A charming comedy from Mexico, Instructions Not Included is
a fable wrapped in a sitcom with an awful lot of heart (and a little raunchy).
This PG-13 rated comedy I think appeals to all – perhaps at times it tries a
little too hard but I had a smile on my face the whole time. Staring and
directed by Eugenio Derbez, Instructions Not Included is the story of an
Acapulco playboy Valentine (Derbez). Conditioned by his father to be brave from
a young age, he’s lead the life of a player – bedding beautiful women every
night of the week – sometimes two at once. Eventually this life catches up with
him, he’s bored and then Julie (Jessica Lindsey) drops off little Maggie, his “daughter”.
It takes a village but Valentine has not time for that – he finds
a photograph of Julie taken in LA and sets off to return Maggie to her. When
Maggie edges too close to a pool Valentine jumps in to save her, luckily in
front of a Hollywood producer, Frank Ryan (Daniel Raymont) and he’s quickly
offered a job as a stuntman. Eight years passes and Maggie has grown into an extraordinary
bi-lingual young lady, played by Loreto Peralta in a star-making role. A
wonderful, tender portrait of this little family, we see the sacrifices
Valentine makes for Maggie including jumping from 13 stories to save face (in a
messy translation/negotiation situation). Julie ultimately comes back into the
picture, now a successful lawyer in New York City, in a domestic partnership
with Renee (Alessandra Rosaldo). The film touches upon multiple issues
including the US-Mexico border (although this film makes it easier to cross
than the US-Canada border - - it speeds past realism) and same sex parents who
are accepted even if Julie isn’t from the get go the most likable.
The film progress beyond what you think it is, deeper if not
emotionally manipulative like a fable. From the title sequence you know what
you are getting. The direction is high energy, employing a lot of tricks I’ve
seen used in Bollywood (more than Hollywood) but the film is delightfully
upbeat and spirited throughout, given what we know once all the clues come
together. Effective and likable, it’s no wonder this movie has been a big box
office hit – cracking the top 5 on less than 400 screens, it’s expanded to
Regal Elmwood (it was number 3 last weekend). Worth seeking out if you’re in
the mood for an entertaining, light sitcom and aren’t afraid of subtitles.
Screening: Regal Elmwood
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