IMDb > Nothing Like the Holidays (2008)
Nothing Like the Holidays
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Nothing Like the Holidays (2008) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 63 | slideshow) Videos (see all 27)
Nothing Like the Holidays (2008) -- This is the theatrical trailer for Nothing Like the Holidays, directed by Alfredo De Villa.
Nothing Like the Holidays (2008) -- Clip: A little bit of left left over
Nothing Like the Holidays (2008) -- Nothing Like the Holidays cast members perform a skit on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Nothing Like the Holidays (2008) -- Inteview: John Leguizamo "On why the family comes together"
Nothing Like the Holidays (2008) -- We're conversatin'

IMDb Holiday Movie Guide

Overview

User Rating:
6.2/10   903 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 4% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Alison Swan (screenplay) and
Rick Najera (screenplay) ...
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Contact:
View company contact information for Nothing Like the Holidays on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
12 December 2008 (USA) more
Genre:
Plot:
A Puerto Rican family living in the area of Humboldt Park in west Chicago face what may be their last Christmas together. | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
5 nominations more
User Comments:
A Charming Holiday Film more (14 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
Humboldt Park (USA) (working title)
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MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements including some sexual dialogue, and brief drug references.
Runtime:
98 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
USA:PG-13 (certificate #44680) | Singapore:PG | Netherlands:12
Filming Locations:

Fun Stuff

Goofs:
Continuity: At the store Christmas party, the white liquid in the pitcher changes while being poured. more
Movie Connections:
References "Welcome Back, Kotter" (1975) more

FAQ

A Note Regarding Spoilers
Is "Nothing Like the Holidays" based on a book?
Is there an official website?
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A Charming Holiday Film, 9 November 2009
Author: Senyales from Fraggle Rock

The title gives the impression that this will be a clichéd holiday flick that won't take long to be forgotten. However, while Alfredo De Villa's 'Nothing Like The Holidays' may have a similar story outline to other Christmas holiday flicks but what makes this stand out is the humour, the wonderful ensemble cast and the richness of the Puerto Rican culture. They story, though familiar, has heart. Movies like 'The Family Stone' come to mind but 'Nothing Like The Holidays' stays true to its story and characters unlike the aforementioned example. I liked that it did not have a fairy-tale ending.

What's also impressive is that that character and situations in the movie are easy to relate to and recognizable. The family Rodriguez very much felt like a real family. Each family member and their friends, Ozzy and Johnny carry their own burden but there is a strong bond of love and support that keeps them together. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments but 'Nothing Like The Holidays' can also be described as an interesting family drama and the themes such as sibling rivalry, reconciliation and forgiveness are well handled. I enjoyed how the Puerto Rican culture was brought by the family. It felt very natural and authentic.

Needless to say, the entire cast has done nothing short of an excellent job. Initially, it was a bit awkward to see John Leguizamo play Elizabeth Peña's son but after a few minutes of watching their interaction, I managed to look past that and enjoy the characters. It was also good to finally see Debra Messing in a movie where she is given a role of substance instead of 'the sidekick friend' or 'cheating wife'. Alfred Molina brilliantly downplays his part. The romance between Ozzie and Roxanna, played delightfully by Jay Hernandez and Vanessa Ferlito forms a nice little subplot. Melonie Diaz has a strong presence. Luis Guzman is the comic relief and Freddy Rodriguez is simply great. To sum it up, the cast seemed to have superbly worked off each other and as a result they were really convincing as a likable but real family.

In my opinion, 'Nothing Like The Holidays' is much superior to most Christmas holiday flicks. A great movie to watched with loved ones and even though it feels familiar, its charm, humour, treatment, culture and heart make it worthy.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Nothing Like the Holidays (2008)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Nothing like a comedy Bunny7475
The Family Stone Anyone? TheYummyPencil
Vanessa Ferlito LilLisa16
Elizabeth Pena as JL's mother? too young... SweetDee23
Johnny + Ozzy Princess Daisy
Do PRs really do that in Chicago? Johnny0581
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