Instructions Not Included

Instructions Not Included

movie

PG-13, 2013

WISE
52%

WISE Score

63

Avg. Tomatometer

Acapulco playboy becomes devoted single dad in this bilingual tearjerker that will absolutely wreck you by the end.

IMDb7.5
RT Critics63%
MC55
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing: Instructions Not Included has a 89% audience score and genuinely moved a lot of people. It's a well-made film about fatherhood and sacrifice with real emotional depth.

But let's be crystal clear—this is NOT the heartwarming family comedy the premise suggests. This is a full-on emotional devastation machine with a tragic ending involving a child's terminal illness and death. If you're thinking "oh, cute movie about a dad and daughter," NOPE. This will wreck you.

The playboy-to-devoted-dad arc is compelling, and the bilingual storytelling adds cultural richness. But the tonal whiplash from comedy to tragedy is intense, and younger viewers will be traumatized by the ending. Even for teens, you need to prep them that this is heavy.

It's enriching in the way that emotionally devastating films can be—it makes you think about mortality, parenting, and sacrifice. But it's also manipulative in its tearjerker mechanics. If you and your teen want to ugly-cry together and then have deep conversations about life and death, go for it. Just know what you're getting into.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13+ who can handle heavy emotional content and tragic themes. The devastating ending involving child death makes this completely inappropriate for younger kids, despite the father-daughter premise suggesting family viewing.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
68

The film centers on an immature playboy forced into fatherhood who grows into a devoted, loving parent—modeling personal growth and sacrifice. However, the premise involves a mother abandoning her child, and the protagonist's initial reluctance and party lifestyle create some tonal complications. The father-daughter relationship is genuinely tender and models devotion, but the setup and some adult themes keep this from being fully wholesome.

Imaginative
58

The fish-out-of-water premise (Acapulco playboy becomes single dad) offers some creative setup, and the bilingual storytelling adds cultural texture. However, this is largely a conventional dramedy following predictable beats—immature guy grows up through parenting. It doesn't invite creative expression or exploration, and the narrative structure is fairly standard for the genre.

Safe
42

Common Sense Media rates this 13+, and there are significant safety concerns: the protagonist's playboy lifestyle includes sexual content and partying in the opening; a mother abandons her infant daughter (potentially traumatic); and crucially, the film includes a devastating twist ending involving the child's terminal illness and death. This is NOT a lighthearted family comedy—it's an emotional gut-punch that would blindside younger viewers. The tonal shift from comedy to tragedy makes this unsafe for unexpected viewing.

Enriching
71

Strong ratings across platforms (7.5 IMDb, 89% RT audience, 3.7 Letterboxd) suggest genuine emotional resonance. The film explores themes of responsibility, unconditional love, sacrifice, and what it means to be a parent. The bilingual Mexican-American story offers cultural perspective. The emotional depth—particularly around mortality and parenting—provides meaningful material for discussion, though the entertainment is heavily weighted toward tearjerker territory rather than balanced enrichment.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Genuinely moving exploration of fatherhood, sacrifice, and unconditional love—the father-daughter relationship is tender and authentic
  • Bilingual Mexican-American story with cultural richness and humor (when it's being funny)
  • Strong audience ratings (89% RT, 7.5 IMDb) suggest real emotional impact for those ready for it
  • Models personal growth and taking responsibility, showing how parenthood can transform someone
  • Opens conversations about mortality, family, and what really matters in life
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What to Watch For

  • This is NOT a light family comedy—it's a devastating drama with a tragic ending involving a child's terminal illness and death
  • Opening scenes feature the protagonist's playboy lifestyle including sexual content and partying
  • Mother abandons her infant daughter at the beginning, which may be upsetting or confusing for younger viewers
  • Emotional manipulation is real here—bring tissues, this is designed to make you sob
  • Spanish/English bilingual throughout (which is great, but be aware)

Conversation Starters

  • "What do you think made Valentin change from being irresponsible to becoming such a devoted dad?"
  • "The movie shows how much parents sacrifice for their kids—what are some ways you've seen that in our family?"
  • "How would you feel if you found out someone you loved had been keeping a big secret to protect you?"
  • "What does the movie say about what makes someone a 'real' parent—is it biology or something else?"
Stills
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