Page 22 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • December 24, 2008
Holiday season brings out family problems
by Dennis Seuling
Everyone has a holiday movie favorite, and there is cer-
tainly no dearth of holiday-themed movies. Some are broad
comedies, others are based on classic stories, and some are
showcases for stars. Few, however, feature ensemble acting
of the caliber exhibited in “Nothing Like the Holidays,”
directed by Alfredo De Villa.
It’s Christmas time, and the grown Rodriguez children
-- Mauricio (John Leguizamo), Roxanna (Vanessa Ferlito),
and Jesse (Freddy Rodriguez) -- have come back to their
parents’ home in the Humboldt Park section of Chicago to
celebrate with their parents, Edy and Anna (Alfred Molina,
Elizabeth Pena). Jesse has just completed a tour of duty in
Iraq, where he was wounded, and Mauricio is accompanied
by his wife, Sarah (Debra Messing), a high-powered New
York executive.
Almost from the moment the Puerto Rican-American
family reunites, however, conflict rears its head as Anna
announces she is going to divorce Edy. In assorted side
stories, we learn why Jesse is quiet and introspective in
a family that prides itself on outshouting each other, why
Anna is suspicious of Sarah, how Roxanna is faring in her
acting career in California, and how all have ties to the old
neighborhood that are hard to shake.
“Nothing Like the Holidays” has the misfortune of being
released against higher-profile pictures with bigger stars
and larger budgets. But it should not be overlooked, since
it is that rare movie that focuses on average people in inter-
esting ways, illustrating that drama exists in all families.
Director De Villa has succeeded wonderfully in making his
cast a well-oiled ensemble, with a particularly memorable
dinner scene.
As the Rodriguez family sits down to dinner, everyone
is speaking at the same time. When Sarah -- the only “out-
sider” -- asks Mauricio why everyone is fighting, he smiles
and explains that they are not fighting. It’s conversation. In
the real world, multiple conversations at the dining table
happen all the time. But on film, it’s difficult to coordinate
all the cross-conversations and make them look spontane-
ous. The scene is completely believable, and rather than
going for gags, lets the humor emerge naturally, whether
through good-natured r ibbing, the joy of having the
family together, or old-fashioned holiday cheer.
Freddy Rodriguez, who played an undertaker in the
HBO series “Six Feet Under,” is particularly good as Jesse,
a man haunted by tragedy in Iraq, resentful of his own
missed opportunities at home, and uneasy at his father’s
hope that he will take over the running of his local grocery
store. Many of his scenes are played with reactions rather
than pages of dialogue. Jesse holds a lot inside and it takes
a lot for him to release pent-up emotions. Rodriguez makes
the audience care about Jesse, wonder about why home
feels so foreign to him, and long to know more about his
history. He is an excellent actor, and it is great to see him in
a large, pivotal role.
Messing, fairly quiet in the earlier scenes, when the
Rodriguez family first reunites, plays Sarah as an observer.
She is not a blood relative and seems uncomfortable at a
party she feels she has crashed. The tension between Sarah
and Anna further isolates her, with husband Mauricio her
only consolation. Later in the film, however, Sarah becomes
a trusted keeper of a Big Secret and a true family member
as she gets involved with her in-laws and relaxes.
Molina, as the family patriarch, is also first-rate and
natural. His Edy loves sitting at the head of the table, his
children surrounding him, enjoying the holiday. Pena’s
Anna, too, registers true as an independent, strong-willed
woman, unafraid to speak her mind, who -- after 36 years
of marriage -- decided she wants a divorce.
Melonie Diaz plays Marissa, the one-time girlfriend of
Jesse, who left her abruptly to enlist in the army. Marissa
has moved on, never understanding Jesse’s abandonment of
her. Yet despite the passage of years she still cares for him.
When she confronts Jesse, he reveals information he does
not even share with his family.
The beauty of the film is that, though humorous, it never
deteriorates into a sitcom. The family members are flawed,
but never caricatures. All are solidly crafted characters,
and it is easy to identify with many of the feelings they
express. The Best Got Better!
Anthony Francos Ristorante & Pizzeria
State Line
Debra Messing, John Leguizamo, Elizabeth Pena, and Freddy Rodriguez in ‘Nothing Like the Holidays.’
from Across vie
the Mo r
Theate Diner - Restaurant
375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah
201-529-3353 Open 24 Hours, 7 Days
Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino
1 2
$ 00
$ 00
Off Off
On $10.00 and over.
With this coupon only.
One Coupon per table.
5:00 to 9:00 pm only.
VT On $20.00 and over.
With this coupon only.
One Coupon per table.
5:00 to 9:00 pm only.
VT Pizza • Pasta
Chicken • Veal
Seafood Salads• Appetizers
Hot & Cold
Sandwiches FREE DELIVERY TO ALL LOCAL AREAS
128 E. Main St. • Ramsey • 201-236-8000
(Ample on-site parking) • Open 7 Days • Major Credit Cards Accepted
Full Menu at afpizza.com
There is a great scene that takes place late at night in the
Rodriguez’s attic. Mauricio, Roxanna, and Jesse all gather
to get away from various troubles and rekindle the com-
fortable give and take of siblings, almost as if they have
never been separated. Here, away from Mom and Pop, they
can let pretense down and confide in one another, knowing
what they say will be kept among them.
Rated PG-13, “Nothing Like the Holidays” is a true
family film in that it shows how, when faced with crisis,
family members will put aside their resentments, squabbles,
and personal issues and pull together to work things out.
KIRKERS INN
OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE
Closed Christmas Day
OPEN NEW YEAR’S EVE
OPEN NEW YEAR’S DAY
at 3 pm
Special Holiday Menu & Regular
Menu Available
Reservations Suggested
237 Diamond Bridge Ave, Hawthorne
973-427-7700 www.kirkers.com • All Major Credit Cards
Open Mon. - Sat 11:30 - 11:30• Closed Sunday