"Nothing Like the Holidays" is a Puerto Rican Christmas for the Rodriquez family set in Chicago. It's about a Christmas homecoming for a son (Jesse played by Freddy Rodriquez) wounded in Iraq, a daughter (Roxanna played by Vanessa Ferlito) trying to make it in Hollywood, and the other son (Mauricio played by John Leguizamo) with a Jewish wife (Sarah, played by Debra Messing) on the fast track in the world of finance. The parents, Edy and Anna (played by Afred Molina and Elizabeth Pena) are at a crossroads in their relationships, and not everything is going great for each of the siblings. Rounding out the cast is Ozzy (played by Jay Hernandez) who has some issues with a convict now out on parole, and Johnny (Luis Guzman) who is trying to be a successful business man in the consumer electronics world.

The performances, and dialogue from the script are solid, though some of the subplots are hit-or-miss depending on which of the characters resonate with the audience. But even with some of the minor missteps, the film is able to promote the value of family in times of crisis over the holidays with a heartwarming tone that doesn't feel forced or preachy.

I give the film 2.75 stars, or a grade of B-.

I'll be seeing it this week. I gotta support a movie about a Latino family and the holidays. Man can I relate.