Without Instructions, Mexico's Kramer vs. Kramer

Without Instructions is a Mexican version of Kramer vs. Kramer with a spicy twist.  Eugenio Derbez (Valentin) wears many sombreros as the Dir., Screenwriter, Prod. & star of this bi-lingual tear jerking, comedy.  He is totally beguiling as the commitment phobic gigalo who raises the infant girl abandoned  by an ex-lover, Julie, (Jessica Lindsey) whose $10 cab fare ruse turns adios. Knowing only from an old letter/photo she lived in L.A., he goes in futile pursuit, illegally across the border.  As in the Disney hit, 3 Men & a Baby, the baby girl, Maggie, (Loreto Peralta) wins Valentin's heart and nary shall they part.  The "Disneyland" environment he's raised her in has its drawbacks.  This never never land her is too saccharin like all the treats giving me a toothache.  Maggie worships her father for whom she acts as translator.  Although her heroic father does death defying feats as a stuntman, he was incapable of learning English after 7 years living in L.A.  Happily ever after does not last.  Julie after 7 years wants in on her daughter's life.  The movie turns into a hot tamale version of "Kramer vs. Kramer." However, it is not without charm; particularily the devotion between father & daughter.  But, the movie goes bust like an overstuffed piñata.  I'd prefer $10 for a cab ride home.