Nothing like the Holidays
Nothing Like the Holidays is a 2008 film about a Puerto Rican family living in the area of Humboldt Park, Chicago facing what may be their last Christmas together.It was directed by Alfredo De Villa, written by Rick Najera, Ted Perkins, and Alison Swan, and features an ensemble cast.The film cuts to a house where a man, Edy Rodriguez (Alfred Molina) is on a ladder nailing up a welcome home sign for Jesse.The woman, his wife, Anna Rodriguez (Elizabeth Peña) gives him a rather disgruntled look before leaving to prepare for Jesse's return.Back at the airport, Jesse finally meets up with his friend and cousin Johnny (Luis Guzmán) and Ozzy (Jay Hernandez), who have come to pick him up.On the way to his fathers store, Jesse takes off his eye-patch to reveal that he can still see, but the area around his eye is badly injured.While at the park, Ozzy spots Alexis (Manny Pérez), the man who killed his brother and has recently been released from prison.Sarah greets Anna and it is evident that she is not exactly comfortable around her in-laws but she is making an effort, even speaking a bit of Spanish.After things settle down, everyone sits down and begins to catch up and each person’s story is brought up: Jesse has just returned from a three-year tour in Iraq and is being prepared by Edy to take up the family business; Roxanna is waiting on news regarding a new TV deal; and Mauricio is an attorney while Sarah works in finance.While in Iraq, his unit was holed up in a building for the night, Lenny offered to take Jesse's watch so he can grab something to eat.Mauricio argues with Anna regarding having children, Roxanna reveals that shes not a star and can barely make ends meet.Luckily, they skid into a parking area and no one is injured; Sarah is able to fetch Edy's medication from the glove box in time.Ozzy likes Roxanna, but she is a bit apprehensive as she sees him as a gang-member type person, although Marissa has noted that he hasn't been part of that crowd for quite some time.The couple make their peace and profess love for each other, and then Anna smacks Edy for being stupid and not telling her sooner.After leaving, Jesse sits on a park bench, making a call to Lenny's parents to tell them about their son and how he died so he can get closure and move on.