This would be an AWESOME movie (except...)

First off, I want to state that when I watched this, I enjoyed seeing Christmas from the perspective of another nationality. I think each character's challenges throughout the movie added a lot to it, as it delivers the message (that another imdb member put perfectly) that no matter what is going on in the lives of family members, they come together for Christmas. Ultimately, that family is your unconditional support system and Christmas is the time to celebrate that. Great message. This movie has a lot going for it.

BUT

There's two things that bother me about this movie:

1) I found it offensive and stereotypical that several characters in this movie don't have their 'papers' or 'green card'. I am not Puerto Rican, but I'd be PISSED watching this movie and seeing such a disgraceful stereotype regarding illegal immigration. It shines a bad light on the Puerto Rican community. That portion of the movie should have been omitted, BIG TIME.

2) Jay Hernandez, the guy that plays Ozzy, CANNOT act. His performance in this movie is laughable and he was clearly hired because they needed a heartthrob for Roxanna to get involved with. That pillow fight scene with the girls and the older brother was cringe-worthy-- 'you want a piece of me? uh? uh?'. GOD. Snoopy from Charlie Brown would probably do a better job portraying a Puerto Rican with a gang-related/thug past. Every time he ran into the guy that killed his best friend, I thought Michael Jackson was going to appear and start singing 'Beat It'. As a result of this movie, I will never watch anything with him in it ever again.

HOWEVER, I fell in love with the actress that played Roxanna, John Leguizamo was impressive as usual and Debra Messing wasn't bad either. I also have to commend the actor that played Jesse-- great performance. Also, the parents in the movie were very convincing.