'Without instructions': A correct remake of the successful comedy by Eugenio Derbez that strikes a chord

The trend of taking advantage of foreign hits with national remakes continues to be the order of the day in Spanish comedy, especially this Christmas of 2024. The trend, which has brought so much joy to directors like Santiago Segura, already offered us films like ' To the other neighborhood' or 'Who's who?', readaptations of successful French titles. But the year is going to close with one more, this time with Paco León, Silvia Alonso and director Marina Seresesky adapting, with a film titled 'Without instructions', the Mexican film 'No returns accepted', the great success of Eugenio Derbez from 2013.

To remember, this title directed and starring Derbez became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film in United States history with 44 million dollars, snatching the record from 'Pan's Labyrinth'. Added to the 46 million it earned in Mexico, its global box office surpassed the 100 barrier, a milestone for a film conceived as a small comedy with dramatic overtones. Although it was no wonder, because the title was excellent.

In Spain he did not suffer the same fate. He closed his commercial career with just over €300,000 after a premiere that was unseen. However, this has become a golden opportunity for a remake like 'Without Instructions', which can make Spanish viewers discover this story with a film that, Despite being a safe copy, it retains a good dose of humor, feeling and surprises.

The history has remained intact. A womanizing and carefree man who, in a turn of events, finds himself in charge of a daughter from a one-night relationship.. What begins as an odyssey ends up transforming his entire life, creating a very special relationship with the little girl that will make him see the world with different eyes. But the complications soon return.

The proposal moves between the fun of its entanglements and the tenderness emanating from its protagonists, having paternal sentimentality and childish innocence as the main assets to conquer the public and move it between laughter and drama. From its previews, it may seem that the comic adventures lead the footage, but it is the emotional side that takes over the show, with moments that break all expectations and make you finish the screening overwhelmed and on the verge of tears. Of course, without reaching the level of the original film.

The narrative is much flatter, the gags do not have the same originality and the emotional moments do not breathe the same naturalness. For those who did not enjoy the 2013 title it will not be a problem, but comparisons will be inevitable for those who fell in love with Derbez's film. Luckily, 'No Instructions' also has details that give it its own personality and that will also make viewing enjoyable for viewers who have already experienced this story.

Paco León makes the difference

The most striking is found in Paco León, who completely avoids any imitation of Derbez's character. He takes the role to his field with his particular comedic approach, and, apart from making a difference, achieves greater complicity with the Spanish publicwhich I think is where the greatest strength of this remake is. On the other hand, the same cannot be said for the rest of the cast. Not because of the interpretive work, but because the script leaves the secondary characters very aside, their presence does not stand out and the impression is that of seeing a wasted opportunity to create new plots that innovate on the Mexican proposal.

In short, it is a remake that is limited to being simply correct, that has chosen to emulate the virtues of the original film without complicating life. Of course, the loss of magic is evident, but the emotional strength and good sense of comedy is still present. In this way, added to its strong family component, it manages to establish itself as a perfect movie to enjoy in theaters this Christmas.