Si yo fuera rico

Based on the bland French comedy "Ah! Si j'étais riche" (Gérard Bitton, Michel Munz, 2002), this Spanish version is even more bland. Not only because the protagonist, Álex García, fails to build a character that connects with the viewer, but also because the adaptation suffers from a lack of interest, from a laziness that starts from the scriptwriters and is transmitted to the director.

Comedies about sudden wealth often thrive on outrageous situations, misunderstandings, and lighthearted fun, and Si yo fuera rico follows this formula effectively.

The film works thanks to a charismatic lead and a cast that embraces the story's playful tone. While the plot leans on predictable twists and familiar clichés, it still delivers laughs through its exaggerated antics. Beyond the comedy, there are also genuine emotional moments, adding a layer of warmth to the story.

It doesn't reinvent the genre or aim to be anything more than a simple, entertaining ride with good pacing and an easygoing charm. Though not the most original film, its balance of humor and sentiment ensures it remains enjoyable.

Comical as well as romantic comedy is loaded with irony , humor with tongue-in-cheek , jokes and fun . Set in Gijón, Principado of Asturias (northern Spain), one day , a young man called Santi (Alex Garcia) whose wife Maite (Alejandra Jimenez) is filing to divorce . As Maite blames her husband Santi for lacking ambition and contemplates divorce. Nowadays , he lives in his van waiting for a job that never comes, and spends his days with his best friends (Adrian Lastra, Franky Martin) . Then , Santi wins 25 million EUR in the lotto and about to tell his wife , but on the verge of a divorce , he discovers she's sleeping with his new boss (Diego Martin) , hiding her to prevent sharing the half of the prize . As Santi leads a double life, spending his money in secret, and he works as a handy man in the supermarket of his former classmate Mario (Danny Martin) and Maite's new lover . Meanwhile , he attempts to break the love affair his wife has with his boss . Along the way , things have turned more and more sour among them .

Spanish comedy filled with laughs , fun , bemusing situations and ordinary actors , dealing with a simple tale in which a man wins the 25-million-euro lotto prize, but, unwilling to share the bonanza, he keeps hidden about it , especially after he finds out that his wife has had a romance with his boss . Relating the peculiar adventures of this new rich man in a very amusing and interesting way. On the other hand, this story besides being attractive and original , proves that if sometimes money can't bring you happiness , other times it can . A slightly funny film with entertaining incidents , silly messes and a charming but twisted love story . A good Spanish romantic comedy with attractive incidents and to have comical scenes taken from the most common situations. And this movie fits perfectly in that kind typical Spanish comedy of the 2000s . It's funny enough from start to finish , though it has some uneven , disappointing and embarrassing scenes . The pleasure is not in predicting the twists and turns , but in delighting in what two consummate artistes : Alex Garcia , Alejandra Jimenez , bring to those sometimes hackneyed situations . As when you watch it, you are on a well-known ground : convenient or predictable situations , and nice enough comical set pieces , adequate acting , but that's all and adding a plot twist at the end.

The acting is also fine , especially from the main actors. Sympathetic performances from Alex Garcia as a down-on-his-luck 30-something who was fired a year ago from his factory job , then he wins the lottery and instead of telling her and sharing the money, he keeps the news hidden , as well as Alexandra Jimenez as the good-tempered and nice wife . Other good-natured actors appearing are the following ones : Adrián Lastra as Marcos who's happily-married to the beautiful Paula Echevarria and father-of-two- children , Franky Martin as the burly gas-station worker who lives with his mum and dreams of being a ladies' man , Diego Martin as the former friend and new boss , as well as two illustrous veterans : Antonio Resines and Isabel Ordaz as parents . However , there's nothing new in this story because of it turns out a simple remake , moreover this is a new variation of the millionaire in spite of himself reveals something . As the picture results to be a remake of the French comedy "Ah! Si j'étais riche" (2002) written and directed by Gérard Bitton with Jean-Pierre Darroussin , Valeria Bruni Tedeschi , Richard Berry , François Morel . In addition, cinematography by Aitor Matxola is luxurious as well as colorful , shot on location , Gijon , Asturias . Likewise , atmospheric and lively musical score by Vanessa Garde . Being skillfully proceeded by director Álvaro Fernández Armero and turned out to one of the most box office movies of 2019 and certainly one of the most amusing . This director Alvaro Armero was born in 1969 in Madrid, location where he often shoots his flicks . He is a good director and writer, expert on comedies and especially known for ¨Todo es Mentira¨ (1994), ¨Salir Pitando¨ , ¨El Juego De Verdad¨ , ¨Nada en la Nevera¨ and ¨Brujas¨ , though also shot a successful slasher titled ¨El Arte De Morir¨. Rating : Acceptable and passable : 6/10 . The picture will appeal to Spanish comedy enthusiasts .