Product Details

• Actors: John Leguizamo, Debra Messing, Alfred Molina, Freddy Rodríguez, Jay Hernandez
• Format: Color, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Anchor Bay Entertainment
• DVD Release Date: October 27, 2009
• Run Time: 98 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (72 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001LK8UP0
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,928 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Nothing Like the Holidays" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

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 prioritizes cultural and emotional matters, but still registers as more of a missed opportunity than a contemporary classic. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Stills from Nothing Like the Holidays (Click for larger image)

Product Description

John Leguizamo (Ice Age, Moulin Rouge!), Freddy Rodriguez (“Six Feet Under,” Bobby), Debra Messing (“Will & Grace,” “The Starter Wife”), and Alfred Molina (The Pink Panther 2) lead a hilarious ensemble cast in this humorous and heartwarming holiday story that is “laugh-out-loud-funny and downright touching." (MoviePictureFilm.com) It’s Christmastime in Chicago, and the far-flung members of the Rodriguez family are converging at their parents’ 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,” (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times) gift for the whole family.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Really fun with a twist, June 16, 2009

By 

M J MCEVOY "Mike" (London, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nothing Like the Holidays (DVD)

This is a fun movie - lots of hilarious moments with a great ensemble cast. You get the feeling that the actors had a lot of fun when they did this film.
Beside being funny it also makes some valuable statements about family life, forgiveness, healing and accepting our humanness.
An altogether warm viewing experience - something there for every generation!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nothing New, But Something Comfortable And Entertaining, November 11, 2009

By 

K. Harris "Film aficionado" (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Nothing Like the Holidays (DVD)

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Films with the same premise as "Nothing Like The Holidays" are abundant--in fact, I've seen more family homecoming stories centered around the holidays than I care to admit. Generally amiable and predictable, you can count on a few laughs at the typical dysfunction, a bit of tension at the long held grudges, and finally some warmth as mutual understanding and the meaning of "family" send us to the finale. But I'm no Scrooge, just because I know where we're headed doesn't mean it can't be an enjoyable ride! And I was pleasantly entertained by "Nothing Like The Holidays." It may not be a new Yuletide classic but a colorful and committed cast breathe fresh life into rather familiar situations. Alternately touching and humorous, the film ultimately won me over with its heart.

Set in Chicago, "Nothing Like The Holidays" presents Christmas from a Puerto Rican family's vantage point. The nominal star of this ensemble picture is Freddy Rodriguez ("Six Feet Under"), a son returning from overseas service. He's solid here providing a center for the movie. But he's surrounded by many familiar faces such as Elizabeth Pena and Alfred Molina as the parents, John Leguizamo as his brother, Debra Messing as Leguizamo's non-Puerto Rican wife, and Luiz Guzman and Jay Hernandez as his cousin and friend respectively. Everyone does a nice job, but to single two people out--I'd have to look to the ladies. Debra Messing is certainly NOT a favorite of mine in general, but she manages to pull a lot of dignity out of what could have been the film's most thankless role. It is Elizabeth Pena, however, that I most appreciated--a talented actress who finally has a meaty role to showcase her abilities.

Well executed and well acted, "Nothing Like The Holidays" certainly plays as a comedy first and foremost. I think that's where it is on its firmest footing with many scenes being laugh out loud funny. The humor comes from identifiable situations that anyone who has been a part of family gatherings can appreciate. The more serious bits work as well, but only because the comedy has drawn you into the family dynamic. Ultimately I was rooting for this group. And that's really all you can hope for, in the end. I cared for the family and wanted to see where their journey led me. So how can I not recommend "Nothing Like The Holidays?" It's a modest film, and if you approach it with modest expectations--you might just be pleasantly surprised. KGHarris, 11/09.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Movie!!! A must have for the collection, November 2, 2009

By 

SaweetPea (Stratford, CT) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Nothing Like the Holidays (DVD)

This is an amazing movie. It is filled with such family spirit that you almost forget that you are watching a movie. What makes it so great is that they are so close. The producers really picked some great actors. Like I said doesnt seem like a movie at all. I could watch this over and over again and will be. A great movie to watch every holiday!