‘Flamin’ Hot’ Review – Come For A Spicy Story But Stay For Its Contagious And Addictive Spirit

Synopsis: FLAMIN’ HOT is the inspiring true story of Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia) who as a Frito-Lay janitor disrupted the food industry by channeling his Mexican-American heritage to turn Flamin’ Hot Cheetos from a snack into an iconic global pop culture phenomenon.

When you take a look at America’s history, hell, just since the 60s, if you’re born black or brown, broader society tends to see you as lazy, unintelligent, a criminal, and a threat by default, even before you’ve done anything. It’s a despicable and dirty game because we oftentimes have to be exceptional in order to simply get a fair shake or be treated normally, while others have the luxury of being mediocre or unremarkable yet will still somehow end up being your boss. That said, we do have a few options. We can ignore all the noise, which is easier said than done depending on where you live, we can become the caricature they want us to be, or we can shit on all their preconceived notions and racial stereotypes and succeed despite the way the system wants to treat us. You have to find your strengths and advantages and exploit them to the best of your ability in a way that you’re comfortable with. Nowadays, the only thing that can truly stop you is yourself.

“We create our own destinies.”

There are good stories and there are great ones but then there are those that are so unbelievable, so inspirational, and so motivational that it changes your outlook on life and is a call to action in itself. This story is the latter. Directed by Eva Longoria in her feature directorial debut, Flamin’ Hot is a movie where you come for a spicy story but stay for its contagious and addictive spirit. This crowd-pleasing, energetic, and somewhat controversial rags-to-riches underdog story is tasty until the very end. However, it could be a bit spicier. I think it would’ve faired better as a full-blown drama. Instead, it’s rather lighthearted in its delivery, even while some of its content is rather dark and painful.

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that there is a possibility that per a LA Times and Frito-Lay investigation, the story is almost completely false while being hailed as a true story based on the book, A Boy, A Burrito and A Cookie: from Janitor to Executive by Richard Montañez who the film is based on. Regardless of whether Montañez’s claim to have innovated the Cheeto, which changed the snack industry forever, is false or not, one thing remains undoubtedly true, he worked his way from being a janitor to being an executive. That in itself is unfathomably impressive given the times and his lack of education. Now, it wouldn’t be the first time that a company stole or took credit for an employee’s idea. Unfortunately, the uncertainty of the truth does remove a layer of luster from the movie’s credence.

“There’s no me without you.”

This a hustler story meets a love story through and through. It’s one proud Latino man’s will and determination to prove his doubters wrong and do something meaningful with his life and make his family proud. On the other hand, this love isn’t simply the romantic variety. This is the supportive, encouraging, sacrificing, “I got your back, no matter what” type of love. This is a story for everyone that has been told that they’re not good enough. It’s a reminder that even when all the cards are stacked against you, there’s still hope. It doubles down on the point that you can do anything if you have the drive to do so and a little bit of help, especially with a strong support system that believes in you.

It’s inspirational, it’s relatable, and it’s one hundred percent entertaining. With Richard being unapologetically himself and the spark that ignites the flame and the strength of his wife Judy who holds it all together, these characters are easy to root for. Even while knowing how the story ends, from humble beginnings to an office with a nameplate on the door, Flamin’ Hot burns good. Grab a bag of the finger-staining snack with the chili slurry and enjoy the journey. This is a good first outing for Longoria. Its rewatchability is medium-high.

 

Pacing & Pop

From the second the film starts, it’s immediately full of life and vivacious energy. Never getting too hung up on the mundane details of the history of Frito-Lay, it instead sets us on a whirlwind path of ingenuity and hustle. What popped for me had to be the ultra-supportive relationship between Richard and his wife. Who doesn’t love a ride-or-die love story? It’s always enjoyable to see a family come together to support each other in their most difficult times.

 

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Jesse Garcia, Annie Gonzalez, Emilio Rivera, Dennis Haysbert, and Tony Shalhoub

While not all of the performances are strong, there are a few that make the movie worthwhile. Jesse Garcia and Annie Gonzalez deliver terrific performances as Richard and Judy Montañez, respectively. The chemistry, charisma, and energy that they bounce off of each other give the film life and vibrancy.

Flamin’Hot begins streaming on Hulu and Disney+ on June 9, 2023. Remain safe and show some initiative.

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 1h 39m

Director: Eva Longoria

Writers: Lewis Colick and Linda Yvette Chávez

Producer: DeVon Franklin

Director of Photography: Federico Cantini, ADF

Production Design: Brandon Mendez, Cabot McMullen

Costume Design: Elaine Montalvo Music: Marcelo Zarvos

Editors: Kayla M. Emter, Liza D. Espinas

Based up the book: “A Boy, A Burrito and A Cookie: from Janitor to Executive” by Richard Montañez and the Life Stories of Richard Montañez and Judy Montañez