All about Flamin’ Hot: Cheetos and the movie.

The Legend of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos: Fact or Fiction?

The new biopic Flamin’ Hot tells the captivating story of Richard Montanez, the man behind the invention of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. As the legend goes, Montanez, a janitor at Frito-Lay in the early 1990s, came up with the idea for the spicy snack. However, controversy surrounds the film, as numerous former employees, Frito-Lay’s records, and an investigative report by the Los Angeles Times dispute Montanez’s claims.

The Rise of a Snack Icon

The film draws inspiration from Montanez’s memoir, which chronicles his journey from a humble custodian to a top executive at Frito-Lay. In his book, Montanez alleges that the company failed to give him proper credit for his creation. He continues to share his version of events through speaking engagements and now, through this new film.

A Clash of Accounts

While Montanez’s story gained widespread belief after he began sharing it in 2007, it wasn’t until a decade later that his former colleagues, who were directly involved in the development of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, heard of his claims. Some expressed disappointment, with one former employee stating, “It is disappointing that 20 years later, someone who played no role in this project would begin to claim our experience as his own and then personally profit from it.”

Although a former Frito-Lay executive named Al Carey publicly endorsed Montanez’s account, doubts still linger among many regarding the truth behind the legend.

A Presidential Screening

The White House showed its support for the film by hosting a special screening on the South Lawn, with President Joe Biden in attendance. The event aimed to promote the Latino story and shed light on Montanez’s tale.

A Director with a Purpose

Eva Longoria, a prominent Hollywood celebrity and Democratic Party supporter, made her directorial debut with Flamin’ Hot. Longoria’s ties to Biden and the Democratic Party have raised questions about the film’s intentions. In response, Longoria clarified that the movie focuses on Richard Montanez’s story rather than the history of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

A Snack Controversy

Interestingly, some schools have banned Flamin’ Hot Cheetos due to their popularity among young children. Pasadena, California, schools, for instance, prohibited the snack in 2012, citing its distracting nature.

Reviews of the film have been mostly positive, with critics and audiences alike enjoying it. However, some critics have grappled with the ethical implications of telling a revisionist story and questioned its purpose.

Flamin’ Hot is now available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.