the audience applauded

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

This is a fairy Christmas tale narrated in sensitivity and intelligence and are treated ethic and moral issues developed in great sense of ductility and fairness . Maktub (an Arab word meaning : It was written) deals with Manolo (Diego Peretti who holds a strong Argetinean accent) suffers an acute crisis : the routine work is unbearable , his marriage to Beatrice (Aitana Sanchez-Gijon of The machinist) is on the brink of the abyss and relationships with their children are not good . As he suddenly sees a fat woman everywhere . One day , he meets Antonio (Andoni Hernandez) , a Canary boy at 15 years old with cancer, but with a desire to live as contagious Manolo's life is turned upside down radical . Antonio's mother (Goya Toledo of Mararia), Manolo's mother (Amparo Baro of Volver a Empezar) and her singular friend (Marivi Bilbao) , the neighbor of the family (Enrique Villen), a fun food deliveryman (Jorge Garcia of Lost), an extravagant nurse (Rosa Maria Sarda) and a host of characters, completely change the tedious life of Manolo . Enjoyable film plenty of good feeling , sense , deep sensibility as well as a well written script delving into the human psyche . It's an agreeable , quiet film , perfectly acted and concerning the narration about the relationship between a middle-age man and an ill boy and their family. Gentle , sympathetic Diego Peretti and the little boy Andoni Hernandez , give good performances , both of whom finally learn the meaning of the friendship and help each other . It is an endearing and intimate film , well directed and well acted by an all-star-cast , but perhaps fails a little the main protagonist whose optimism is as obvious that results to be excessive . Supporting cast is frankly excellent as Enrique Villen as a neighbor and including known actresses such as Aitana Sanchez Gijon , Goya Toledo and veteran players as Rosa Maria Sarda , Amparo Baro and recently deceased Marivi Bilbao . The film attempts to spread optimism about the events of life , with its amusing sides and dark areas . Not trying to be unrealistic and make everything as in a fairytale but giving way to mirth and humor . In addition , the film gives us a nice panorama about a middle-class family , its pity , goodness, sacrifice, work , companionship and various situations happen in its existence . Paco Arango tries to mix genres ranging from comedy to melodrama with some fantastic touches ; furthermore he takes parts from American films of the fifties, particularly those of Frank Capra plenty of emotional and family feeling in which solidarity triumphs and humor despite the blackness . Special mention to colorful and gorgeous cinematography , being filmed in Madrid by Carlos Suarez , one of the best Spanish cameraman , author of splendid photographs in notorious films such as The El Escorial Conspiracy , Dagon ,The End of a Mystery , The goalkeeper , Rowing with the wind and many others . Lively , jolly as well as emotive musical score by Nathan Wang . Rating : 6'5 ; This a good-feeling movie full of mirth , humor elements , and enjoyable message .