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El Americano: The Movie

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El Americano: The Movie
Mexican theatrical release poster
Directed by
  • Ricardo Arnaiz
  • Mike Kunkel
Screenplay by
Story by
  • Ricardo Arnaiz
  • Dulce Belchez
  • Fernando Lewels
Produced by
  • Gerry Cardoso
  • Phil Roman
  • Alex Flores
  • Michael D. Olmos
Starring
CinematographyRicardo de la Rosa
Edited byGrecia Villar
Music byLeoncio Lara Bon[3]
Production
companies
Distributed by
  • Never Landing Data Distribution (Mexico)[5]
  • Grindstone Entertainment Group (United States)
[6]
Release dates
  • 22 January 2016 (2016-01-22) (Mexico)[1]
  • 13 June 2017 (2017-06-13) (United States)[2]
Running time
87 minutes
CountriesMexico
United States
LanguagesSpanish
English
Budget$4 million[7] [8]

El Americano: The Movie (also known as Americano[2]) is a 2016 3D Mexican-American animated family film produced by Animex Producciones, Olmos Productions, and Phil Roman Entertainment, and is directed by Ricardo Arnaiz and ex-Disney animator, Mike Kunkel.[9][10][11][12] The film features an ensemble voice cast of mostly Hispanic American and Mexican actors led by Rico Rodriguez, Edward James Olmos, Cheech Marin, Kate del Castillo, Paul Rodriguez, Gabriel Iglesias, Erik Estrada, and Lisa Kudrow.[13][14][15]

The first major animated co-production between studios in Mexico and the United States,[9][16] it is also the first international and CG production for Animex, as well it being its fourth film.[12][15][16] FilmSharks International announced that they have acquired the film's international rights.[16]

The film was released in Mexico on 22 January 2016 in Digital 3D and 2D theaters, distributed by Never Landing Digital Distribution.[5][7][17] The film has received mixed to negative reviews from critics and was a huge box office bomb, earning $587,592 on a $4 million budget.

Lionsgate's Grindstone Entertainment Group released the film direct-to-video and VOD on June 13, 2017, under the title Americano.[6][2]

Premise

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Cuco is a Mexican boy parrot that would rather imitate the crazy stunts of his TV super-parrot hero, El Americano than help with his chores at the family bird circus. Yet when a gang of bully birds threatens his ringmaster father and takes over the circus, Cuco sets off on a hilarious and full of Mexican ads journey to Hollywood to enlist his hero in his fight, only to discover the true hero within himself.

Cast

[edit]
English cast[7]
Spanish cast

^* Those cast members have also voiced their respective characters in the Spanish-language version.[7]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

Production began in January 2011 when director/writer and Animex founder, Ricardo Arnaiz, became interested in doing an American co-production after the box-office disappointment of Nikté at his home country,[7] knowing that U.S.-produced films do better at the Mexican film market.[7] The idea of the film's plot was brought up when he visited the United States and met producer Gerry Cardoso, who brought up the idea of birds, traveling from Spain to Mexico.[7] Arnaiz insisted to change the setting to the United States.[7] “I said it would be great to make them go from Mexico to the United States, so we started from that,” said Arnaiz.[7] “We were very careful to be respectful of both countries. We wanted to tell a story about how borders are just a line on a map and when you are honest and you do things the right way there are a lot of possibilities out there for everybody.”[7] Bringing the project to the United States was one of the biggest challenges in the film's development.[5]

Edward James Olmos voiced Gayo "El Jefe" in both English and Spanish languages, and served as the film's executive producer. Prior to his work, he has watched La leyenda de la Nahuala.

He later met actor Edward James Olmos, when he found that Olmos was "a hit" and a fan of La leyenda de la Nahuala.[7][23] After reading the script, Olmos agreed to join the film's production team and voice cast.[10] “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.”[24]

"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 the U.S. and we want to impact [a] Hollywood film [...]"
— Ricardo Arnaiz, director and co-writer of Americano[25]

On 26 September 2013, the film was presented at Ibero Puebla, revealing new screenshots and clips.[26] During production, Edward James Olmos had recorded his voice before the animation process.[27] Many cast members were required to act out their roles before recording their voices.[28] According to director Ricardo Arnaiz, it is the most expensive film from Animex Producciones and the first to exceed over $29 million pesos.[23]

Animation

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The visual effects and animation production were done by Boxel Studio in Tijuana.[7][29] Additional animation and crowding was handled by Cutting Edge Productions in Philippines.[7] 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,[29] but Edward James Olmos insisted Arnaiz use CG animation as the best chance of the film's success.[7] "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."[29] Arnaiz did not have much experience in CG animation. As a director of Nikte, he finds the transition from traditional animation to computer animation "complicated" since its vision in the field of animation was "cartoonish".[5] This was not changed with El Americano; however, Arnaiz wanted to capture some scenes in traditional animation.[5]

Later, after being impressed by Boxel Studios' works, Arnaiz has decided to partner with the studio, which primarily focuses on animation for video games and advertising.[7] “They were very creative, they had a lot of knowledge and I said: ‘Would you be interested in doing a movie with me? I don’t know anything about CGI, you don’t know anything about making movies — let’s combine and create this thing together,” says Arnaiz.[7] For assistance, Arnaiz tapped animation veteran Raul Garcia, and Mike Kunkel, who is Arnaiz's personal friend and longed-hoped to work with him, and brought them to Boxel Studios.[7] “They taught everyone how to make animation, Hollywood style, and in Mexico, we taught the Americans how to do it with low budgets,” said Arnaiz.[7] A total of 25 animators have worked on this film.[7] Arnaiz has stated that the development of the film was challenging.[7] However, the film was finished on time and on budget.[7] “The biggest challenge was to get it to the level that everyone was hoping for us,” said Arnaiz. “They thought at first that we were going to go to like a direct-to-video quality at the most, and once we showed them some clips they were really excited about it.”[7] Development for the film finished in August 2013.[23]

Casting

[edit]

The film features a distinctive ensemble voice cast, primarily consisting of famous Mexican and Hispanic American actors.[5] Director Ricardo Arnaiz was satisfied with the casting, which was one of the biggest challenges of the film.[5] "It was the cast [in] which I [have] dreamed [of] since the beginning of the project," said Arnaiz.[5] "Both my producers in Mexico and the United States moved to get this great talent. They quickly fell in love [with the] story, characters, theme potential, and ambition brand internationally."[5]

On 17 April 2013, actress Lisa Kudrow has joined the voice cast as Lucille in both English and Spanish versions.[30][31] She is the only non-Hispanic cast member.[30]

Music

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The film's original score was composed by Leoncio Lara, whom he previously worked for animated films produced by Ánima Estudios.[32][33]

The soundtrack features 12 original songs written and composed by various Latin artists, and three score pieces composed by Leoncio Lara Bon.[3] 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

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Premiere and theatrical

[edit]

The film premiered at the Morelia International Film Festival on 22 October 2013.[34][35] The film had its U.S. screening at The Strong National Museum of Play theater in Rochester, New York on 15 March 2014.[36] It was shown in both Spanish and English.[36] The film was presented at San Diego Comic-Con on 25 July 2014.[37] The title of the conference is "Big Ideas for Movies: Crossing the Borders with Mexican Animation".[37]

It had an advanced screening at the 22nd Annual San Diego Film Festival on 14 March 2015.[38][39][40] 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.[41]

As of 2016, the film had been distributed in many countries throughout Central and South America, Europe, and Asia.[5] Most importantly, this is the first film to be supported by Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía (IMCINE) that originated from the state of Puebla.[5] "A project is supported by Fidecine and EFICINE when they see it consolidated, and with high expectations," said Arnaiz.[5] "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."[5] However, the film only received a limited release, opening only in 160 theaters nationwide.[42] 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.[43] "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.[43]

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.[36][44] In Mexico, the film was released on January 22, 2016 in Digital 3D and 2D theaters.[5]

Originally planned for a theatrical release to open at about 1,200 theaters across the United States distributed by Freestyle Releasing,[45][46] the film was instead later released straight-to-video and on VOD on June 13, 2017 by Grindstone Entertainment and Lionsgate Home Entertainment.[6][1][17][2]

Immigration impact

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The film focuses on immigration, in which protagonist Cuco and his friends travel to the Mexico–United States border.[47] 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.[47] "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.[47] "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!'"[47] 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.[47]

Rating in Mexico controversy

[edit]

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),[48] sparking controversy upon families and the filmmakers.[43] "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.[43] "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."[43] 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."[43] The film's B rating have concerned parents whether or not they find the film appropriate for their children to see,[43] which it could be said to contribute to the film's box-office under-performance.[49] 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."[43] After receiving complaints from social media, the RTC checked its database and finally confirmed the rating as an "error".[49] The RTC has changed the film's rating from B to AA, which allows the attendance of children ages 7 years and older.[50][51]

Box office

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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.[52]

Critical response

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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.[53]

Future

[edit]

Director Ricardo Arnaiz has expressed plans for a sequel, with the support of executive producer Edward James Olmos.[54] However, they want the proceeding film to be successful and reach 200 copies by the film's second week in theaters.[54] There has not been any further information regarding a planned sequel.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Un mexicano muy americano". El Informador. Unión Editorialista, S.A. de C.V. 17 October 2015. Archived from the original on 18 October 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d Milligan, Mercedes (19 April 2017). "'Americano' Flies Home with Lionsgate on June 13". Animation Magazine. Animation Magazine. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  3. ^ a b "Leoncio Lara Bon". Twitter. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  4. ^ Cardoso, Gerry. "Anahuac Films". California Film Foundation. California Film Foundation. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Estrenan primera animación coproducida entre México y EU". IMCINE. Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía. 15 January 2016. Archived from the original on 26 January 2017. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  6. ^ a b c Hopewell, John (11 February 2017). "Berlinale: Lionsgate's Grindstone Takes North America on 'El Americano' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Penske Business Media, LLC. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v McLean, Tom (21 February 2015). "Hometown Hero". Animation Magazine. Animation Magazine. Retrieved 23 February 2015.
  8. ^ El Americano: The Movie Box Office
  9. ^ a b "Olmos Productions and Animex Join Forces on "El Americano: The Movie"". cartoonbrew.com. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  10. ^ a b PRESENTAN “EL AMERICANO THE MOVIE” EN EL FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE CINE DE MORELIA October 26, 2013
  11. ^ "El Universal - Espectáculos - Edward James Olmos apuesta por historias con mensaje". El Universal. 27 August 2015. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  12. ^ a b "Presentan "El Americano: The Movie", coproducción México-EUA | Diario Rotativo". Diario Rotativo. 26 September 2013. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
  13. ^ Presentan “El Americano: The Movie”, coproducción México-EUA - Yahoo TV Archived 2013-12-06 at the Wayback Machine. Yahoo! TV. September 26, 2013
  14. ^ "El Americano Features Impressive Latino Cast - Latin Gossip". latingossip.com. Archived from the original on 22 March 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  15. ^ a b Seigh, Steve (1 January 2015). "Ink & Pixel: Special Edition: 2015 Animation Preview - Movie News". JoBlo.com. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  16. ^ a b c Hopewell, John (13 May 2014). "FilmSharks Snags International Rights to Animated Feature 'El Americano 3D'". Variety. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  17. ^ a b "Reasons for Movie Ratings (CARA)". filmratings.com. Archived from the original on 26 January 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "El Americano: The Movie - LatinoLA". LatinoLA. LatinoCities, Inc. Archived from the original on 2016-03-14. Retrieved 2014-08-23.
  19. ^ "Facebook". facebook.com. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  20. ^ "Facebook". facebook.com. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  21. ^ "Facebook". facebook.com. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  22. ^ "Facebook". facebook.com. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  23. ^ a b c Cataño, Paulina (27 September 2013). "52 millones de pesos, el costo de El Americano: the movie de Animex". Diario Matutino. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
  24. ^ Raymundo, Neil (2 May 2012). "Olmos Productions and Animex Team Up for El Americano: The Movie". Toon Barn. Retrieved 16 October 2013.
  25. ^ El Americano: The Movie, la nueva cinta de Animex (in Spanish) Retrieved January 2, 2014. September 27, 2013. Claudia Cisneros
  26. ^ "El Americano - The Movie". The New Livestream. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  27. ^ "Destaca película tijuanense en el Festival de Cine de Morelia". Archived from the original on 2013-11-10. Retrieved 2014-01-02.
  28. ^ "EL AMERICANO - Edward James Olmos recording his voice (look in the description)". Facebook. Facebook, Inc. Retrieved 3 November 2013.
  29. ^ a b c "Rompiendo los límites con MODO en El Americano: The Movie". Archived from the original on 2013-12-03. Retrieved 2013-11-15.
  30. ^ a b Huerta, Cesar (17 April 2013). "El Universal - - Lisa Kudrow se hace friend del cine mexicano". El Universal. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
  31. ^ "La Crónica de Hoy - Lisa Kudrow hablará en español para la película El Americano". cronica.com.mx. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  32. ^ "Movie: El Americano". OlmosPerfect.com. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  33. ^ "Olmos and Animex Join Forces on 'El Americano The Movie'". Animation World Network. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  34. ^ Rosas, Gerardo (22 October 2013). "Se presentó en el FICM la película "El Americano" / Morelia / Noticas - Marmor Informa - Noticas en Michoacan". Archived from the original on 15 November 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  35. ^ "'El Americano' to play Mexico film festival". 19 October 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
  36. ^ a b c Rhinewald, Shane (19 February 2014). "See the Rochester Premiere of El Americano: The Movie At The Strong Museum on March 15". Retrieved 10 March 2014.[permanent dead link‍]
  37. ^ a b ""El Americano: The Movie" del Director poblano Ricardo Arnaiz tendrá presencia en "Comic-Con" en San Diego, California, E.U." Diario Momento. Editorial Alatriste SA de CV. 19 June 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
  38. ^ "AMC Theaters: El Americano (SDLFF)". AMC Theatres. AMC Theatres. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
  39. ^ "El Americano, Advance Screening". 2015 San Diego Latino Film Festival. San Diego Latino Film Festival. Archived from the original on 6 March 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
  40. ^ "Official SDLFF2015 Film Line-Up, Schedule & Special Guests!". San Diego Latino Film Festival. Archived from the original on 7 April 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
  41. ^ "EL AMERICANO THE MOVIE Red Carpet Gala - Facebook". facebook.com. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
  42. ^ EL AMERICANO, primera coproducción entre México y Estados Unidos[permanent dead link‍]
  43. ^ a b c d e f g h Gutiérrez, Vicente (24 January 2016). "El Americano vuela contra la adversidad". El Economista. El Economista, S.A. de C.V. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
  44. ^ "El Americano The Movie, se estrena este verano". 28 January 2014. Retrieved 29 January 2014.
  45. ^ Hopewell, John (20 May 2014). "'El Americano 3D' Kicks Off Pre-Sales at Cannes (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety (magazine). Retrieved 21 May 2014.
  46. ^ "El Americano, primera coproducción animada de E.U. y México, llegará en 2015". El Diario. 20 May 2014. Retrieved 21 May 2014.
  47. ^ a b c d e ""El Americano: The Movie" cinta que expone a niños el tema migratorio". La Jornada. No. La Jornada. Desarrollo de Medios, S.A. de C.V. 19 January 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  48. ^ "SEGOB México on Twitter: #Conoce la clasificación que otorga #RTCpelículas a los estrenos que entran a cartelera esta semana". Twitter. SEGOB Mexico. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
  49. ^ a b Barajas, Carlos (30 January 2016). "La RTC admite que hubo un error en la clasificación de El Americano". Tomatazos. Flixster, Inc. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  50. ^ "RTC Películas Mx on Twitter: #Conoce la clasificación que otorga #RTCpelículas a los estrenos que entraron a cartelera esta semana". Twitter. RTC. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
  51. ^ "RTC Películas Mx on Twitter: ...Corrección: Si hay un error, @elamericano2015 es Clasificación AA 'Comprensible para niños menores de 7 años'"". Twitter. RTC. Retrieved 26 January 2016.
  52. ^ Mexico Box Office, January 22-24, 2016
  53. ^ "El Americano: The Movie (2015) - Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes. Flixster, Inc. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  54. ^ a b Romero, Salvador (14 January 2016). "El Americano The Movie knows no boundaries and borders". Milenio.com. Millennium Group. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
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