December 10, 2008

"Nothing Like the Holidays" Opens This Weekend!


To all who attended our packed sneak-peek of "Nothing Like the Holidays", thank you! The film OPENS this Friday, December 12! I know you know how important opening weekend is, so let's represent! Here's the thing: if we don't support these pictures, Hollywood will think there's no market (which we all KNOW is a ridorculous notion!) and, as a result, stop investing in stories by/about/for the Latino community. Here's what I think is bizarre about that: "Nothing Like the Holidays" is a straight-up family film. It was not made solely for the Latino community, but rather for all to enjoy (a.k.a. it's intended to be a "cross-over"). I actually know that for a fact b/c I'm friends with the producers at State Street Pictures. There is no reason why films such as this should be viewed as any different than, let's say, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", "Bend It Like Beckham" or "Soul Food", which, coincidentally, was produced by the same guys at State Street Pictures. These are all stories about family, emotions, relationships, life; they are "universal" stories set in a particular social, religious and/or cultural context. This weekend, I saw "Slumdog Millionaire", which is an insanely good film set in Mumbai, India. It's directed by Danny Boyle ("Trainspotting", "28 Days Later"), a prominent English director. Neither the director nor I am Indian and yet we both connected to this story (uh, clearly, he a bit more than I, but you get the point). Why is this different? A good film is a good film, regardless of its context. In fact, I think it's the context that adds the richness, the layers, the interest. Boiled down, film is just fancy storytelling. If you have a good story and you know how to relay it to me in a compelling way, I'm in. And, you know what? Everyone else is, too.

Now that you've endured my rant ;)... please tell your friends, spread the word and, of course, go see the movie! Plus, Luis Guzman delivers an HILARIOUS performance. Check out "
Nothing Like the Holidays" THIS WEEKEND and drive that opening weekend box office!

Release Date: December 12!!
Directed by: Alfredo de Villa
Cast: Freddy Rodriguez
John Leguizamo
Debra Messing
Alfred Molina
Jay Hernandez
Melonie Diaz
Vanessa Ferlito
Luis Guzman
Elizabeth Peña

It's Christmas and the far-flung members of the Rodriguez family are converging at their parents' home in Chicago to celebrate the season and rejoice in their youngest brother's safe return from combat overseas. But when old disputes resurface and new surprises arise, familial bonds are stretched to the limit and the Rodriguezes realize they're going to have to pull together to make it through the holidays in one piece. Humboldt Park is a hilarious and heartwarming look at a holiday one family will never forget.

~ Liz
(P.L.H.H.)

www.Cinedulce.com

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