El Americano: The Movie (simply known as Americano) is a 2016 3D Mexican-American computer animated film produced by Animex Producciones, Olmos Productions, and Phil Roman Entertainment, and directed by Ricardo Arnaiz and ex-Disney animator, Mike Kunkel.[1][2][3][4] The film features a large ensemble voice cast of Hispanic-American and Mexican actors, led by Rico Rodriguez (Modern Family, The Muppets), Academy Award-nominee Edward James Olmos (Stand and Deliver, Battlestar Galactica, Miami Vice), Cheech Marin (The Lion King, Cars), Kate del Castillo (American Visa), Paul Rodriguez (Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore), Gabriel Iglesias (Planes, The Nut Job), Erik Estrada (Maya and Miguel), and Lisa Kudrow (Friends).[5][6] It is the first computer-animated co-production between Mexico and the United States.[1][4]
Originally set for release on September 2013, the film was released in theaters in Mexico on January 22, 2016.[7][8] [9] The film was later released direct-to-video in the United States on June 13, 2017 by Lionsgate (through its Grindstone Entertainment label).[10]
Synopsis[]
The story follows Cuco (voiced by Rico Rodriguez), a young Mexican parrot, whose epic quest to enlist the aid of an American crime-fighting TV celebrity, to defend his family in Mexico from Martin Kingfisher and his henchmen, teaches the young parrot to be a hero himself.
Cast[]
- Rico Rodriguez[5] as Cuco
- Edward James Olmos[5] as Gayo
- Argelia Atilano[5] as Lori
- Cheech Marin[5] as Martin
- Kate del Castillo[5] as Rayito
- Paul Rodriguez[5] as Divino
- Grecia Villar[5] as Paquito
- Ricardo El Mandril Sanchez[5] as Vovo
- K. C. Porter[5] as Karl
- Erik Estrada[5] as Punch
- Adal Ramones[5] as Trueno
- Gabriel Iglesias[5] as Garcia
- Don Cheto[5] as Dovo
- Hector Suarez[5] as Eddie Navarro
- Lisa Kudrow[5] as Lucille
- Pierre Angelo[5] as El Mexicano
Note: Ash the Vulture does not have a voice.
Production[]
Production began on January 2011 when director and Animex founder, Ricardo Arnaiz, became interested in doing an American production while working on Nikté. He later visited the United States and met actor Edward James Olmos, when he found that Olmos was "a hit".[9] After reading the script, Olmos agreed to join the film's production team and voice cast.[11] “We’re delighted to be working with Edward James Olmos and his production company here in the US. It’s a story we have been working on for the last three years and we feel we have a really strong team in place to execute this film scheduled in 2013.” [12]
| "At the opening of the FICM to present the progress of this project is important because Animex [was] born in Puebla 13 years ago, and is the fourth film and will for many more. With El Americano, we ventured to U.S. and we want to impact [a] Hollywood film [...]" |
| — Ricardo Arnaiz[13] |
On September 26, 2013, the film was presented at Ibero Puebla, revealing new screenshots and clips.[14]
During production, Edward James Olmos has recorded his voice before the animation process.[15] As a result, many cast members were required to act out their roles before recording their voices.[16]
The film was budgeted at $52 million pesos ($4 million USD).[9] According to director Ricardo Arnaiz, it is the most expensive film from Animex Producciones and the first to exceed over $29 million pesos.[9] The visual effects and animation processes were done by Boxel Studio in Tijuana.[17] In an interview with Andres Reyes Botello, founder of Boxel Studios, Ricardo Arnaiz initially stated he originally intended to produce the film in traditional animation.[17] "Back then he was explaining to me his situation with his 2D animation studio and his curiosity about making El Americano into a full 3D CGI production," said Andres Reyes Botello. "From there, we instantly got on to a good relationship and started working on the development for the characters and environments, doing some animation, lighting, and rendering tests for this film."[17]
Development for the film finished on August 2013.[9]
Casting[]
On April 17, 2013, actress Lisa Kudrow has joined the voice cast as Lucille in both English and Spanish versions.[18][19] She is the only all-American cast member.[18] To prepare her role, director Ricardo Arnaiz helped Kudrow with her emphasis in her Spanish for her lines.[20]
The film premiered at the Morelia International Film Festival on October 22, 2013.[21][22] The film was originally scheduled for a tentative September 2013 release, but it was delayed to a Summer 2014 release. It was then moved to a March 2014 release,[11] before moving back to a Summer 2014 release.[7]
The film had its U.S. premiere at The Strong National Museum of Play theater in Rochester, New York on March 15, 2014. It was shown in both Spanish and English.
Music[]
The film's original score was composed by Leoncio Lara, whom he previously worked for animated films produced by Ánima Estudios.
The soundtrack features 12 original songs written and composed by various Latin artists, and three score pieces composed by Leoncio Lara Bon. The album features the song "Hasta el Cielo Alcanzar" (film's main song) written and performed by six-time Latin GRAMMY nominated Aleks Syntek. The album also contains songs by La Arrolladora Banda Limón, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, 3Ball Mty. featuring Don Cheto, Amanditita, Duelo, Horacio Palencia and many more. The Soundtrack is produced by Gerry Cardoso, Ricardo Arnaiz and Tomas Rubio.
Release and reception[]
Premiere and theatrical[]
The film premiered at the Morelia International Film Festival on 22 October 2013. The film had its U.S. screening at The Strong National Museum of Play theater in Rochester, New York on 15 March 2014. It was shown in both Spanish and English. The film was presented at San Diego Comic-Con on 25 July 2014. The title of the conference is "Big Ideas for Movies: Crossing the Borders with Mexican Animation".
It had an advanced screening at the 22nd Annual San Diego Film Festival on 14 March 2015. The film had its world carpet premiere on 14 May 2015 at the Regal Cinemas L.A. Live Stadium 14 theater in Los Angeles, California.
As of 2016, the film had been distributed in many countries throughout Central and South America, Europe, and Asia. Most importantly, this is the first film to be supported by Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía (IMCINE) that originated from the state of Puebla. "A project is supported by Fidecine and EFICINE when they see it consolidated, and with high expectations," said Arnaiz. "Films like Don Gato (Top Cat) or Una Película de Huevos have a great role in the box office and we also hope that this film [El Americano] can open doors for more animation support in Mexico." However, the film only received a limited release, opening only in 160 theaters nationwide. This was due to being distributed by an independent company, Never Landing Data Distribution, despite the film's immersive cast, budget, and its notable first U.S.–Mexico co-production status. "They wanted Edward [James Olmos] and choose Neverlanding Pictures S.A.P.I., Alejandro Sugich, a Mexican distributor of content and we released 160 copies, but we hope to do well to be in more rooms," Arnaiz said.
The film has faced numerous delays before its release; the film was originally intended for release September 2013 release, then a Summer 2014 release, and then a Summer 2015 release. In Mexico, the film was released on January 22, 2016 in Digital 3D and 2D theaters.
Originally planned for a theatrical release to open at about 1,200 theaters across the United States distributed by Freestyle Releasing, the film was instead later released straight-to-video and on VOD on June 13, 2017 by Grindstone Entertainment and Lionsgate Home Entertainment.
Immigration impact[]
The film focuses on immigration, in which protagonist Cuco and his friends travel to the Mexico–United States border. Edward James Olmos, the film's executive producer and voice of Gayo, found this film a perfect opportunity for thousands of Mexican children for them to know their roots. "There are successful films that are very strong, but it goes straight to the hearts of children," said Olmos during a press conference in Mexico City, promoting the film. "The policy of this film is beautiful! Ricardo Arnaiz is homered as ever! As Erik Estrada's character [said] in the film: 'You could fly nonstop, but they came here [to America]. What fun!'" Olmos also hoped that this film could revisit the ongoing illegal immigration epidemic in the United States, and reform then-President Barack Obama to legalize millions of undocumented immigrants in the country.
Rating in Mexico controversy[]
Upon its theatrical release in Mexico, the Dirección General de Radio, Televisión y Cinematografía (RTC) has given the film a B rating due to the film's violence and "occasional" sexuality, which required ages 12 years or older (similar to the MPAA's PG-13 rating), sparking controversy upon families and the filmmakers. "The narrative can be complex; it presents some degree of violence, not extreme, for specific reasons and not related to sexuality, making clear [for] its consequences," said RTC. "The nudes are brief and not [just] detailed and suggested sex scenes. You can address the issue of addiction and drugs, but without exhibiting their consumption. Verbal violence can not be extreme." Reports asked director Ricardo Arnaiz about the film's rating issue, but didn't initially respond. On his Twitter, he has posted "Unfortunately, some people won't believe or want [to see] the film." The film's B rating have concerned parents whether or not they find the film appropriate for their children to see, which it could be said to contribute to the film's box-office under-performance. Executive producer Edward James Olmos responded to the film's issue, saying that "El Americano is a film that children are going crazy to go see something wonderful that will represent Mexico and the world, showing the work, values and cultures of Mexicans with a family history." After receiving complaints from social media, the RTC checked its database and finally confirmed the rating as an "error". The RTC has changed the film's rating from B to AA, which allows the attendance of children ages 7 years and older.
Box office[]
Although the film was projected to open at #2 place at the Mexican box office. the film however, as an independently released film, it is considered a moderate box-office success, releasing in only 129 locations, and topping other independent releases, such as Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet and Plastic.
Critical response[]
The film has received mixed-to-negative reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a 40% approval rating based on 5 reviews, with an average score of 2/10.
Future[]
Director Ricardo Arnaiz has expressed plans for a sequel, with the support of executive producer Edward James Olmos. However, they want the proceeding film to be successful and reach 200 copies by the film's second week in theaters. There has not been any further information regarding a planned sequel.
Gallery[]
Videos[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Olmos Productions and Animex Join Forces on “El Americano: The Movie”
- ↑ PRESENTAN “EL AMERICANO THE MOVIE” EN EL FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE CINE DE MORELIA October 26, 2013
- ↑ El Universal - Espectáculos - Edward James Olmos apuesta por historias con mensaje
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Presentan “El Americano: The Movie”, coproducción México-EUA | Diario Rotativo", 26 September 2013. Retrieved on 16 October 2013.
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 Presentan “El Americano: The Movie”, coproducción México-EUA - Yahoo TV. Yahoo! TV. September 26, 2013
- ↑ El Americano Features Impressive Latino Cast - Latin Gossip
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "El Americano The Movie, se estrena este verano", 28 January 2014. Retrieved on 29 January 2014.
- ↑ Rhinewald, Shane. "See the Rochester Premiere of El Americano: The Movie At The Strong Museum on March 15", 19 February 2014. Retrieved on 10 March 2014.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 Cataño, Paulina. "52 millines de pesos, el cost de El Americano: the movie de Animex", 27 September 2013. Retrieved on 16 October 2013. Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "diarocambio" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ Berlinale: Lionsgate’s Grindstone Takes North America on ‘El Americano’ (EXCLUSIVE) (Variety) Date: February 11, 2017. Author: John Hopewell.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 PRESENTAN “EL AMERICANO THE MOVIE” EN EL FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE CINE DE MORELIA October 26, 2013
- ↑ Raymundo, Neil. "Olmos Productions and Animex Team Up for El Americano: The Movie", 2 May 2012. Retrieved on 16 October 2013.
- ↑ El Americano: The Movie, la nueva cinta de Animex (in Spanish) Retrieved January 2, 2014. September 27, 2013. Claudia Cisneros
- ↑ El Americano - The Movie presentation
- ↑ Destaca película tijuanense en el Festival de Cine de Morelia
- ↑ EL AMERICANO - Edward James Olmos recording his voice (look in the description). Facebook. Facebook, Inc.. Retrieved on 3 November 2013.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Rompiendo los límites con MODO en El Americano: The Movie
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Huerta, Cesar. "El Universal - - Lisa Kudrow se hace friend del cine mexicano", 17 April 2013. Retrieved on 12 January 2014.
- ↑ Lisa Kudrow hablará en español para la película El Americano
- ↑ Conferencia de Prensa Festival de Cine de Morelia | Press conference at Morelia Film Festival (skip to 36:24)
- ↑ Rosas, Gerardo. "Se presentó en el FICM la película “El Americano” / Morelia / Noticas - Marmor Informa - Noticas en Michoacan", 22 October 2013. Retrieved on 15 November 2013.
- ↑ "'El Americano' to play Mexico film festival", 19 October 2013. Retrieved on 15 November 2013.
External links[]
 |
This page uses content from the English Wikipedia. The original article was at El Americano: The Movie. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with MOVIEPEDIA, the text of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. |