FLAMIN’ HOT’S Faith Inspiration: ‘You Invite God In, He Shows Up’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Cast and crew of Devon Franklin’s latest movie, FLAMIN’ HOT, shared the important role faith played in the real-life story on the red carpet.
The movie, which is based on the life of Richard Montañez, is currently streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
“I wanted to show that we believe in God. We believed everything. We trusted him…We said, let’s just show what we did. We love God, we love our faith, and then just go on,” Montañez told Movieguide® at a recent red carpet event.
“And I think that’s for everyone,” Montañez continued. “Everyone wants to be happy; there isn’t anybody who doesn’t want to be happy, and happiness is for everyone, not a chosen few.”
In reference to those who may critique Montañez for the way he went about pursuing his faith, he said, “Listen, anytime you invite God in, He shows up,” states Montañez. “Lighting a candle was an invitation, and we need help…You need help; let Him do it.”
Montanez wasn’t the only one to cite faith’s role in the movie’s production.
“We walk by faith, not by sight,” Franklin previously told Movieguide®. “So much of what happens in the film has everything to do with [Montañez] having a belief that there is something greater for him, that he can help save jobs at the factory and he has this crazy idea and this crazy vision.”
When Movieguide® asked Franklin about the importance of authentic faith in the movie, “When you look at the life of Richard and Judy Montañez, who the FLAMIN’ HOT movie is about…they would not be where they are without their faith.
“They wouldn’t be where they are without God,” said Franklin. “We portrayed that in the film, and I believe audiences all around the world will connect to that.”
A segment of Movieguide®’s official review of FLAMIN’ HOT reads:
“FLAMIN’ HOT tells the life story of Richard Montañez, a Mexican American boy who becomes a very successful executive for Frito Lay by inventing flaming hot versions of Frito Lay snacks. Streaming on Hulu and Disney Plus, the movie shows Richard’s difficult life as a Mexican American living in the greater Los Angeles area. It shows how he met his future wife, Judy, and how he joined a gang as a teenager. When Judy gets pregnant in 1982, Richard gives up the gang life and gets a job at Pepsi Frito Lay. He and Judy become Christians, and Richard comes up with an idea to create flaming hot Frito products.
FLAMIN’ HOT is a powerful story of how a poor person can succeed in a free market society. You can succeed if you put your mind to it, especially with a little help from your friends and family. The movie contains strong positive Christian content, though some Christians are hypocritical and must grasp the love of Jesus. FLAMIN’ HOT contains some reverse racism and white stereotypes, however, plus some foul language.”
Franklin also told Movieguide® that he hopes to make more inspiring, uplifting movies.
“I have like a whole arsenal of uplifting, true stories that I’m planning on rolling out as soon as I can,” Franklin said with a smile.
- Content: +3Share:
- Content: +4