  Nothing Like the Holidaysa.k.a. “Humboldt Park,” “Ta Kelepouria”MPAA Rating:
 for thematic elements including some sexual dialogue, and brief drug references._____
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Adults, Teens
Genre:
Christmas, Comedy, Drama
Length:
1 hr. 38 min.
Year of Release:
2008
USA Release:
December 12, 2008 (wide—1,500 theaters)
DVD: October 27, 2009  
Relevant Issues
 
“They're just a typical American family. Minus the typical.” Producer’s Synopsis: “A Puerto Rican family living in the area of Humboldt Park in west Chicago face what may be their last Christmas together.”
Volunteer reviewer needed for this movie—Request this assignment See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Movie Critics
…[2 stars] …‘Nothing Like the Holidays’ is everything like your typical holiday movie… Is there anyone out there who hasn't seen this movie a dozen times before?… …[2½ stars]…Beyond the movie's seasonal familiarities of resentment and reconciliation are plenty of sweet-funny details of Latino life. Not least of which is a chance for audiences to participate in a parranda, a Puerto Rican Christmas tradition that takes place on Three Kings Day.… …Leguizamo's ‘Nothing Like the Holidays’ is just like every other holiday flick… if you’re in the mood for warm and fuzzy, you could do worse. Sometimes it’s fun to unwrap a present even if you already know what’s waiting inside. …Yet another holiday film about a gently dysfunctional family whose tree branches are stocked solely with well-worn stereotypes (the ‘twist’: They’re Puerto Rican!).… …[3 stars] …The performers breathe real life into the characters… …The only distinguishing characteristic of this mildly agreeable variation of a worn-out formula is that the boisterous family under examination is Puerto Rican, and the screenplay includes a smattering of Spanish.… |
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