Nothing Like the Holidays, Oct 27,2009 release

[jw]

Nothing Like the Holidays [Blu-ray] (2008)

$24.49

Trailer

Amazon.com
If Nothing Like the Holidays appears to have little in common with Frank Capra's small-town perennial It's a Wonderful Life, Alfredo De Villa's urban dramedy also mixes the bitter with the sweet. The fireworks begin when Eduardo and Anna Rodriguez (Alfred Molina and Elizabeth Peña) welcome their Puerto Rican brood to celebrate Christmas in Chicago: Iraq War veteran Jesse (Illinois native Freddy Rodríguez), struggling actress Roxanna (Death Proof’s Vanessa Ferlitto), and attorney Mauricio (John Leguizamo) and his tightly-wound spouse, Sarah (Debra Messing). While Roxanna finds herself drawn to family friend Ozzy (Jay Hernandez), a former gang-banger, Jesse struggles with his feelings for ex-girlfriend Marissa (Melonie Diaz), who's moved on in his absence, and Anna laments her lack of grandchildren, but when she announces she's divorcing Edy, a bodega proprietor, the entire clan decides to make the most of their last holiday together. If De Villa's intentions are honorable, and his cast is up to the task--especially Molina and Rodríguez--the two halves of his film make for an awkward fit. Jesse's shell-shocked veteran, for instance, belongs to a different movie than that of his wisecracking cousin, Johnny (Luis Guzmán). Then, when Ozzy picks up a gun in an act of revenge, domestic drama and ethnic comedy collide with the hood flick. Unlike the many brash and materialistic entertainments crowding the multiplex at the end of the year, Nothing Like the Holidays [Blu-ray] prioritizes cultural and emotional matters, but still registers as more of a missed opportunity than a contemporary classic. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

[AnamorphicWidescreen]

Recently re-watched Nothing Like the Holidays. I find this to be an extremely underrated Holiday/Christmas film, and I'm surprised it hasn't gotten more attention/discussion.

The acting & story are great, and it's very poignant - without being sappy. Al Molina does a fantastic job as the father who is going through a serious crisis, which is misinterpreted by his wife (the late Elizabeth Pena) - causing some serious issues.

The film does a good job of balancing humor & seriousness.

[Show spoiler]Good sub-plot involving one of the cousins (Ozzy) wanting revenge on the man who killed his brother - but then ultimately realizing that forgiveness was the best route to take.

I've never lived in Chicago, but used to go there on a semi-regular basis years ago - great city. One of my favorite scenes in the film was near the beginning, when Jesse (the returning war veteran) has his friends stop the car in Humboldt Park, so he can go to the top of the hill & see the downtown Chicago skyline in the distance- which he hadn't seen for quite some time.

Also wanted to note that the colors in this film are great - though some may find them too bright/vivid, I think they fit the storyline/season.

The film is also relatable to anyone who has gone home after an extended time away, and finds how much has changed with friends & family in your absence.