Nothing Like the Holidays (2008)

Nothing Like the Holidays (2008)

Finally, a previously unseen holiday flick that was actually somewhat enjoyable unlike the drivel that was the last film. Kristin Chenoweth, I am disappoint!

Carrying on then, Nothing Like the Holidays enjoys a large ensemble cast of latino actors among whom audiences would recognize Alfred Molina, Luiz Guzman, Debra Messing, and an actor I personally feel is very underrated, John Leguizamo, though I am sure film lovers would recognize more of the cast.

The story revolves around a Puerto Rican family getting together for the holidays in Chicago at their childhood home. You have by all accounts the appearances of what could be a predictable family drama with the "prodigal son" who just arrived back from Iraq scarred and possibly traumatized, the successful son who harbors latent resent, the liberal actress daughter looking to make her break in Hollywood, the possibly cheating father, the frustrated and exhausted mother, and the rest of the ensemble.

I feel I must admit that I was in a bid of a mood before setting in to watch this flick, and really wasn't up for giving my attention to another holiday flick that could have been as stupid as the last one. But I feel I need to be diligent to keep this blog alive and for good or for bad I must endure. It didn't really help that I wasn't really sold on the synopsis which kind of sounded like the set up to another Lifetime movie. Boy was I pleasantly surprised. I was cynical thinking I knew how everything was going to play out, and lo and behold, I was wrong. It is the mark of a clever director that sets up the premise to make it feel like old and comfortable territory, only to throw it away at the last second while still staying in the realm of plausible and truthfully logical conclusions. It was a welcome change. No I am not Puerto Rican but being part of this family for 90 some odd minutes, felt familiar. The nuances and idiosyncrasies of each family member immediately makes it feel like they are a real family. Even Debra Messing's character who is the outsider of sorts being a caucasian wife to John Leguizamo, has her familiar habits that suggest a long history with this family and is not really an outsider at all.


Of course there is the necessary drama and latent frustrations that boil to the surface as the story transpires, but it is only further testament to the cast, in that they make you care for this family. As each secret is revealed, you shudder at the possibility of it tearing this family apart and yet they all bounce back, almost stronger. That kind of attention, that kind of devotion is rarely seen on screen anymore (unless overly sappy ala Lifetime) and instead the drama that typically unfolds destroys families, all in the name of being shocking and unique. 


The good: The entire cast. Very much an ensemble piece, I always credit the writing team and director when they are able to showcase all the talent equally and not feel like one person's story is overriding the others. Debra Messing gets special mention as she wasn't an annoying brat (e.g. every other acting role she's had). Here she was a complex character who at first glance definitely could have been a stereotype, but she played it real and made me believe she was as much a part of the family as the actual children. Luis Guzman was also tolerable here which is appreciated because when he's good he is good, and when he is just playing Luis Guzman, he can be bad. Does that make sense?


The Bad: Being such a large ensemble piece, some characters do drift to the background. Not a huge detriment but again it may have been a choice playing against expectations. 


Final Thoughts: I very much appreciated this film. It took me out of my slump somewhat by playing against my expectations. It was a comfortable film that I feel is what holiday films (at least contemporary ones) fail to encapsulate anymore. And given that the family was so unabashedly Puerto Rican and yet it could make some pasty white guy from Canada feel welcome like I have known this family all along is another testament to the writing, acting and directing. Kudos.


Add to the Vault? You are probably expecting me to say yes, but I am not going to. It was a good film, comfortable, but I don't feel it has the necessary repeat value to be added to the vault. I am definitely appreciative that I got to watch it and experience it, but I doubt I will need to re-visit it anytime soon. It was simply a good show and I recommend you give it a go if you are looking for a nice family holiday tale.




Enough of my yammering, here's the trailer for 2008's Nothing Like the Holidays!