About two weeks have passed since I watched this movie, so I don't remember every detail of it perfectly anymore. But what I do remember is that I did enjoy watching it.
Luckily, I didn't read the plot synopsis on IMDb before watching it, because it sure looks boring and overcooked: Careless bachelor is tracked down by the daughter he never knew he had; they slowly start bonding while facing all kinds of obstacles... yaaaawn!
But quite on the contrary, this movie struck me as a fresh and playful drama with lots of funny moments (that for the most part didn't derive from the "oh-so-funny" plot-element of father and daughter trying to work it out despite not knowing anything about each other, which in turn results in awkward situations etc.). The cast was very good. I especially liked the stoic male main character and one of the supporting characters who was eating stuff in every scene he was in. There are also quite a few little plot twists that are believable and serve the story line well.
Overall, it's a very likable movie with the message that it's never too late to change your path in life, even though it may seem painful. Interestingly enough, that message is not only delivered through the father-daughter-main-plot, but also through sub-plots. And it's delivered in a non-hysterical, non-preachy way, which is a big plus in my book!
Isabella is definitely not a masterpiece, but it's the kind of movie I would like to see more; especially in times when the money that is being spent on any given super-hero movie would be enough to make literally a hundred movies that are relevant to people's lives, actually make a point and give just a little food for thought (not demonizing blockbusters here; just saying the balance is off).
