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Reviews
Nothing Like the Holidays (2008)
Felice Navidad USA
Well it's Christmas, and it's about time that the Latin community had a few inside jokes to laugh about during the holidays. Nothing Like the Holidays is the story of the "typical" Puerto Rican family living in Chicago. The snow is on the ground, the holiday spirit is in the air, and on a middle class street, the Rodriguez family is cooking more than just arroz con pollo for Christmas dinner. The entire film is definitely an inside joke for that Latin-American community, particularly the Puerto Rican community. Having a Puerto Rican background myself, I couldn't help but notice that my mother and I were the only ones laughing out loud during the movie, (Keep in mind however we were the only Puerto Ricans in the theatre). The film lets the audience get a look at a Puerto Rican family without having to get to close to the real thing, and is honestly a well put together dramatic-comedy. The film could have definitely been more then what it was, I felt like the filmmakers started to get the juice out and stopped when they had enough to make a Mango Mojito. However the one-and- a- half ounces of rum were enough to keep you giggling. All in all the story line was acceptable, the performances from everyone were enjoyable, and the film was not afraid to tell an insider or two that will make the latinos laugh, while their non-latino company can't help but wonder why John Leguizamo's rambling about the "Fried Pork y Chuletas" sent of his house is in any way funny. An instant Latino classic, and overall worth the price of admission.
-Jesse Alexander Ramos
Changeling (2008)
A True Story That Is Sure To Pull Some Tears From The Audience
Clint Eastwood has once again created a master piece that shows us the beauty of an evil world. The story of Christine Collins is one that must be told to remind us that suffering knows no limit, and even in the worst of situations, individuals have the ability to change the world for the better. The film is by far one of the best of the year, and is sure to receive a few Oscar nominations, ( Best Actress, and Best Director to name a few.) Although it is hard to connect with the story emotionally in the start of the film, as the plot gets deeper, we become attached to the characters and you are almost afraid to see what happens to them, because you are so connected to them. Altogether it is definitely a film that you should go see if you haven't already.
- Jesse McKenzie