Flamin’ Hot – Movie Review by Connor Petrey : Pop Culture Leftovers

Flamin’ Hot – Movie Review by Connor Petrey

May 29, 2023 11:15 am |

Eva Longoria’s feature directorial debut Flamin’ Hot is a superb example of how to craft a
remarkable, unbelievable story into one of the most inspirational narratives for the ages. Not
only is Flamin’ Hot one of the best films of 2023 thus far, it manages to be easily the best
feature out of SXSW 2023. With rumors and debunking articles surrounding the net, this film
wants you to take a chance on Richard Montanez’ story and by the end, whether entirely factual
or not, it shines a spotlight on the power of an underdog on an unpaved path to success.

Apart from a wonderful script from Linda Yvette Chávez and Longoria’s techniques behind the
camera, what transforms this feature into something so special is the phenomenal cast of
characters we meet along the way. Leading the film is the love story between Richard and Judy,
a kinetic duo brought to the screen by Jesse Garcia and Annie Gonzalez. This is the driving
force for Richard’s desire for success and ultimately the support needed in creating one of the
greatest snack foods on the market. Outside of our leads, there is a massive amount of talent in
supporting roles: Matt Walsh, Dennis Haysbert, Bobby Soto, Brice Gonzalez, Alejandro Montoya
Marín and Tony Shalhoub are just a handful of the names affiliated with the efforts of Garcia as
Montanez.

Eva Longoria’s Flamin’ Hot is an absolute delight that’ll overtake you with emotion from the
nuances of Montanez’ story both in his personal life as well as through the business side of
things. The film is easily digestible and difficult to walk away from without a bit of your heart
touched by the story at play and if there’s one certainty, it’s that afterward you’ll have the
motivation to “think like a CEO” or at the very least have the hunger for some Flamin’ Hot
snacks.

FLAMIN’ HOT was Simultaneously Covered on Cinefied.com