Der Fußball oder ich! Eine Ehe im Abseits

A romantic comedy (with a real emphasis in comedy more than the dramatic aspects, contrary to most of these, that end up being more dramedies than anything else).

The life of Pedro, addicted to football, starts to derail when his passion affects every his life, his work and his marriage. The parallels with drugs/alcohol is smartly maintained through it, and it helps to make the emotional conclusion of the story better.

It's a pretty much a "light" comedy (some may consider some parts offensive here and there), with laughs coming from simple jokes really well performed by the actors.

I just watched this flick on HBO cable. I think the average rating on this film by others is a little low. While the plot and comedy are somewhat predictable I suppose, I think the direction was pretty good. Several characters are well developed, most importantly the two main characters of the husband and wife. I think they ratcheted it up a notch in order to give the film a lift, as I think that they were very convincing in their roles as a married couple. And while many of the comedy routines in the film have been done before, there is original material that keeps the viewer interested. Compared to some of the Spanish language films out there, or rather films in any language for that matter, this one is decent, especially if you are a sports fan, as I think many could identify with the main character and his addiction to soccer.

Not bad. Football is one of the best things on life. Just, give an opportunity..

The jokes are fine and the movie presents lovable characters but I can't think in a worst guy to be the romantic hero of the movie. The character is a jerk all the movie and when you think is really gonna be a change in his attitude towards life he just don't care. The movie is bad because it contains all the wrong messages.

I'm aware this film isn't exactly a superb one, but I had to say I had a blast while watching it. The story is set in Buenos Aires, Argentina and it deals with Pedro (Adrián Suar) and his incorrigible passion for football (soccer). He is not even passionate about his own team, but for the sport in general. He is constantly watching games at all times, to the point it starts affecting his personal and even his professional life. His wife, Verónica (the precious Julieta Díaz) cannot tolerate his addiction as she sees it's becoming a problem, an obstacle for their marriage. Things take a turn for the worse as Pedro's life becomes entangled in woes. He has to seek treatment for his addiction to get his life back on track.

The film not only deals with his football addiction but it puts a strong emphasis on how affects his relationship with his wife, which is without a doubt the funniest interactions this movie has to offer. Adrián Suar and Julieta Díaz have a real strong chemistry and they know exactly how to convey it through the big screen. The film rarely abandons it comedic tone, it almost dodges the dramatic ones completely; because even husband and wife real arguments come off as hilarious dialogue.

Overall, I found myself laughing most of the time; Alfredo Casero puts on a terrific performance as Pedro's somewhat menacing sponsor who only wants what's good for him. I give this a solid 8, I know it's a simple rom-com but I had a really good time watching it, and that's what's important.