User reviews

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

I don't speak Spanish and I do not know any Hispanics, so I had my doubts before attending my first Hispanic movie. That said, I enjoyed the acting thoroughly, I enjoyed the plot and I enjoyed the directing. I am sure I've missed out on the subtleties and nuances, but that's OK, I'll probably go back and watch it again.

Both Derbez as Valentin and Paralta as Maggie ( the Hispanic relatives thought she was named after a "sauce" ) showed impressive histrionic and expensive emotional range to play in this genre, little was lost in translation thanks to the acting from these two.

I'd like to follow the career path of these two actors.

The first ten minutes of the movie with Derbez as the playboy was a bit cheesy, the rest of the movie made up for that.

Lindsey's role as Julie couldn't have been easy but she did a credible job as the cold-hearted ice-lady. Her "boy friend" ( Maggie: She's your boyfriend? :D ), Renee was cut from the same clothe, pretty callous.

Then the bonding grew between Valentine and Maggie, they are the brilliant sunshine that preceded and hid the brewing storm cloud. I don't want to give away too much of the plot.

Go see the movie, you might enjoy it as much as I did.

Bravo, da capo!

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 .

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.

I Loved this movie. Our whole family went to view this film and we all absolutely loved it! Great job of properly blending Mexican culture and issues into the movie. Not a lot of film makers have been able to pull that off. The translation was a bit off but that is probably because it's hard to translate a joke that is meant to be said in Spanish and makes no sense in English. I loved this movie just enough comedy drama and action for my taste! There was not a dry eye in the theater. Great acting, great plot and great presentation. I cannot say enough about this film it is a must watch and is now one of my favorite movies. I might just have to drag the hubby to watch it again.

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.

"10 dollars for a cab could be the best investment of your life."

Is this film cheesy? Yes! Is it manipulative? Yes! Is it generic? Yes! But there is something about Instructions Not Included that captures the audience's heart and engages them. The film suffers from a rather weak and clichéd opening, but as the story progresses there are truly remarkable moments with some interesting twists along the way that may surprise you. We've seen this premise before in films like Game Plan where a playboy who is afraid of commitment gets his world rocked when he is left in charge of a child he didn't know existed. But this film takes some clever turns transforming this into an above average dramedy that manages to touch your heart. The main themes of the film get across nicely. We are reminded that sometimes life can present challenges in our life that we may not be ready for, but they end up pushing us and we are forced to face our greatest fears for the sake of those we love. There are things we simply can't prepare for and we must learn to deal with those blows. These themes at times might feel a bit overloaded and at times the movie falls into melodramatic territory, but the chemistry between Derbez and Peralta elevate this film. The manipulative and over sentimental moments are eased through comedic relief. This is Eugenio Derbez's feature debut as a director and he delivers a touching family friendly film. He is one of the best known comedians in Latin America for his TV sketches (La Familia P. Luche), and at times the film feels like one. Some of the sketches work really well and others just don't belong here. That is what ultimately hurts the film as a whole, but the sketches are held together by the chemistry between the two leads. Derbez also is great with his play on words, and unfortunately a lot of those elements are lost in the translation, but Spanish speaking audiences will appreciate those moments more.

Valentin (Eugenio Derbez) has always been afraid of mostly everything in life, ranging from small things such as spiders and heights to big things such as commitment. He seems to be living a pretty comfortable life as Acapulco's playboy, but his life takes an unexpected turn when one of his casual encounters comes knocking at his door a couple of years later. Julie (Jessica Lindsey), a former fling he barely remembers, introduces Valentin to his baby daughter and asks him to hold the baby while she returns to pay the cab. Julie never returns, and Valentin is left clueless as to how to care for the baby. Remembering she is from Los Angeles he makes the trip hoping to find her there and return the baby, but as expected he never finds her. Valentin spends the next six years raising his daughter Maggie (Loreto Peralta) in Los Angeles after landing a job as a Hollywood stunt men thanks to a casual encounter with film producer Frank Ryan (Daniel Raymont) who sees how Valentin leaps from the 8th floor of a hotel suit to save his baby from drowning in a pool. Maggie shakes Valentin's world as she becomes the center of his life as he completely spoils her and tells her stories about her mother's heroics across the globe saving the planet. But Valentin is faced with yet another challenge when out of nowhere Julie shows up to meet her daughter now that she feels ready to be a part of her life.

The first 15 minutes of the film feel completely formulaic and clichéd. You expect to know where the movie is heading, and perhaps you might, but there are some interesting twists and shifts of tone that take place that raise the bar for an otherwise below average film. Derbez and Peralta's father and daughter relationship lifts this film thanks to their excellent chemistry. Peralta is a small force and has an on screen charisma and likability, she plays off Eugenio Derbez extremely well. As I mentioned before, the film feels more like a bunch of sketches put together rather than a complete movie, and that is what brings the film down at times. Some of the characters that are introduced during these moments are underdeveloped and we could have been better off without them since the film feels overlong at times. The scenes with the neighbor, played by Karla Souza (from Nosotros los Nobles) don't work at all since the "plumbing" jokes are old and something we have seen before in his TV sketches. The same could be said for Sammy Perez who has worked with Derbez in TV before and is playing the same character. Fans of Derbez might enjoy these small touches, but for international audiences this could have been left out. This is a sweet charming film with a lot of heart that makes for an entertaining viewing with the family. It has many flaws, but at the end I felt it was rather effective. If you don't like being emotionally manipulated than you might not want to see this, but otherwise I would definitely recommend Instructions Not Included (No Se Aceptan Devoluciones).

The truth of Eugenio Derbez not know what to expect . Honestly its genre is comedy , this little experiment I perform a drama not bad but obviously you stay was not his best work.

Let's start from the beginning the review . This would be the idea of the film. This story had been previously made ​​in the tape " Big Daddy " performed by actor Adam Sanders , which incidentally mentioned numerous times in the Derbez tape , not to mention other titles in other countries like the UK and Mexico in previous years.

The script has a good intention drama with both ups and downs in the narrative , but when trying to put him touches of comedy lost the punch necessary to give solidity to it.

What most shoulder me attention outside the script and the performances was the lousy sound work that was performed on it. Throughout the film noticeable audio glitches , slamming doors where they will not or sounds that do not conform to the material the object is made heard.

I am not a critic of professional film but I'm a movie buff and student career Animation , which I am getting the necessary education on all important points to keep any visual production, whether filmmaking , for series or film. And the movie is not really bad as it is , only shows the low interest from Mexican producers and the public about the films made in Mexico .

I give it a 5 rating because it was not a disaster tape as I mentioned earlier but could have been better for the prospects of her.

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!!!!

This movie was hilarious if you understand all the puns and references made to other Hispanic sayings, people and movies. Eugenio Derbez took this opportunity to make a touching movie. It was nice hearing the whole theatre room laugh along with you. Some parts are funny and some parts are really sad. I cried! The beginning of the movie might be inappropriate for young children but it's fine. I would watch it again. I am also going to purchase the movie. Eugenio Derbez is very very popular in the hispanic community, you have no idea the talent he has! Go out now and see this movie in the theaters! The CGI and special effects (that are rare) may be obvious but I don't mind, the movie overall was hilarious!

'INSTRUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Blockbuster Mexican comedy-drama film about a playboy living in Acapulco who becomes a single father to a young girl, when her mother abandons her at his door one day. Drama develops when the mother returns six years later wanting to rejoin her daughter's life. The film was directed by, co-written and stars Eugenio Derbez. Derbez is a popular Mexican television actor making his feature film directorial and writing debut. The film has become the highest grossing Spanish-language movie in the United States and the highest-grossing Mexican film of all time as well. I found it to be funny and somewhat emotional and am especially impressed by Derbez (in all his film duties).

Derbez plays Valentín, a playboy living in Acapulco who had a very adventurous childhood; as his father (Hugo Stiglitz) put him in all kinds of dangerous situations in order to teach him to overcome his fears. Now he's become a self absorbed man child but that all changes when a woman from his past, Julie (Jessica Lindsey), shows up at his door telling him he's the father of her baby. After asking for some cash to pay her cab driver she takes off, leaving the baby with Derbez (who must then take care of it on his own). Valentin moves with the child to America and get's a job as a successful stuntman. The reluctant father soon finds happiness with his daughter (Loreto Peralta) until her mother shows back up six years later.

Derbez is a really good comic actor; he has a ton of enthusiasm, energy and character. He also is a good director (the movie looks beautiful) and clever writer. He's almost entirely the reason this movie really works (and was such a success at the box office). The other actors are all decent but the story and comedic scenarios are nothing we haven't seen before. Derbez really shines though; he should become a big star in Mexico and the U.S. (after this)!

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From P.R. We liked a lot. Maggie will be one of the best actress in the future, i never cry in a movie since I'M SAM and now this one break my heart Excellent movie. A good amount of comedy, drama and ... expect the unexpected. Very smooth use of English-Spanish. Our Hispanic people will like it and appreciate it more, because is Funny, tender, sweet, sad and a powerful, yet lighthearted, film about the sacrifice and love of a parent and child. The twist at the end lifts an above average drama into a brilliantly-written family. "Instructions Not Included" is a sweet little movie that is more than it seems to be. I fully recommended this movie.

Lead actor is good and so is the daughter. There are a few scenes where the chemistry is awkward but for the most part they are a good match. The limited CGI is just OK as the movie doesn't really require it. There is a twist to the story and you won't find this out til much later in the film which leads to the ending. It is touching and surprising.

The low rating is actually for the premise of how the mother left the kid. The mother, in short, is a whore. She used the father, she used and abandon the kid, she betrayed everything the father and daughter had by taking them to court and making them both look like criminals. The only problem is that the movie does not depict her in any "bad" fashion and I think this does the film little credit. At least some sort of explanation should have been made. But even if there was, what she did throughout the movie was despicable. At least at the end she "had" to let go of her hate and enjoy the time. To me, this does not make up for what she had done throughout the movie.

Whore is much too nice of a word for the mother. I highly recommend viewers consider this aspect of the story as the movie does not do it justice.

"Instructions not Included" is a Comedy - Drama movie in which we watch a man finding out he has a daughter when she was left on his doorstep. Some years later her mother resurfaces and they all have to find the balance.

I liked this movie because despite its simple plot it was interesting and it contained many beautiful scenes that combined comedy with drama. The direction which was made by Eugenio Derbez was very good and he presented both his main characters and the plot in a very good way and without creating any confusion. The interpretation of Eugenio Derbez who played as Valentín was very good and he did an amazing job in both direction and his interpretation. Finally, I have to say that "Instructions not Included" is a nice comedy movie and I recommend you to watch it because I am sure that you will laugh and you will have a great time.

I was going to be politically correct and leave 8 out of 10 stars for this but then again could not think of the flaws that would justify the missing 2 stars so I threw in another. The last one is always reserved for technicalities, photography, sound, music, etc. An excellent example of how a simple movie can be so powerful. What could be more important than a parent/child relationship? I specially felt the plot as a father who was separated from an only child at a very early age. Great performance by Eugenio Derbez (Valentin), Jessica Lindsey (Julie) and Loreto Peralta (Maggie). I can't remember the last time I cracked up so much not having enough time to discreetly wipe my tears. That look in Julie's face when she encounters Maggie is worth seeing this alone; a moment which can not be easily replicated. Highly recommended.

This movie is a not so funny comedy that tries hard to be sweet and touching using already seen and cheesy expedients. It's full of cliché, the plot is totally unlikely and unrealistic most of the time in a way that it's annoying even if it's a comedy, the production quality is of series B. It's all about making you think "awww, what a sweet child" and "awww, what a lovely father".

If you like this kind of movies (nothing bad about it) and you are in that mood, you may even like it. But absolutely don't believe 10/10 reviews. It's just a light cheesy movie as many others. Anyone in his/her mind with a little of good taste would recognize that this is far from being a cinematic masterpiece ^.^"