As a movie critic with a deep connection to the Latino community and a long career in Hollywood, I can’t help but feel elated about the recent success of “The Long Game” on Netflix. This groundbreaking film not only showcases authentic Latino stories but also challenges the tired stereotypes that have dominated our screens for far too long.
As a passionate cinephile, I’ve been thrilled to witness the buzz surrounding an indie gem called “The Long Game.” Recently dethroning “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” from the top spot on Netflix in the US, this captivating period drama has left quite an impression. Starring Jay Hernandez, Cheech Marin, and Dennis Quaid, it’s also claimed the sixth position on Netflix’s global popularity chart.
From my perspective, most headlines responding to “The Long Game” failed to grasp the significant role data played in the film’s success. They missed acknowledging the sources of its triumph. A headline I would compose is: “A Modest-Budget Film with PG Rating, Set in the Past, Featuring US Latinos as Heroes Overtakes a $150 Million Hollywood Blockbuster.” This heading, though lengthy, should clarify my intention.
As a movie buff, I’ve recently discovered a hidden gem in the world of cinema – “The Long Game” by director Julio Quintana. This film, unlike typical David vs Goliath stories, challenges the norms with its unique elements that Hollywood often shies away from: it’s rated PG, has a modest budget, and features a predominantly Latino cast. Surprisingly enough, they’re not portrayed as crossing borders or gang banging, but rather playing golf! Yes, you read that right – golf! This underrepresented perspective is both refreshing and groundbreaking in the film industry. I’m thrilled that Netflix has made this movie, produced by Mucho Mas Media and Fifth Season, accessible to viewers. With this addition, Netflix continues to pave the way for increased industry awareness of the growing Latino community and its diverse stories.
From my point of view, the movie “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” featuring Eddie Murphy had around thirty times the production budget compared to “The Long Game,” which dethroned it on Netflix just two days after its release on July 13 (“Axel F” came out on July 3). The film was rated R, so expect plenty of action with guns blazing, car chases, and explosions. It’s great that most Black characters were police officers, lawyers, or wealthy shoppers in Beverly Hills. However, the Latino representation was disappointing; they portrayed narcos with tattooed faces and automatic weapons, causing chaos in Beverly Hills, as well as prostitutes, drug smugglers, and cocaine dealers.
In “The Long Game,” American viewers encountered themes of family bonding, resilience, and Latino people triumphing against hateful discrimination. The portrayal was free from grandiose explosions or unnecessary brutality, and it didn’t rely on outdated stereotypes. It’s plausible that the diverse audience included not only Latinos but also various family types, golf enthusiasts, and an older demographic seeking a heartwarming tale without the usual catastrophic ending of endless destruction or a zombie invasion. Isn’t it refreshing to encounter such a unique narrative?
As a Latina woman who has grown up in the United States, I can personally attest to the importance of representation in media for our community. We make up a significant portion of moviegoers and streaming subscribers, with approximately 29% of all movie tickets being purchased by U.S. Latinos and around 27% of streaming platform subscribers identifying as such (Source: Nielsen).
Similar Topics: “The Long Game”: A Heartwarming Drama About Young Latinx Golfers Overcoming Adversity to Win Respect
Studio executives understand that without the support of the U.S. Latino community, a wide-release movie won’t succeed in traditional cinemas. The economic power of this demographic is well-documented (which we’ll discuss further). Nevertheless, U.S. Latinos make up just 3.6% of leading roles on TV and in films. Additionally, Latino creatives are underrepresented as directors and writers within the industry.
As a movie critic with a Latin American background, I’ve often felt disheartened by the persistent use of outdated stereotypes in Hollywood films. It seems that some executives cling to the belief that if it ain’t broke, why fix it? But the success of movies like “The Long Game” proves that this mindset is misguided.
For instance, McKinsey & Co., a renowned global consulting firm, has published a report revealing that Hollywood could boost its annual revenue by approximately $18 billion by incorporating more authentic U.S. Latino representation both on and off screen. This comes as media stocks face downward trends. By capitalizing on this expanding demographic that is also brimming with untapped talent, media companies might want to reconsider their focus on mergers for revenue expansion and instead explore the potential growth from this largely overlooked segment.
In 2019, Steve Forbes stated that U.S. Latinos would save the American economy. He pointed out that the entertainment industry in Hollywood, which is a significant part of the economy, was included in this group.
Below are just a few data points to back that up:
- U.S. Latinos have $3.2 trillion in GDP.
- If U.S. Latinos were a country, they would become the 5th largest global economy.
- U.S. Latinos wield $3.4 billion in spending power.
- Latinos account for 19.5% of the total U.S. population and 26% of people 18 and under.
- In 2022 to 2023, Latinos accounted for 71% of U.S. population growth.
- Worldwide revenue for movies with U.S. Latinos in above-the-line roles outperformed those without by more than 58%.
In simpler terms,
Jeff Valdez is a seasoned writer, producer, and director, as well as a partner at New Cadence Productions. He is behind the creation and management of Nickelodeon’s comedy “The Brothers Garcia” and HBO Max’s sequel series “The Garcias.” Valdez is also an entrepreneur with a track record, having founded and led Si TV, the initial English-language cable network aimed at Latinos (now known as Fuse). He has been recognized as one of the 50 most influential marketers in the US by Advertising Age and one of CNN’s Top 50 People Who Matter.
(Pictured: “The Long Game”)
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2024-07-20 21:17