Father There Is Only One (2019) Movie Review: A Heartwarming Spanish Family Comedy
Father There Is Only One (Padre No Hay Más Que Uno), directed by Santiago Segura and released in 2019, is a Spanish comedy that blends humor with heartfelt moments. The film explores family dynamics through a comedic lens, offering a delightful mix of laughs and life lessons.
Plot Overview
The film follows **Javier (played by Santiago Segura), a dedicated yet overworked father who finds himself struggling to balance his job and family responsibilities. His life takes a dramatic turn when his wife, **Marisa (played by Toni Acosta), goes away for a few days, leaving Javier in charge of the household.
Unaccustomed to managing the household and caring for the children on his own, Javier’s attempts to handle everyday family issues lead to a series of comedic mishaps. As he navigates the challenges of parenting, Javier’s journey becomes a humorous exploration of fatherhood and family life.
Santiago Segura’s Direction
Santiago Segura, who also stars in the film, brings his signature comedic style to Father There Is Only One. His direction combines slapstick humor with relatable family situations, creating a film that is both entertaining and heartwarming.
Segura’s approach ensures that the film’s comedy is grounded in genuine family experiences, making it relatable to a wide audience. His ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments adds depth to the story and enhances the film’s overall appeal.
Performances
The performances in Father There Is Only One contribute significantly to its charm:
- Santiago Segura as Javier: Segura delivers a comedic yet sincere portrayal of Javier, capturing both the frustrations and joys of fatherhood. His performance brings authenticity to the character, making Javier’s journey both humorous and endearing.
- Toni Acosta as Marisa: Acosta provides a strong supporting performance as Marisa, offering a counterbalance to Javier’s comedic misadventures. Her role highlights the challenges of managing family life and adds depth to the film’s exploration of family dynamics.
- The Child Actors: The child actors who play Javier and Marisa’s children bring energy and authenticity to their roles, contributing to the film’s humor and emotional resonance.
Themes and Impact
Father There Is Only One explores themes of family, responsibility, and the dynamics of modern parenthood. The film’s comedic approach to everyday challenges offers a light-hearted perspective on the trials and tribulations of family life.
The film’s impact lies in its ability to entertain while also addressing the realities of parenting. By highlighting the humorous side of family responsibilities, Father There Is Only One provides a relatable and enjoyable experience for viewers.
Reception and Legacy
Father There Is Only One was well-received for its humor and relatable portrayal of family life. The film’s success in Spain demonstrated the universal appeal of its themes and comedic approach. Santiago Segura’s direction and performance were particularly praised for their ability to create a film that is both funny and heartfelt.
The film’s appeal extends beyond Spanish-speaking audiences, offering a universal exploration of family dynamics and the joys and challenges of parenthood.
Streaming and Rental/Purchase Options
For those interested in watching Father There Is Only One, here are some options:
- Streaming Services: The film may be available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, depending on licensing agreements.
- Rental/Purchase: Father There Is Only One can also be rented or purchased on popular platforms like Amazon Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. Rental prices typically range from $2.99 to $4.99, while purchase prices range from $9.99 to $14.99, depending on the platform and video quality.
Conclusion
Father There Is Only One is a delightful family comedy that offers a humorous and heartfelt look at the challenges of modern parenthood. Directed by Santiago Segura and featuring strong performances from the cast, the film combines comedy with genuine family moments. Its relatable portrayal of family life makes it an enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages.
