DON'T LET THE BEGINNING OF THIS MOVIE DISCOURAGE YOU! KEEP WATCHING! IT'S WORH THE WAIT!
This one is worth watching. If you are Italian and Catholic, you will understand it. If you are Italian, you will understand it. If you are Catholic, you will understand it. If you are none of the above, you will possibly understand it or at least have heard "stories" about Italians and Catholics and should still enjoy it.
Overall, this movie rings true. It feels like a family celebrating Christmas. It really shines during the family scenes in the grandparents house, especially the scenes with the uncles. Some of the great-grandma lines are a little forced and cliched but overall not terrible.
The worst part of this movie is the first half. The movie starts with setting up the two main characters who are about 20 years old. While this is necessary, it should be shorter. Like the great-grandma "stuff", it feels forced. Now, part of this might be the acting but I think the writing is more at fault. The writer is great at writing for the uncles, but just ok with writing for the kids and the great-grandma.
There are some other minor issues with the writing. The movie steps it's toe into "/criminal/mafia/wiseguy" stuff for a second ("What were you doing up in Montreal?"). Was that really necessary? Does the past love interest really matter (even though the past girlfriend is one of the better young actors)?
Criticisms aside, you should watch this. It's about family, food, loud noises, and Christmas.