Nothing Like the Holidays – DVD Review

By June L. Dec 1, 2009, 12:45 GMT

It\'s Christmas time in Chicago, and the far-flung members of the Rodriguez family are converging at their parent\'s home to celebrate the season. During the course of this eventful week, traditions will be celebrated, secrets revealed, old resentments forgotten, familial bonds re-affirmed, and the healing power of laughter will work its magic. "Nothing Like The Holidays" is a "Heartfelt" (Chicago Sun-Times, Roger Ebert) gift for the whole family. ...more

We all have visions of the Holidays as being a time of perfect peace and blissful harmony, with Currier and Ives or Norman Rockwell type scenes unfolding as we celebrate with family and friends. 

Yes, that is the dream, and in spite of the reality that should teach us the truth of the matter we all still expect the perfect holiday will happen, perhaps this year.  Nothing Like the Holidays is a look at a family in Chicago, gathered for the Season of Joy, with trials and triumphs that will be familiar. 

When the geographically scattered Rodriguez family gathers at their childhood home in Chicago for the first meal of the holiday season, tensions are already high.  There are the complications of fierce sibling rivalry in spite of their love for each other and an overwhelming in-law angst that is part of all family celebrations.  Mama Anna (Elizabeth Pena) takes this moment to announce to the group that she is divorcing Papa Edy (Alfred Molina). 

Shocked and distressed, the family is determined to patch up the relationship.  One wonderful scene is a religious intervention by the family priest who has been called in to “talk” to the parents. As the movie progresses, we see that the divorce is not all that is going on in the family.  Oldest son Maricio (John Leguizamo) and his non-Puerto Rican wife Sarah (Debra Messing) are contemplating having a baby, something they both want, but as Sarah says “just not right now.” 

Younger son Jesse (Freddy Rodriguez) has returned from a tour of duty in Iraq, healing from wounds both physical and emotional, and not certain how he feels about taking over the family business as his father wishes.  Daughter Roxanna (Vanessa Ferlito) has been trying for years to make it in show business, and at 29 is disenchanted with her life. 

As secrets are revealed and a serious event touches all their lives, the Rodriguez family members pull together and in spite of differences of opinion, show the strength and goodness of love.

Nothing Like the Holidays is an interesting slice of America, in that we see the closeness and the inter-action of family members in holiday and stressful situations.  As Puerto Rican-Americans, the Rodriguez family demonstrates cultural attitudes and holiday traditions that might be unfamiliar to some viewers, but are fascinating and well portrayed. 

This is not a goof-ball comedy, but there are some very funny moments, as there are some that will bring tears to your eyes.  Alfred Molina as always is superb, his talks with his sons and his kindness to his daughter-in-law make us see Edy’s strength and goodness. 

Tragedy does happen in life, but it is wonderful to see a film that allows dignity, grace and love to triumph in a way that does not seem unrealistic or out of place.  It is a holiday film that will keep its appeal for years to come.

Nothing Like the Holidays is presented on single disc, in widescreen format with a running time of 98 minutes.  Special features on the disc include the Nothing Like a Family: Cast Reunion, which is an entertaining group interview with lots of inside information on the filming. 

There is an Audio Commentary for the film with actor/producer Freddy Rodriguez (Jesse), Director Alfredo De Villa and Producer Robert Teitel.  There is also a blooper reel that has some priceless “family” moments.  The feature is rated PG-13, as it is a “grown up” holiday film.

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