De Sica and Ghini carry the film with their seasoned comedic timing. De Sica, in particular, continues to embody the "unreliable but charming" archetype that has defined his career in this series.
The story follows Fabio (De Sica), an entrepreneur, and Paolo (Ghini), a professor—both recently divorced—who escape to Rio de Janeiro for a holiday of "fun and relaxation". The chaos begins when their ex-wives end up at the same destination, and a mix-up involving their sons’ low-cost travel bookings leads to a series of escalating comedic errors. Natale a Rio
The film also features Michelle Hunziker as Linda, providing a romantic foil, alongside a supporting cast that includes the comic duo Mandelli and Ruffini. Critical Consensus De Sica and Ghini carry the film with
Like most cinepanettoni, Natale a Rio is divisive. Critics often cite it as "low quality" or "trashy," noting that it relies on predictable scripts and "weared out" characters. However, its massive commercial success—which was unexplainably high compared to rival comedies—proves its enduring appeal to an audience seeking mindless, festive entertainment. Christmas in New York (2006) - IMDb The chaos begins when their ex-wives end up