Instructions Not Included
Instructions Not Included

Movie spotlight

Instructions Not Included

2013
Movie
122 min
Spanish

Valentin is Acapulco's resident playboy, until a former fling leaves a baby on his doorstep and him heading with her out of Mexico.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes84%
Metacritic55/100
Google Users85%
Director: Eugenio DerbezGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A charming playboy named Valentin lives a carefree life in Acapulco until an old flame leaves him with a baby daughter, Maggie, on his doorstep. Valentin travels to Los Angeles to find the mother, but ends up staying and raising Maggie himself, developing a deep bond with her over six years. Their life takes an unexpected turn when the mother reappears, seeking to reclaim Maggie.

Critical Reception

Instructions Not Included was a surprise box office hit, particularly in the United States and Latin America. While critics were divided, many praised its emotional depth, humor, and the performances of its lead actors, especially Derbez and Peralta. Audiences embraced the film's blend of comedy and heartfelt drama, resonating with its themes of fatherhood and unexpected responsibility.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its heartwarming story and the chemistry between the lead actors.

  • Appreciated for successfully balancing humor with poignant emotional moments.

  • Some critics found the plot predictable or overly sentimental.

Google audience: Audiences generally loved the film's emotional impact and humor, with many finding the father-daughter relationship incredibly touching. The film's ability to make viewers laugh and cry was frequently highlighted as a major strength.

Fun Fact

The film was originally intended to be a short film, but Eugenio Derbez expanded it into a feature due to the positive feedback he received on the initial concept.

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