The previews make this movie seem like a straight comedy, but it’s not. There are many dramatic scenes that might have you spark a tear. I liked the subplots and the main premise. The premise of course is very typical, but I can never get sick of a so-called dysfunctional family all coming together around the holidays. And what I liked most about that is it’s real and can be done over again.

Nothing Like the Holidays is a fun family drama with comedic components about the Rodriquez kids coming home for Christmas to spend the holidays with their parents in Chicago. They are also all celebrating the safe return of the youngest, Jesse from the Iraq war. They unwrap secrets, squabbles, broken hearts and a lot of family laughter. Nothing Like has a great ensemble cast including Freddy Rodriquez (Six Feet Under, Grindhouse) who plays Jesse the wounded soldier who returns home from Iraq still jonesing for his ex, Debra Messing (The Women, The Starter Wife) plays the jewish daughter-in-law who is married to the oldest son who is a workaholic played by John Leguizamo (The Happening, Miracle at St. Anna), Alfred Molina (The Da Vinci Code) plays the patriach of the family who truly wants his family to be together and happy for the holidays.

I could believe this movie. It’s not corny. There are no holes or anything to have me saying “What the…” or “come on now.” Everything could have happened in real life --the loud talking around the dinner table, the mother/daughter-in-law relationship that seems tense and the childhood friends who come over and eat with the entire family. It’s a great comedy/drama, more drama than anything. And I like that. The comedy was real because I know how my crazy family is. It wasn’t corny or over the top.

Some may call the Rodriguezes a dysfunctional family. I really don’t think they are. They are just a family with some issues, but what family doesn’t? Yeah, so what if the matriarch Anna (Elizabeth Pena, Adrift in Manhattan) wants to leave her husband Edy (Molina) and decides to say it at the dinner table. I guess when a woman is fed up she’s done. However, home girl could have waited until supper was over.

Spending time with the family is the most important thing. Not that the Rodriguez fam make it so easy with their issues.

This is a really good holiday film that I’d watch again around the holidays. It’s right in line with last year’s holiday flick This Christmas, but Nothing Like is a bit more believable with all of their stories.

This movie is predominantly a Latino cast, and it just isn’t for the Latino community. It’s a story about love, family, being thankful and celebration. This is for any community. Nothing Like is an enjoyable movie that will definitely please its intended demographic. I know it had me laughing, tearing up, and thinking about my family, life and love. Hey, it worked for me.

My Rating ~ 3 Reels

3 - Watch during matinee hours (save some $$)

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Warning! Reel Talk is my to-the-point comments and opinions—and it contains spoilers. Don’t read this if you plan to watch this movie!

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Nothing Like the Holidays

This movie worked for me with its message of celebrating love, family and being thankful. It will also please its intended demographic.

Movie Details

Synopsis

Review

My Rating ~ 3 Reels

Audience Rating (What's Yours?)

Reel Talk

Warning! Reel Talk is my to-the-point comments and opinions—and it contains spoilers. Don’t read this if you plan to watch this movie!

The Kid

The Matriarch