'Nothing Like the Holidays'

McClatchy Newspapers (MCT) - There's every reason to be skeptical about the new holiday feature "Nothing Like the Holidays." Most holiday-themed films over the past few years have been naughty: "Fred Claus," 'Christmas with the Kranks," "Deck the Halls," etc.

But "Nothing Like the Holidays" deserves a spot on the "nice" list.

This is a touch-your-heart warm, make-you-ache funny and cause-you-to-think smart movie about a family's annual reunion for Christmas. While the family happens to be Latino, the themes of this sweet comedy will connect with anyone who has spent even a second with his or her family during a holiday.

The members of this Chicago family are facing some serious issues. The youngest son, Jesse (Freddy Rodriguez), is trying to cope with emotional war wounds that have cut him to his soul. His sister, Roxanna (Vanessa Ferlito), is a struggling actress who can not live up to her family's _ or her own _ expectations.

Then there are the oldest son, Mauricio (John Leguizamo), and his wife, Sarah (Debra Messing). The couple is in a tug-of-war over of careers vs. starting a family.

Even the parents (Alfred Molina and Elizabeth Pena), bring some emotional baggage to the holiday table.

Holiday films require a delicate touch. If director Alfredo De Villa had drifted too far into the emotional turmoil, the film would have lost its comic edge. And leaning too much toward the comedy would have smacked the reality right out of the story.

De Villa perfectly balances every moment. He allows moviegoers to become invested in his characters. Once that investment is made, it is as easy to care for each family member as it is to laugh with them.

Every performance is on target. Most notable is Rodriguez. Storylines dealing with the Iraq war have not been popular at the box office, but Rodriguez makes his character such a combination of strength and weakness that the role becomes more about the human spirit than politics.

After so many holiday-movie duds, "Nothing Like the Holidays" is a gift to theater audiences.

___

NOTHING LIKE THE HOLIDAYS

Grade: B-plus

Rated PG-13 (adult themes). Stars Freddy Rodriguez, Alfred Molina, John Leguizamo, Debra Messing, Elizabeth Pena. Directed by Alfredo De Villa. Running time: 1 hours, 42 minutes.

___

© 2008, The Fresno Bee (Fresno, Calif.).