A Puerto Rican family living in west Chicago come together for what may be their last Christmas together.  Nothing Like the Holidays, starring Alfred Molina, Elizabeth Pena, Freddy Rodriguez, Luis Guzman, Jay Hernandez, John Leguizamo, Debra Messing, and Vanessa Ferlito places the focus of what is an American, materialized Christmas holiday back where it belongs: on the importance and appreciation of family.

Jesse Rodriguez (Freddy Rodriguez) is home from Iraq, Mauricio Rodriguez (John Leguizamo) and his wife Sarah (Debra Messing) are in town from New York City, and Roxanna Rodriguez (Vanessa Ferlito) flew all the way from Hollywood, CA for a holiday with the family back home in Chicago.  Throughout the course of the film, all the members of this crazy family are experiencing a bit of discomfort and are rather self-focused.  It isn’t until about halfway through when Debra Messing discovers something about her father-in-law that will change the atmosphere of the holiday completely.

Although the acting is somewhat sub-par, there’s a feeling of togetherness woven through everything about this film.  It models a strong support system and the loving, living, breathing thing that family should be.

Even though it’s only November 7, I’d like to join the commercials in wishing you a very early, Merry Christmas =)