Casa Bonita's troubles and triumphs take shape on the big screen

• The original renovation budget: $6.5 million.

The intrigue: Only after they visited the restaurant did they realize the place was near-collapse and a verified death trap, according to the new documentary "¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!"

• The cost ballooned to over $40 million as construction crews essentially rebuilt the entertainment center from the studs.
• The delays spanned weeks — and the restaurant is just starting to accept reservations Monday.

What they're saying: "If we can't do this, I don't know who can," Parker says at one point in the film.

The big picture: The 90-minute movie, now showing in local theaters, offers a behind-the-scenes look at its history and restoration, warts and all.

• In following Parker's super-fandom for Casa Bonita, the documentary gains a deeper narrative that makes it genuine in addition to humorous.

Our thought bubble: The movie is worth seeing because it gives you a new appreciation for the place, whether you're a longtime fan or a first-timer.