a setting for examining the diversity of Los Angeles and the ways in which this ethnic and racial variety intervenes in families.

So, what begins as a seemingly innocuous film rapidly develops into a cinematic exploration of the fragility and durability of family and of both the culture and generation gaps, while also making a statement on the state of community in American today.

The Avilas are led by Elizabeth, wonderfully played by Mercedes Ruehl, and are convening the enture family for the holiday, minus dad, who has been kicked out for cheating with Elizabeth's cousin. But their son Anthony (Douglas Spain) runs into dad (Victor Rivers) in the supermarket and invites him. When Javier shows, the tension builds and reaches new heights upon the arrival of Elizabeth's boyfriend Daniel (A Martinez).

Meanwhile, Anthony's sister Gina (Isidra Vega) returns from college with her new boyfriend, Jimmy Nguyen (Will Yun Lee), who has told his own family that he must remain at school to study for exams.

At the Nguyen household, culture rifts appear to be widening as the middle son becomes embroiled in trouble and his sister Jenny is reviled for her white boyfriend. All of the kids criticize mom and grandma's attempts to inject a bit of their traditional cooking into the Thanksgiving feast. When the turkey goes south, the youngest son is thrilled to be noshing on its replacement, Kentucky Fried Chicken.

The Seeligs are a middle-aged Jewish couple whose daughter Rachel (Kyra Sedgwick) has come home for the holidays with her gay lover Carla (Julianna Margulies). The girls are forced to skirt the issue of their sexual relationship, although it is clear to everyone.

Finally, Audrey Williams (Alfre Woodard) must content with her contentious mother-in-law Grace as she tries to ready the holiday bird. But Grace (Ann Weldon) ultimately discovers that things are not what they seem (to her).

The plot interweaves the families' stories quite well despite the fact that some of Chadha's dialogue feels forced and some of the acting is no more comfortable at times. Some do shine though, however, like Woodard, who dishes up a fine portrayal of the stressed out housewife. Margulies and Sedgwick obviously had a good time in their roles and that translates into scenes that are light-hearted, funny and sometimes touching.

Grade: B

"What's Cooking?" opens Fri., Nov. 17 at the Downer Theatre.

If you'd like to see a free preview of "What's Cooking?" stop by our office at 1504 E. North Ave., weekdays between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and we'll give you a pass for two to see a special screening at the Downer Theatre, Tues., Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are limited and seating is even more limited, so get there early. Pass does not guarantee admission if the place fills up!