The Movie Based On The Most Popular Snack Is Now #1 On Streaming
While Eva Longoria is known best for her on-screen performances in movies like Hard Times and popular shows like Desperate Housewives, she recently made her feature directorial debut with Flamin Hot. The film debuted on Hulu on June 9th and has managed to swiftly climb the charts. According to Flix Patrol, it’s now the #1 movie on the streaming platform.
Eva Longoria’s directorial debut, Flamin Hot, is the top movie on Hulu.
Flamin Hot vividly portrays the extraordinary true story of Richard Montañez, a janitor at the Frito-Lay plant who went on to revolutionize the snack industry. The film takes audiences on a captivating journey through Montañez’s humble beginnings and his audacious creation of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
It delves into the struggles he faces as a Mexican-American immigrant and the determination that led him to pitch his spicy snack idea to the top executives at Frito-Lay.
The film boasts a talented cast that brings Richard Montañez’s story to life on screen. Jesse Garcia leads the pack, delivering a compelling performance as the determined and ambitious Montañez, skillfully capturing the essence of his journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary triumph.
Alongside Garcia, the supporting cast includes Annie Gonzalez, who portrays Montañez’s supportive and loving wife, Judy, while Vaness Martinez brings depth to the role of Montañez’s mother, Concha, and Emilio Rivera adds authenticity as his father, Vacho.
Flamin’ Hot includes the real Richard Montanez in a cameo appearance.
In a fun moment during the film, the real Richard and Judy Montañez make a brief appearance during a montage featuring the distribution of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Stars Jesse Garcia and Annie Gonzalez encounter the real couple in a park while they approach a man in a navy-blue plaid shirt and a blonde woman wearing a white sleeveless blouse, who are part of a family picnic gathering.
The interaction unfolds as Garcia’s Richard excitedly introduces the new creation, while the real Richard expresses surprise and Gonzalez’s Judy anticipates the enjoyment the snack will bring to their kids, leaving the real Judy thankful and touched by the gesture.
Eva Longoria stepped behind the camera in the role of director for Flamin Hot, displaying her talent for capturing emotional depth and cultural nuances. Although her previous directing experience primarily consisted of short films and television episodes, it equipped her with the necessary skills to breathe life into this heartfelt narrative.
Longoria’s personal background as a Mexican American, coupled with her vocal advocacy for representation in Hollywood, makes her a perfect match for the film, enhancing its resonance and authenticity.
The True Story Behind Flamin Hot
The screenplay for Flamin Hot, co-written by Lewis Colick and Linda Yvette Chávez, draws from Richard Montañez’s inspiring memoir, A Boy, A Burrito and a Cookie: From Janitor to Executive.
Montañez’s remarkable journey from a low-income neighborhood to becoming an influential figure in the business world serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and chasing one’s dreams. Fueled by his Mexican heritage and a fiery vision, Montañez’s creation of the Flamin Hot Cheetos recipe became a catalyst for his mission to achieve remarkable success.
Although the film is undoubtedly inspirational, Frito Lay has stated Flamin Hot is more of a work of fiction, as Richard Montañez was not involved in the creation of the Flamin’ Hot brand.
An article in the LA Times reveals that a team of snack food professionals, led by a junior employee named Lynee Greenfield, developed the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in Frito-Lay’s corporate offices in Plano, Texas. In other words, the film contradicts the documented history of the snack’s creation.
Despite any discrepancies in its accuracy, the film was a hit with both critics and audiences alike. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Flamin Hot achieved a commendable 67 percent score from critics based on 123 reviews. However, the film’s strong connection with viewers truly shone through, as it achieved an impressive audience score of 90 percent.
Flamin Hot took a unique distribution path, bypassing a traditional theatrical run but made its world premiere at South by Southwest on March 11, 2023. Instead of hitting the big screen, the film made its debut on Hulu, where it has experienced tremendous success since its arrival last month.
