It's unfortunate that "Nothing Like the Holidays" probably won't make as much money as the recent Vince Vaughn-Reese Witherspoon vehicle "Four Christmases" has.
While this comedy-drama is not a great movie, it's certainly better than its like-minded predecessor — it's miles better, in fact. Both are holiday tales about dysfunctional families, but this one is more real and considerably more appealing.
Mind you, it's not always successful. The film has its soapish machinations and some cliched characterizations. However, it features a great cast of mostly Hispanic actors.
"Nothing" follows the members of the Rodriguezes, a Puerto Rican family with its roots in Chicago. Patriarch Edy (Alfred Molina) is at odds with his long-suffering wife, Anna (Elizabeth Pena). Among other things, she suspects he's been unfaithful.
Still, they're trying to get along with each other as they welcome their children to their home for the holidays. Youngest son Jesse (Freddy Rodriguez) has just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq and is haunted by some of his actions there.
Would-be actress daughter Roxanna (Vanessa Ferlito) is struggling to eke out a living in Hollywood. And their successful attorney son, Mauricio (John Leguizamo), has been bickering with his wife, Sarah (Debra Messing), about whether they should have children.
Director Alfredo De Villa and four credited screenwriters almost have enough material for a couple of movies and spend the final third trying to resolve as much as possible.
It is a little overstuffed, though, especially when the focus turns to some members of the extended family. (Luis Guzman is a cousin, Jay Hernandez is Roxanna's longtime friend and Melonie Diaz plays Jesse's ex-girlfriend.)
But the filmmakers refuse to wrap everything up with a bow, which is a nice, refreshing touch. And again, they have this terrific acting ensemble, which certainly counts for a lot.
"Nothing Like the Holidays" is rated PG-13 and features some vulgar sexual references and humor, scattered strong profanity, derogatory languages, including racial slurs, brief drug content and references (prescription medicines), an implied sex scene and a brief violent scuffle (as well as some slapstick). Running time: 99 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com