mariixoxo
When it comes to successful international movies here in the United States the one thing you will notice is the lack of international movies that truly "made it." It is not common to find foreign movies in theatres.The Latino movie industries are coming to break down doors, and Eugenio Derbez has made it clear. His story might have been smothered out in Mexico, but it roared here in the US. "Instructions Not Included" broke down the main entrance of this shut out and gave opportunity to all of these outside productions. It did not just fill theatres for one, two, or three weeks but for multiple weeks. My family and I went about a month after it's release date, and still the IMAX sized theatre room was completely filled. It has been four years since the come out of the movie, and still to this date it is one of my favorites.Considering this is a more upbeat, heart moving drama all cast members are witty and positive. Valentino, played by Eugenio Derbez, was a full Latin lover playboy that cared only for good times, and suddenly got his bubble burst when a blast from the past dumped a baby on his doorstep. Originally, Eugenio wanted a young boy to play the part of the young child, but seeing the spark he was desperately looking for in Loreto Peralta it was a no brainer she was perfect for the role. Maggie was not just his kid she was his motivator and best friend. Both their witty, sarcastic, jumpy personalities made them the power team; we received that true father-daughter bond and connection. Julie was the deadbeat mom that decided after six years to meet her child. If given the chance I would go into depth with all characters, but overall this was a solid, lovable cast. This is a story was created, directed, and produced by Eugenio Derbez, and it will make you fall in love a million times over. Apart from being a huge banger, it is a perfect movie to watch at home with your family. The movie did happen to have a primarily Spanish dialogue, which brought together all of the Hispanic community as one to support the movement. I do not know what was more hilarious the movie itself or watching my mom gasping for air and tearing up from all the laughing she was doing. You start off on Acapulco's gorgeous beach front, the home of Valentino, and like how I had said before this blessing in disguise is left with him. He goes off to LA in search of the mother to return the child, but in the process there was a terrible accident that opened his eyes and from there on forward that paternal love grew. It is him and Maggie against the world. Maggie, his translator, his mini agent in the stunt double industry, the girl that whips him into shape and made him grow up; she is not like any other six year old girl. Their lives were great until one day Valentino tries casting a woman for the part of Maggie's mother to lift the child's spirit takes a slight twist when her real mother shows up. Time passes and just about the mother is about to return to New York she claims she wants Maggie back. The perfect little world they once lived in, the dream team, had now been shattered. It might seem like an unoriginal plot, but the relationship Valentino and his daughter have is what pulls you into the movie and plays with your emotions when this happens. I do not want to reveal too much not, but let me just say the beginning of the plot maybe seem a tad cliché, but once you get to the falling action your heart gets ripped out of your chest. I do not want you to think it is one of those sad, slow moving dramas because it is not; it is a movie full of energy, jokes, sarcasm, and quirks. You will never stop laughing. I was a really big fan of the storyline and the tone to this movie! Another great thing about this movie is how it can relate to multiple generations. A lot of movies tend to just focus on one main audience whether it being just the youth or the more mature. This movie brings out a lot of elements your children will love, while also referencing more complex or older inside jokes, and past productions that will take the parents back like "Lola la trailera." Most movies now a days also either go from exposition to climax in a snap, or take forever to during the rising action and cut the falling short. There are a lot of hit and misses in the industry. The balance and timing of their movies is one reason that leads to such low ratings on rotten tomato. Rotten Tomato might have given it a 55%, but you could ask anyone who has seen it that fifty-five is a joke. I think the two hour movie was spot on and moved rather smoothly and had equal inputs in each part of the plot. To close up my review on this movie, overall, it is great and like I said earlier it is one of my favorites. My favorite part is the fact that after seeing all the success, with it raising twenty million dollars in two weeks, there has definitely been a bump in Latino productions here in the states. To all those who may not speak the language, I would still highly recommend you watch this movie. It is definitely worth reading two hours worth of subtitles.
brchthethird
INSTRUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED is a heartwarming story about love and what it means to be family, especially when it doesn't exactly look like what you'd expect. I haven't watched too many Spanish-language films, but for the most part I haven't been disappointed. This falls right in line with the others. Eugenio Derbez directed and starred in this, and the best part of this movie was the chemistry between him and his on screen daughter, played by Loreto Peralta. The relationship they portrayed was very real, believable and touching. There was also lots of humor, even though the movie isn't a straight comedy (the movie was slightly mis-marketed). For the most part the performances are OK, with Eugenio Derbez being the standout. Loreto Peralta also gave quite a good performance for a child actor, although her Spanish delivery was better than her English delivery. Still, despite so much to recommend about this picture there are a few missteps along the way. For one, the pacing is off in some parts and the movie goes on a little too long, though it never quite wears out its welcome. There is a sequence/plot point late in the movie that could have been omitted. Also, at some points it seems like they are trying too hard to be sentimental. However, there is one surprise (which I won't spoil)) that is hinted at early on, but the reveal still caught me off-guard. The movie also ends rather abruptly shortly after this point, which was kind of odd. Still, I challenge anyone watching this to not be moved in some way. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this film and see no reason why any serious movie-goer wouldn't get some enjoyment out of it as well.
elenikaratabani
An excellent movie for grown ups. A highly emotional script for people with children... Little "Maggie" plays beautifully and "Valentin", as her dad in the movie comes out in ways you wouldn't expect. The end blew me off - never expected it. It's not just another movie... It's one of those you get to see once in a lifetime and make you think a lot... Highly recommended! I loved the Spanish-English dialogs, I loved the fact that it switches from comedy to drama and, being a parent it does help me out focus on what's really important in everyday life... In one word? Amazing! Thank you for the experience and the different point of view, it's just what I needed right now.
