INSTRUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED    3.3***

 

 

 

           In a world of big Hollywood  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 is already pretty huge in Mexico, this marks his first foray into directing . The simplicity of this movie is what makes it a gem that stands on its own.

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 of finding the baby's mother, but instead finds a new life as a successful stuntman and raises the adorable girl over the next six years. But when her mother returns it risks everything they have built together (shades of “Kramer vs Kramer”). This is one of those surprising films that really delivers way more than you may expect. Eugenio Derbez has crafted a great film with plenty of humor blended perfectly with a heart-warming touching story. The film is partly in Spanish (subtitles) 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.

 

The acting by Eugenio Derbez ( one of Mexico's biggest stars) is effortless. As for Loreto Peralta, who plays daughter Maggie, there are few words to describe her acting abilities She is a both a revelation and a prodigy. She will win you over from the get-go. I won’t say anything else about the movie other than it needs to be seen and experienced. I can guarantee you will leave the theater feeling good.

 

 

The simplicity of this movie is what makes it a gem that stands on its own.  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.

 

Clark