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Flamin’ Hot Feels Good

Photo by Emily Aragones. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.

It ain’t easy being cheesy, yet sentimentality shines in Flamin’ Hot. Based on a supposedly true story, it fans the embers of the smoldering myth of the American Dream. Something akin to the works of Horatio Alger about the poor rising to the top through nothing but hard work. And while the movie is occasionally heartwarming, Flamin’ Hot is mild at best.

The story centers on Richard Montañez. He’s a struggling fellow of Mexican descent. Hoping to do right by his growing family, he leaves a life of petty crime for work at the Frito Lay factory. During the economic downturn of the late 1980s, with layoffs looming, he conceives what will become the flamin’ hot flavoring for snack foods such as Cheetos. However, getting corporate higher ups interested soon proves more challenging than he expects.

Hunter Jones, Jesse Garcia and Brice Gonzalez in FLAMIN’ HOT. Photo by Emily Aragones. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.
Hunter Jones, Jesse Garcia and Brice Gonzalez in FLAMIN’ HOT. Photo by Emily Aragones. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.

Flamin’ Hot is a film about cultural pride, personal growth, and perseverance. Positive messages, though they can come across a tad saccharine at times. While it’s nice to see a movie suggesting anyone can overcome any obstacle with plucky determination, one shouldn’t view the movie during a period of peak cynicism.

That said, Jesse Garcia’s portrayal of Richard Montañez may be charming enough to melt any cynically chilled heart. He comes across as a likeable, gregarious individual, but the part allows for other emotions Garcia ably explores. He’s fiery when necessary, tearful when torn up inside, and vulnerable when feeling defeated. And having such a strong leading performance is necessary since Montañez is almost never not in Flamin’ Hot.

If he isn’t on screen for two seconds, voiceover narration keeps him around. Although such narration allows the film to breeze through certain setups, it also makes Flamin’ Hot do more telling than showing. In addition, with Montañez monopolizing the screen, other characters don’t get to share their stories much. Everyone becomes a steppingstone in his journey.

(From: L-R) Brice Gonzalez, Annie Gonzalez, Jesse Garcia and Hunter Jones in FLAMIN’ HOT. Photo by Emily Aragones. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.
(From: L-R) Brice Gonzalez, Annie Gonzalez, Jesse Garcia and Hunter Jones in FLAMIN’ HOT. Photo by Emily Aragones. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.

For instance, his wife Judy, played by Annie Gonzalez, is a steadfast supporter. She pushes him when necessary and comforts him during dark moments. However, her story is basically about being a devoted cog in the Montañez mechanism. Not really exploring her character just seems like a lost opportunity, especially since Annie Gonzalez comes across as quite capable of doing justice to a deeper role.

Still, the rest of the cast help bring in solid portrayals. From Dennis Haysbert to Tony Shalhoub and Matt Walsh, everyone fills their role perfectly. Whether an exasperated manager, CEO, or stoic mentor, they all help keep Flamin’ Hot alive, especially during comedic moments. Of which there are plenty enough that they are overall pleasing.

The film does a solid job of remaining lighthearted even when dealing with heavy topics. Being Mexican, Montañez has to deal with racism from a tragically early age, and that roadblock rears its ugly head throughout Flamin’ Hot. Since there isn’t really a tasteful way to lightheartedly deal with racism or childhood abuse, maintaining an upbeat tone after touching such a hot stove is interesting. Though some may cringe a tad at this look on the sunny side of life, maintaining positivity and getting back to that vibe is part of the film’s appeal.

Jesse Garcia and Dennis Haysbert in FLAMIN’ HOT. Photo by Anna Kooris. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.
Jesse Garcia and Dennis Haysbert in FLAMIN’ HOT. Photo by Anna Kooris. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2023 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.

Unfortunately, while such topics are never approached in a way that feels disrespectful, they don’t really result in much. For instance, Richard talks to his children and the audience about being proud of his Mexican heritage, but never really gets into what or why. It’s another lost opportunity where the film could’ve informed the audience by showing them the culture as opposed to simply stating pride is important.

The result is a film with one colossal character at its core surrounded by supportive satellites. Occasionally, it touches on serious topics, but tries not to dwell on them lest they bring the vibe down. All of which comes together in a predictable rags-to-riches narrative. Yet, Flamin’ Hot is a charming film thanks in no small part to Jesse Garcia and the cast around him.

Taking the reins of her first feature film, director Eva Langoria does a quality job. She’s cut her teeth directing television shows, and those experiences have translated well to the big screen so to speak. Langoria even employs some cinematic stylizations which keep Flamin’ Hot sizzling. Visually and tonally, this is a bright movie, a fact emphasized by vibrant colors throughout. It’s also nice to see the camera lingering now and again giving performers a chance to emote without words.

Screenwriters Lewis Colick and Linda Yvette Chávez follow the formula of bootstrap ascendency to a tee. The structure of the story could accommodate just about any character. Consequently, it’s nothing special. The unique selling point here is the supposed veracity of events which have been called into question. Back in 2021, the Los Angeles Times published an article poking holes in Richard Montañez’s claims.

Lewis Colick defended the film saying, “I think enough of the story is true. The heart and soul and spirit of the story is true.”

So, Flamin’ Hot joins a long list of movies that may not be one hundred percent accurate but use the urban legends of history to send a quality message. Eva Langoria steers an excellent cast through a lighthearted look at cultural pride, personal growth, and the power of perseverance. Flamin’ Hot is a charming film with some laughs, and while it can be cheesy only the lactose intolerant won’t stomach such sentimentality. It may not be an anytime snack, but those craving something upbeat will be satisfied.

Written by Jay Rohr

J. Rohr is a Chicago native with a taste for history and wandering the city at odd hours. In order to deal with the more corrosive aspects of everyday life he writes the blog www.honestyisnotcontagious.com and makes music in the band Beerfinger. His Twitter babble can be found @JackBlankHSH.

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