Eugenio Derbez Funny Show Throws Little Kid Across Room
An unexpected visit changes two lives forever in Instructions Not Included
In a world of big budget blockbusters some of the best movies are the smaller independent films from all over the world. The latest Instructions Not Included is a Spanish/American film from writer, director, and star Eugenio Derbez. While he has made appearances in Jack and Jill with Adam Sandler and stole the TV show ROB with Rob Schneider he is already pretty huge in Mexico, this marks his first foray into directing but does he bring his usual comedy chops along with the ability to create a memorable film?
Instructions Not Included follows a resident playboy in Mexico whose life is thrown upside down when a former fling leaves a baby on his door step. He leaves Mexico for Los Angeles in hopes to find the baby's mother, but instead finds a new life as a successful stuntman and raises the girl for over six years. But when her mother returns it risks everything they have built together. This is one of those surprising films that really deliver way more than you may expect. Eugenio Derbez has crafted a great film mixed with plenty of humor blended perfectly with a heart-warming touching story. The film is partly in Spanish and partly in English, but blends both perfectly to create a film that works for not only both markets, but also for all audiences even if they don't like subtitled films. Derbez has everything needed to lead this film with his already established ability with comedy, but carries the emotional aspect needed to bring the rest of this story together effectively. When making a film like this that involves a child actor to be just as integral to the story as the adult lead their performance can make or break the film. Thankfully Loreto Peralta is amazing and is able to hold her own alongside Derbez like a pro, despite this being her first role. Beyond being adorable and having the child innocence, she is able to bring the needed maturity to the role.
This is one of those small films that comes along and will really surprise you. While it has great performances, it lets the story lead the charge and knocks it out of the park. This is a comedy, but be warned this funny man has crafted a film that will not only tickle your funny bone, but also tug at your heart strings.
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Made me cry.
Warning: Spoilers
Being a guy i had never before cried after a movie, at least not when i was sober:) The lead is both funny and emotional at the same time. The daughter is very cute. The mother is damn selfish. I can relate myself to this movie in so many ways, i hope you can too. My mother tongue is neither Mexican nor English but i loved this movie just too much. I think Valentin Bravo deserved much more in his life, but its just life being stubborn. When the movie ends you will understand Valentin's sacrifice, bravery and why he tried to keep his daughter in the fantasy world. At the end of the movie Valentin's every decision is justified. Valentin is a true hero!
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Don;t judge a book by it's cover, this is the best film I've seen this year!!
I first saw this advertised as a trailer for Grown Ups 2 and thought this was going to be the latino Big Daddy. Afterall, this is the same guy who was in Jack and Jill as the gardener in that lame Sandler movie from 2011. I caught this movie as an advanced show and must say I was very surprised. The humor was fun but believable, and this movie has something few comedies do today---it has a heart. The story is simple, a play boy finds out he has a daughter and is left to raise her when the mother-who was a one time fling-abandons her at his doorstep. During the first six years of her life we see him grow from a selfish slacker to a responsible dad. Eventually, the father/daughter find themselves living in the US where dad is now a Hollywood stuntman--in a very funny bit--with his daughter as his coach and best friend. As you would expect, mom comes back and this is where the story gets serious. You might think you have seen this before but trust me, you haven't as there are so many twists and turns to surprise even the most cynical movie critic. what I enjoyed most about this film is the humanity in the story, it was believable, unlike the juvenile crap of the latest Sandler/Ferrell crap. This movie received a standing ovation from a packed theatre. Don't judge a book by it's cover, this is the best film I've seen this year.
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Warm, funny, a bit silly at times but truly moving and smartly made
Instructions Not Included (2013)
A mostly Mexican comedy about a single man who abruptly finds himself raising a baby girl. And things get funny and wild from there, and enchanting. The goofiness that makes you think the movie is actually kind of stupid (or even bad) mellows and sharpens up as it goes and after half an hour there is a different kind of humor and warmth that really works.
Part of the magic here is the two leads—the father and the little girl—are terrific. And they get along in a way that makes the whole movie buzz. There are still a few corny jokes, but mostly the humor is made up of the funny feelgood things that come along in life.
Amazingly this is Eugenio Derbez's first stab at a feature movie, after years of Mexican television. In fact, the first half hour is exactly like Mexican television. And we all grow out of it together, which is a relief and a sign that there might be more good things to come from this man. (This is true of Mexican directors in general, take note of the last two winners of Best Picture, 2013 and 2014, along with their cinematographer.)
So if you expect something canned or obvious here, you'll be surprised. What you do get above all is a sincere, human drama that is mostly airy and fresh. There are some silly clichés—characters who play types and only the thinnest of those types—but we are lucky that almost all of the movie includes the leading man and the little girl. Watch this and make sure you stick it out past the establishing scenes that build up for a good half hour.
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Well worth it even if you don't speak Spanish.
Warning: Spoilers
It wasn't until the beginning credits rolled that the wife and I realized that this movie is mostly in Spanish with English subtitles. We hadn't noticed that here in a very wealthy Dallas burb, we were two of the very few gringos in the room. We decided to stay. Glad we did. Great movie. Great acting. This is not Cantiflas nor is it some of the really stupid stuff you see on Spanish TV.
This is not Three Men and a Baby or some piece of Adam Sandler poop. This is a great treatment of the plot of a single guy who finds himself in the possession of his illegitimate baby daughter.
No clichés. No Hollywood stupid. Just good acting in this dramedy.
I don't get the low rating. The theater was packed and people were standing in line for the next showing. We are glad we stayed.
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On how to confront life, how to enjoy life and how to deal with lost but all these through a roller-coaster of laughs, tears and other feelings in between.
After watching "Instructions not included" I can say it is a very good movie. It's not the classic Hollywood comedy. Yes, you will have to read the subtitles sometimes and certainly it is not the classical familiar comedy. Nevertheless it is a very good movie. Forget "Fish out of water father" films, that part is only a fraction in this one nor is the Kramer vs Kramer type although has its part. The film tackles on how to confront life, how to enjoy life and how to deal with lost but all these through a roller-coaster of laughs, tears and other feelings in between. If you are bilingual (English & Spanish speaker), this is a must. This film will be remembered for years to come as the one that broke the inertia of Mexican cinema and probably will sign a new kind of films to come. Go watch it.
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Great job of Derbez!!!!
I just came back from seeing the movie of Eugenio Derbez" Instructions not Included ", and the truth is, it's great!! Excellent performance from Derbez and the little girl. It's one of those movies that you go out happy to have seen! Congratulations to Derbez, great job! Currently the Mexican films are giving very pleasant surprises for the audience, which in many times have not believed in the talent and scope of this new generation of filmmakers, this movie is going to win many awards and you will see that. At first I thought I would see a movie more than the classic that the mother will take away the kids from the father but no, this story is amazing. Actions and measures are great! I love this movie!!!!
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My wife dragged me to watch this, but...
I had the feeling that this movie was going to be a Mexican chicko - flicko, but it turned out to be a nice, enjoyable movie.
My guess is that Hispanics enjoy it more, specially adults, who even clap at the end of the movie.
Maybe I missed some of the jokes in the translation, because0 other people was laughing more than I did.
Nice changes in the mood through the story ... Do not expect the typical Hollywood movie, in which all is just action, or just jokes, or just a one thing during the whole movie. Here they move from the initial comedy to something more substantial .
At the end, you realized that the movie communicates a nice and important message.
You will walk out of three with more than just laughs .
I recommend the movie for those that want to see something different, that is worth watching .
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Best Foreign Picture Oscar?
I had trepidation when dozens of Latinos entered the theater, but even in subtitles, this gem is so typical of those plucked by Lionheart. The plot is so much more than a rehash of the formula of 'Three Men and a Baby," and I wish I could have created a room like that for my daughter. I have not laughed in delight so much in a long time. This film is beautifully done, with a great behind the scenes look at stunt men, and Hollywood.
Congratulations are due to Eugenio Derbez, the star, director and producer. He is a fine actor with great comic timing, and genuine emotions.
DO NOT MISS THIS GEM.
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Must Watch
First I have to say it is not your typical Hollywood Movie, it isn't Adam Sandler Big Daddy either, its a Mexican comedy with a touch of drama, the great thing about this movie is how well Eugenio puts it together, its fast paced, great acting, nice cast, with good shots and a fine score, it takes you on an emotional ride, you laugh and then you almost cry, then you laugh again, don't worry about subtitles its very easy to follow, the box office down here in Mexico has been spectacular, we had 900,000 viewers Saturday 21st of September, I hope this movie to be the beginning of great crossover films, my brother said "you cant miss it", I agree
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Beautiful
This is not a comedy. The summary on IMDb could lead you to wrong expectations from this movie. It is somewhat funny, but it definitely isn't a comedy. It is a beautiful, deeply emotional drama about the relationship between a single father and his daughter and about ways they handle all the twists life brings. If you did not shed a single tear during this movie, please go to X-ray and check if you have a heart at all. Technically, it is not anything special, just average production, but the emotion it carries is priceless.
8,5/10
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Eugenio Derbez make a magnificent directorial debut.
Eugenio Derbez is brilliant. As director he delivers a beautiful story and he make a magnificent debut, and as actor he accomplished express deep feelings with both comedy and drama, in the other hand the girl(Loreto Peralta) steals the movie, I hope she get to work in other movies like Dakota Fanning did before one after another because she HAVE it. I am proud to be Mexican and also I am enchanted with the movie's quality and form of telling the tale, maybe the ending is not what I expected but Mexican cinema permits tragicomedy, so in a way fulfill my feeling that this was more than only splat comedy. Eugenio's movie is successful in the way the movie is appealing both for Mexicans (Latinos) and Americans (English speaking) audience. I like very much all the success in the box-office he's having and really deserves all this attention, he is very talented and this is the first of many movies he is going to make and direct. Viva Eugenio!
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An Unexepected Gem
My boyfriend and I went to see this with my father last night. It was not at all what I expected and as the movie progressed, I was continually surprised. What a lovely movie. Not just a comedy, but a truly heart-warming story. The little girl's acting performance is Oscar worthy. Seriously, where did they find her? My boyfriend usually hates movies with sub-titles, but this one made it worth the trouble for him. If you speak Spanish, like me, then you will get more of the cultural references, but you don't need to understand Spanish to get this movie. Fear is universal and so are lessons in courage, and this movie really spoke to that. Make sure to take your hankie. Watch, watch, watch this movie!!!
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Great movie
I haven't seen something this good in a while. Of course, it's much better if you understand Spanish to be able to get a lot of the jokes and sarcasm, etc.
The cinematography was great for the storyline, and it's almost its own style I think. The colors, the storyline, and everything else just flowed right throughotu the movie, and it was definitely a roller coaster of emotions. You will laugh and cry throughout the movie, and it very subtly brings up a few issues we face today with parenthood, the court system in America, the basic needs of children, and the advantages of being wealthy.
Don't expect Hollywood with this movie, because the feelings you will get from watching it are different from your typical Hollywood film that follows a linear storyline to satisfy the expectations of the viewer. I think everything was great about it, no complaints because it's Eugenio's first film, crossover, and the little girl was a real great actress for acting for the first time of her life in anything.
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Totally worth it!!!
I'll be honest, I was dragged in to see this movie but was quickly enthused and charmed by the undeniable chemistry between father and daughter(Eugenio Derbez, Loreta Peralta). The very first minutes weren't exactly my cup of tea but it it gets to the point eagerly and you get the whole message of the title along with it. Don't confuse it for just another meager Disney squall of becoming a family film. No where throughout the movie did I remember the pacifier or the Game Plan those were particularly distasteful movies I could hope to forget. Instructions Not Included finds heart and answers many questions all of us have asked about life. All the troubles and dismay we go through are for not, the very essence of where we have placed our hopes lie within the children we take care of and honestly there aren't any instructions included through the sobs, the laughs, and the peace we come to while they teach us how to grow.
Watch this movie and I promise you won't forget it and bring a box of Kleenex for your tears.
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One of the best movies I have seen in all times
I have to start by saying I am Hispanic, but do not enjoy Spanish movies unless they are outstanding. Actually the only good Spanish movies I have ever seen are from Guillermo Del Toro with " Pans Laberynth and the orphan. But this movie made me remember about the movie " Life is Beautiful/ La vida es bella".
It has humor and it is so touching. This movie makes you cry, laugh and it leaves a beautiful message at the end of all the fears we have in life and how to win the battle of life. I thought the little girl and Derbez were outstanding. At the beginning when I start seeing the movie I was like " What joke of a movie is this". But once the scenes of the little girl come in while she is potty trained, it catches me from that moment until the end.
This is not a movie for Spanish people only, it is a movie for English speakers too. As I said, it is not for the jokes it is for the message it has and for the feeling you have once left the theater. It is one of those movies that leave you thinking like for a week. I even called some family members in my country in Colombia and told them " Hey guys you have to go see this".
You will not regret seeing this movie, it is worth the 2 hours it takes.
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Excellent. Oscar worthy. Funny and ... you'll see when you watch it.
Loved it.
It is the emotional roller coaster we movie addicts crave. Didn't see the end coming.
Blended language is just how it is here in California. Great father daughter movie, and this is one you can take your kids to see.
The theater was packed, everyone clapped at the end. So witty I can't tell you.
I haven't given a movie 10 stars in a very very long time.
Loved it. Loved it. Oscar for comedy in my book.
Blessings, Max Rainet. A movie lover for life.
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Oscar, Oscar , Oscar
I've had the good fortune to see this movie twice. I will admit I was not keen on watching it because the trailer looks both campy and cheesy! With that said, I am glad I took a risk and went to see it, otherwise I would of missed the Masterpiece that is "Instructions not included!. It turned out to be one of the the most beautiful,tender, sweet, enlightening and powerful movies of my time. I will go as far as ranking it up there with "Imitation of life". The simplicity of this movie is what makes it it a gem that stands on its own. The acting by Eugenio Derbez ( one of Mexico's biggest stars) is just effortless. As for Loreto Peralta, who plays daughter Maggie there are no words to describe her acting chops, she is a both a revelation and a prodigy. She will win you over from the get-go. I wont say anything else about the movie other than it needs to be seen, and experienced. I can guarantee you will leave the theater speechless and elated. I hope that Mexico chooses "Instructions not included" as their contender for its Oscar submission. This movie is PURE GOLD!
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Just Wonderful
I never thought that this movie could be that good, saw rating of 7.7/10 and a movie not in English, a subject on which there had been already a lot of movies, that said don't waste your time. But then i thought i will just give it 5-10 minutes to see whether it's worth watching with subtitles or not (you know it's very difficult to watch and enjoy a foreign movie with English subtitles ). To my surprise i couldn't use forward option to spoil this movie, it's that good. Acting is brilliant this all the main and supporting cast. Comedy is subtle and emotional scenes are well acted and directed. I will not give anything on story and spoil it for you. Give it a chance and i am sure you will enjoy this movie, and one more thing don't look at it's IMDb rating, it should have been at least 8.5/10 on IMDb. But for me it is 10/10 :).
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Great movie...
Warning: Spoilers
The movie starts out with Valentin's father teaching his boy to 'confront his fears'... The movie ends with the child dying. What is the worst fear a parent has: their child dying, their child kidnapped, their child murdered... Somehow, there is no way to confront those nightmare scenarios until they actually happen.
But I saw a movie about a man, taking care of a child who was not his to begin with. Julie thinks the child is his--or can only remember Valentin as the last sex partner she had--but subsequent DNA shows him not to be the biological father.
To raise his daughter, Maggie (played by Loreto Peralta) Valentin becomes a Hollywood stuntman, and Maggie acting as his coach and trouble shooter, reviving him when he faints from doing the stunt. And Loreto Peralta as 6 year old Maggie is a real scene stealer.
Well, Julie decides now after six years old, she wants custody of the now six year old girl and shows up.
Sadly, the child has some sort of (undisclosed) congenital birth defect and is soon to die. Valentin knows this but he does not wish to share this knowledge with Julie.
The movie ends with Maggie, Valentin, and Julie on a Mexican beach, and Maggie dies in Valentin's arms. Essentially, Valentin had fallen in love with a stranger's child, Valentin had taken responsibility for a stranger's child. Add one more fear--being involved in some kind of cosmic dupe.
The movie went way beyond the expectations for "Little Miss Sunshine"-- crotchety old man takes care of cute tike. It ended up challenging our notions of what it means to take care of another's child, what it means to fall in love with a stranger.
I gave it ten stars for asking this ultimate question.
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Pleasantly Surprised
WELL WORTH the TIME spent reading subtitles. This movie had me laughing very nearly from the get go, yet by the end I was entangled into the heart of this families drama and shedding tears like the best of em'. AWEsome movie! Not a typical movie at all, this was unique in soooo many ways. The storyline was so beautifully original with interesting twists and exciting humorous events to keep you glued to the screen. From beginning to end I was intrigued. I would recommend this movie most to adults 25+ years. This may also be a great way to introduce a loved one to the art of subtitled movies. It is an English / Spanish mix right up to the end. Storyline taking place between Mexico and the USA. A wonderful father / daughter movie perhaps to be seen on fathers day YES!
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Great!!!
This is the Best movie ever!! I thought it was going to be like other movies, but it sure was a different movie with ongoing scenes and jokes. this is a great movie that the whole family will enjoy!!... loved that it was spoken in both languages! Just for the fact that Eugenio is a great comedy actor gave me that feeling that it was going to be a good movie.Now that I watched it, I have to take my whole family to watch it and I am willing to go for the second time. I think comedy movies are the best and this is a great movie that other producers should look into to be able to have more movies like this. I kinda do not know what to write anymore, I just want to say that is a great movie and people can have a great time watching it!!! love it!!!!
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Derbez is a Master Humorist and here he adds a terrific dramatic performance, along with excellent directing
The Master Humorist. He's been doing humor for decades in Mexico. One has to only say "Que alguien me explique" to see how large and ubiquitous his influence is.
Here his humor is interspersed throughout the entire movie. But, without giving away much, I'd point out 2 Classic Derbez moments.
One is the shocker and burst-out-laughing moment during the "mommy-auditions". The other is when the school principal is dumbfounded to see the mom in school for the first time. His satirical comment along the lines of "...she's just getting back from paying the cab driver... something about not having enough change or something...". (You'll see the full meaning when you watch the movie.)
Loreto Peralta as Maggie is incredible. Her performance was riveting. Perfect timing, perfect responses. I went looking for other performances/movies and found none! Impressive new-comer! As impressive were the gut-wrenching performances by both Derbez and Jessica Lindsey (the mom).
Derbez's directorial debut is impressive. Well, not really. One could hardly expect any less since he's been doing much of everything in the TV world for a long time.
He well deserves the accolades.
BTW, Derbez's appearance in the comedy "Rob" (2012 CBS TV Series), where his short on-screen time overshadowed the main character, was an early forecast of the things to come.
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Don't think twice just go watch it!
Warning: Spoilers
Best movie since "BAJO LA MISMA LUNA". A must go see for everyone especially if this is the type of movie you like. People that are bilingual of course will enjoy it a lot more but my mom speaks Spanish and a little English and got everything and loved it. People that only speak English will probably be missing out on 10% of what they are saying but won't matter because the rest will make up for it. Not sure if it applies for all theaters but mine had horrible translation and was missing the 1 on the numbers. So when they mention 1,000 it showed 000. Anyway go watch you will enjoy it. I missed the first 2 minutes so I will be going back. Thats how good of a movie it was.
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Turn your intelligent, diversity-loving friends onto this little gem
I'm a sucker for kid, usually little girl, actors doing an amazing, totally unexpected job filling a major role. My brain immediately goes to looking for any signs of the adult who will eventually emerge from the precocious tyke. (Most often there are only hints.) The last time I was wowed was by the amazing Onata Aprile in 'What Maisie Knew'. I would have bet the farm I wouldn't see her like for decades, if ever.
But now comes Loreto Peralta playing Maggie in this touching, off-beat film from Mexico. This little girl is unforgettable and it makes me realize how much of a natural gift being a good film actor must be. The movie starts slow and doesn't seem very promising but as soon as Maggie appears, Eugenio Derbez and she make the movie a rare delight. He plays her at first reluctant father who is saddled with Maggie only because her mother can't cope with taking care of a baby. He goes to LA looking to return her to her mother and all becomes something of a fantasy that you nevertheless are not interested in having end.
This sounds rather simple and not very intriguing but the director and writers take this simple premise and create a little gem by adding some unconventional and charming elements that had me thinking this will surely be picked up for a Hollywood remake using name stars. Do yourself a favor and don't wait for that remake. This particular cast is quite good enough, and I refuse to believe they will be able to replace Ms Peralta adequately no matter which new young actress they find. Rent this and then give it a chance to grow on you.
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