El mejor verano de mi vida

Troubled times for families have been always present, this movie explores them from a new perspective which comes particularly in sync as we are now struggling with one of the worst periods, if not THE Worst, on recorded human history... the coronavirus crisis.

A different but great family movie, totally recommended but do consider that due to its origins, Spain, it might be a little hard to enjoy for those who are not familiar with the Spanish ways and culture.

Good-tempered Curro : Leo Harlem, is a likable and friendly salesman of a big company and selling kitchen robots . He is married to Daniela : Toni Acosta, both of whom have a 9-year-old child named Nico : Alejandro Serrano . But their marriage is in crisis and on the edge of separation and subsequent divorce. Along the way and in middle of usual couple crisis , the unlucky Curro has an agreeable relationship with his kind son whom he makes promises that he cannot fulfill . Eventually Curro promises his son the best summer holidays , despite he hasn't cash to pay bills. Promises must be fulfilled !.

Fun and funny comedy with hilarious set-pieces, good feeling, nice interpretations, laughters, amusement and entertainment. It develops a sensitive and really charming relationship between the good-natured father and the gullible son. Stars Leo Harlem, a TV known actor and an ordinary Stand-Up player. This is a Harlem's authentic vehicle, as Leo is a total show, he steals the spectacle as the smooth-talker though unhappy salesman who at whatever cost wants to give the best and unforgettable holidays to his beloved son and he will stop at nothing to get it. A top-notch main cast as Leo Harlem, Toni Acosta and Maggie Civantos as Zoe, all of them delivering attractive performances . Being well accompanied by a good support cast, such as : Jordi Sanchez, Isabel Ordaz, Arturo Valls, Gracia Olayo, Silvia Abril, Berto Romero, among others.

It contains a sunny and colorful cinematography by Valentin Alvarez, shot on location in Madrid, Toledo and Marbella, Costa del Sol, Malaga. As well as catching and moving musical score by Zavarias de la Riva. Being well financed by three important producers of the Spanish cinema : Eduardo Campoy, Mercedes Gamero and Mikel Lejarza. The picture was splendidly 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 : 7.5/10. Better than average. This cool film will appeal to Spanish comedy enthusiasts and Leo Harlem fans.

Ignore the super negative review. This movie IS funny. I will admit that the subtitles are not so hot, but for Spanish speakers it is well worth seeing. When I saw it, everyone in the theater was laughing from start to finish, but then I watched it at the Tower Theatre in Pequeña Habana, Miami; everyone here speaks Spanish to some degree. Also there is no graphic violence or sex, so I can see how a lot of people would be disappointed.

It's not a masterpiece, of course, but it's a really funny movie. Leo Harlem is a stand-up comedian and you can feel it during his acting. The script is quite simple and predictable. However it's funny, you watch it and it makes you feel good. Recommended.

The title translates as 'The Best Summer of My Life' but this is easily 'The Worst Hour of Mine'... I say an hour as I couldn't manage to watch it to the end. The lead-actor, Leo Harlem is a very popular Spanish stand-up and he's good at it BUT an actor, he ain't! He reads every line like it's a punchline to a joke, every line is rushed. He's by no means the only one guilty of poor acting, it feels like the cast are reading their lines for the first time, no emotion, no feeling, no... acting! The plot is fine if unoriginal but the film falls flat at every turn. It could be slightly improved with subtitles or dubbed but in its original format, it's best avoided.