Review of Nothing Like the Holidays

NOTHING LIKE THE HOLIDAYS (2008) **1/2 Alfred Molina, Elizabeth Pena, Freddy Rodriguez, Luis Guzman, Jay Hernandez, John Leguizamo, Debra Messing, Vanessa Ferlito, Melonie Diaz. Better than anticipated yet predictable dramedy about a close-knit Latino family in Chicago who re-unite for Christmas but coming to grips with some familiar problems including infidelity, post-traumatic stress disorder and general ennui but it is rather light-hearted with a game ensemble of fine talent and rings true in the dialogue by the screenplay by Alison Swan, Rick Najera, Robert Teite and Rene M. Rigal. Rodriguez also produced. (Dir: Alfredo De Villa)