You Keep the Kids

source: You Keep the Kids

The day that Flora and Victor decide to get divorced, the job opportunity that they have been dreaming all their lives appears to each of them. Now there is only one problem: The custody of the 3 children (Alexia, Sara and Juan). From this moment war is declared. The children will have to decide who they stay with. Both parents will do everything possible NOT to get custody of their children. This is an irreverent comedy with acid and controversial humor, presenting awkward and humorous situations, as well as inappropriate and very funny behaviors. Smiles and laughter are guaranteed. Have a good time.

This likable and nice movie follows the separating couple formed by Flora (Miren Ibarguren) and Victor (Paco León) who launch a bitter battle to not keep custody of their three children. It results to be an acceptable remake of French film "Papa ou Maman" (2015) by Martin Bourboulon with Laurent Lafitte and Marina Foïs . Mom or Dad is a "War of Roses" style film, which is summed up in a few words on the poster: "They are getting divorced. They will do everything possible not to have custody of the children ». Florence and Vincent they have better things to do than take care of their offspring, as each has earned a handsome promotion at their job, which will send them abroad for several months : Africa and Russia The divorce that had begun amicably turns into pugilism as each tries to convince children to go live with the other. To do this, everything is allowed: intimidation, humiliation, lies , fights and emotional blackmail. Fun and funny comedy with hilarious set-pieces, good feeling, nice interpretations, laughters, amusement and entertainment. It develops a sensitive and really charming relationships between the good-natured parents and children , but then things go wrong . Stars Paco León and Miren Ibarguren , two known TV/cinema actors and ordinary Stand-Up players . This is Ibarguren/León authentic vehicle , they're total show, they steal the spectacle as a marriage who at whatever cost want to get their purports and they will stop at nothing to get it. A top-notch main cast as Paco León and Miren Ibarguren being finely accompanied by sympathetic secondary actors , such as : Sofía Oria , Laura Quirós , Eva Ugarte, Miquel Fernández , Berto Romero , Ester Expósito , Julián Villagrán and veteran Pedro Casablanc, all of them delivering attractive performances .If the movie still tries to stay within the confines of family comedy, the line is sometimes close to being transgressed, especially in the way unworthy parents treat their children in order to get rid of them . But this tendency, however not fully embraced, changing towards political incorrectness which gives the film all its unusual scent . Based mostly on an attractive idea and with declining odd scenarios , "mom or dad" makes good use of the peculiar parent-child relationship, with his overwhelmed adults behaving like dirty , naughty children. The uncomfortable situations multiply and the children quickly become the turkeys of the farce of this children's "war". The result goes against the conventions of family comedy, in which we are more used to seeing children play adults. So we end up with some original and rather sadistic scenes, like the one in which Miren Ibarguren is embedded in a party to embarrass her daughter along with boyfriend. There is in the film an apparent desire to stand out from the group coming from Spanish comedy, which is reflected in particular in a constant search for originality in the dialogues, at the risk of destabilizing and not always reaching its goal. Systematic change sometimes leads to some scenes dragging their feet on the rug, but the overall dynamism and desire to get it right gives the film a real likability, which is probably its greatest asset. It contains a glimmer and colorful cinematography by Zacarías M. De la Riva and Alfred Tapscott. As well as catching and moving musical score by Sergi Gallardo . Being well financed by three important producers of the Spanish cinema : Eduardo Campoy, Mercedes Gamero and Mario Pedraza. The picture was well directed by Dani de la Orden. He is a good craftsman who has directed a few fine films, such as : "Mama o Papa" , "Hasta que la boda nos separe" , "Barcelona noche de invierno" and the successful "El Pregon" also starred by Berto Romero . And some episodes of TV series as "Elite" and "Boca Norte". Rating : 6.5/10. Better than average. This cool film will appeal to Spanish comedy enthusiasts and Miren Ibarguren/Paco León fans.

Good movie!