This review was made possible by an advanced screening of Flamin’ Hot. Flamin’ Hot releases on Hulu on June 9, 2023.
These days in grocery stores, it feels like everything is getting the “Flamin’ Hot” treatment— you know, a chip, it has likely been flamed… even Mountain Dew got in on the action. Did anyone expect a major motion picture to get the same treatment? The directorial debut of popular actress Eva Longoria comes in the form of Flamin’ Hot. The biopic follows Richard Montañez, the alleged pioneer behind the popular snack food brand, and how he climbed the ladder in pursuit of giving his family the life they deserve— not the one they’d been handed.
A ‘Flamin’ Hot’ Origin Story
Richard Montañez was a guy just down on his luck, trying to go straight after years of falling in with the wrong crowd and become a man that his family can be proud of. What seems like a menial janitor job at the local Frito-Lay factory, opens a door that Richard never could’ve imagined. In an effort to save his factory, he looks to his community— to what an underrepresented consumer wants— and concocts a scheme not just to save his job, but to set his family for life.
Perhaps where it’s at its weakest is its story, rather, the predictability of it. The underdog story is one that’s been told time and time again, with everyone looking for an avenue to reinvent the popular genre of storytelling. This film however, does find ways to help it stand out, and while the story itself is just fine, it’s what it means and stands for that really helps lift it out of the bottom of the bag. It’s a story about representation at its core, and how underrepresented communities are mistreated and left to fly under the radar during those times. It’s how one man learned to break down barriers set by a social hierarchy, and have his ideas heard; ideas that would go on to generate revenue that the company would have never believed possible.
Family Finds a Way
This story is at its strongest when we’re with the family; the film is able to add much gravity to the situation with the circumstances at home, and how Richard and his wife are struggling to make ends meet with two young kids. It’s the performances from Jesse Garcia and Annie Gonzalez that really help this family dynamic shine, specifically because Garcia is just an incredibly likable dude. He gives an insanely easy to root for performance— from the narration at the beginning, to the minute the film ends. From the get-go, the film doesn’t just tell you– but shows you– that Richard has got a drive in him that you just can’t help but admire… and even if he may lose his way at some point, that just makes his success (Spoilers, but not really if you haven’t ever been to the grocery store) even more satisfying.
This movie is filled with actors that will make you point and go “Hey, I know that guy, but I don’t know their name”, but by the end of it you will, because they’re a great bunch. Dennis Haysbert shines as much as his monotone voice lets him as Richard’s Mentor of sorts. Tony Shalhoub is great fun as former PepsiCo. CEO Roger Enrico— who I never thought I would watch lick hot cheeto dust from his fingers, but he went full method. Rounding out the Montañez family are Richard and Judy’s sons, played by Hunter Jones and Brice Gonzalez, with Brice finding a way to steal every scene he’s in.
A Great Directorial Debut
Flamin’ Hot is the directorial debut of Eva Longoria, who is best known for her work in projects like Desperate Housewives. She makes her first foray into a new field, and proves she’s got what it takes. It would be a shame for Longoria to not get any directing work after this, as it’s jaw dropping work. It’s impressive, and a good start for someone who has never been behind the camera.
‘Flamin’ Hot’ – Final Thoughts
The only other issue to bring up would be that this film should come with a disclaimer that upon watching, you will immediately begin to crave a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Flamin’ Hot is an enjoyable and inspiring little film about a snack brand that would eventually take the world by storm. With a strong cast and great director, it’s something short and fun to check out when you’re scrolling through Hulu for something to watch.
Flamin’ Hot releases exclusively on Hulu on June 9, 2023. Check out the trailer below.
The Review
Flamin' Hot
The only other issue to bring up would be that this film should come with a disclaimer that upon watching, you will immediately begin to crave a bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. Flamin' Hot is an enjoyable and inspiring little film about a snack brand that would eventually take the world by storm. With a strong cast and great director, it's something short and fun to check out when you’re scrolling through Hulu for something to watch.
