The problem with combining some of the hottest Hispanic talent into one film and assigning them roles as family and friends is that their styles and looks don’t necessarily mesh.
Hispanic Family at Odds With Each Other
In Nothing Like the Holidays (formerly titled Humboldt Park), Alfred Molina and Elizabeth Pena head a household of three children: wounded Iraq veteran Jesse (Freddy Rodriguez), unhappily married Mauricio (John Leguizamo), and struggling actress Roxanna (Vanessa Ferlito). However, little about these five uniquely different personalities and appearances gives the impression of “family.” Although the lines often inspire chuckles (such as in an intimate family scene in which the three siblings discuss their first sexual experiences), the actors never quite come together as a believable family.
As Mauricio’s wife Sarah Rodriguez, Debra Messing has the thankless role of the high-powered Wall Street executive more committed to her job than to her marriage. She’s Jewish, redheaded, non-Hispanic, high-strung, and sensitive – a complete opposite from the rest of the Rodriguez family. Even though Messing is stuck as the token unlikable outcast, she’s sympathetic enough to not be a villain.
Near the beginning of the film, the family is joined at dinner by cousin Johnny (Luis Guzman as a wise-cracking loudmouth), and friends Ozzy (Jay Hernandez as a hot-headed, hot-blooded suitor of Roxanna), and Marissa (Melonie Diaz as Jesse’s former girlfriend). Soon into the meal, Anna Rodriguez (Pena) announces that she’s divorcing her husband – a statement met with laughter and incredulity. This announcement sets the plot in motion, propelling characters forward with their own related stories of love, loss, compromise, and sacrifice.
Warm, Family Fun in Nothing Like the Holidays
Despite a few poignant revelations and tense moments between old romantic rivals and old enemies, the tone of the film stays comedic. These fun family scenes such as “conversating” at the dinner table, dancing in their grocery store, and Christmas caroling through the neighborhood come across as warm and well-intentioned, though sometimes feel staged. This film’s heart is in the right place, but often features the kind of choreographed spontaneity witnessed only in the movies, with both the comedy and drama coming across as a bit too self-conscious.
As the emotionally injured mother, Pena delivers a strong, completely genuine performance in the film. She becomes the heart and soul of the family and the entire film. In Nothing Like the Holidays, Pena brings her sincerity and warmth to every scene, adding credence and clarity, and helping tie the other performances together into one enjoyable – though occasionally untidy – holiday package.
- Nothing Like the Holidays
- Starring Alfred Molina, John Leguizamo, Debra Messing, Luis Guzman
- Director: Alfredo De Villa
- Rating: PG-13 (for thematic elements, including some sexual dialogue and brief drug references)
- Additional Information: In English, although some Spanish is included with subtitles
For more information about holiday movies, read Best Dark Comedies for the Holidays .
Leslie C. Halpern - Leslie C. Halpern, Romantic Films/Comedies Topic Editor, authored Passionate About Their Work, Reel Romance, & Dreams on Film.
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