For long-time television police show fans, the most recognizable face in the new CBS cop show, East New York, will be Jimmy Smits as two-star Police Chief John Suarez.  The network is launching this new police procedural series, focusing on Deputy Inspector Regina Haywood (Amanda Warren), a protegee of Suarez, who he has now promoted to be boss of the 74h Precinct. Located in a troubled working-class neighborhood of Brooklyn, overrun with crime, and poverty, it is now facing encroaching gentrification. Warren’s Haywood, who has family ties to the area, exudes a calm determination as she utilizes creative methods to protect and serve her community; but first, she must corral her working staff, many of whom are dubious about the abilities of this new appointee and her methods. Meanwhile, she is under the watchful eye of Chief Suarez, who is keeping his options open.

Warren’s Haywood is enjoyably reserved, always soft-spoken, understated but steadfast as she maneuvers within her crew, which includes veteran cop and neighborhood expert Marvin Sandeford (Ruben Santiago-Hudson); old-school detective Tommy Killian (Kevin Rankin), rigidly not in favor of Haywood’s new methods; Killian’s partner Crystal Morales (Elizabeth Rodriguez), who fluidly deals with her partner’s negativity, while also embracing her boss’s ideas; Capt. Stan Yenko, played by Richard Kind, is better known for his comedic flair, but proves his dramatic abilities as the veteran cop, fearful of being washed up and practically begs to be Haywood’s second-in-command; Officer Andre Bentley (Lavel Schley), a trainee from an upper-middle-class background whose naivete makes him error-prone; and ambitious patrol officer Brandy Quinlan (Olivia Luccardi), the sole volunteer to live in a local housing project as part of Haywood’s plan to bridge the gap between police and community.

Smits graced the small screen as Detective Bobby Simone in ABC’s long-running NYPD Blue for five seasons. Before that, he was attorney Victor Sifuentes on the long-running legal drama, L.A. Law (80s-90s). Of Puerto Rican descent, he was born in Brooklyn.  His Chief Suarez is a man of few words, who encourages Haywood’s creative methods, but is ever aware that the mayor’s office is watching her every move. When a crime goes down in the 74^th Precinct involving a dignitary close to the Mayor, Chief Suarez decisively and unapologetically brings in another unit to assist in the investigation but is clear in crediting the 74^th for bringing the case to its close. As the season develops, it will be interesting to learn more about Police Chief John Suarez. 

Elizabeth Rodriguez, who is best known for her role as Aleida Diaz in the Netflix prison comedy/drama series, Orange is the New Black, is now portraying Detective Crystal Morales, the most effusive member of Haywood’s crew. Rodriguez’s portrayal allows her to expertly juggle her partner’s negativity and her boss’s positive agenda.

The first two episodes of the series display the on-the-job workings and occasional foibles of the 74^th work while providing a vivid look at Deputy Inspector Regina Warren’s effort to take command. Also on display is the City of New York, whose pulsating energy makes it a vibrant setting for the series. What’s missing is a sense of episodic continuity. Co-creators/EPs, William Finkelstein and Mike Flynn have given us the two opening episodes that involve the whole team, then wrapping up any loose ends by the episode’s close. Here’s hoping for some cliffhangers in the future…

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Unsung Pioneering East LA Chicano actor Lalo Rios (1928-1973) is to be given a tribute on Turner Classic Movies Channel on Sunday September 18th, 5:00 P.M. (PT) with Two groundbreaking Movies The Lawless 1950 and The Ring 1952 with Rita Moreno. Rios was the first young Chicano screen rebel hero who came to epitomize the Chicano Civil rights movement almost a decade later.

The tribute to Rios will be hosted on camera by L.A based Film Historian Luis I. Reyes, who is the author of the new book Viva Hollywod which highlights the achievements of Latinx in the Hollywood film industry.

Rios was born in Sonora Mexico and his family immigrated to The United States in 1938 and settled in Lincoln Heights and Boyle Heights. He was not a trained actor but a construction worker, when he was discovered by Director Joseph Losey who found him to possess a natural talent in front of the camera. His only theatrical experience was participating in local posadas or religious nativity plays where he also played the guitar.

Reyes, whose knowledge of the careers of Latinos in Hollywood, has featured now in three of his books: Hispanics in Hollywood, Made in Mexico and now Viva Hollywood. Beginning with Hispanics in Hollywood, one of the most comprehensive look at Latinos in Hollywood, highlighted the careers of may throughout the history of Hollywood where Latinos have played a part since the silent era. Reyes impressed upon us the importance of knowing the history of talents like Rios. “It is important that we document our Latinx history in the entertainment industry as it is a part of the whole picture of the history of those individuals of diverse (ethnic, racial, immigrants and emigres) backgrounds that participated and contributed to the Hollywood Film Industry and gave us treasured Classic cinema,” he told Latin Heat. 

He talked about his new book, “Viva Hollywood” which has given him the opportunity to “…give fresh new insights to the history especially the advancements of the last 25 years and put them in perspective”.

“Viva Hollywood” is an overview and highlights recognized and unrecognized Latinx talent in Hollywood both in front of and behind the camera. Reyes explains that this book is not a comprehensive book with some personal favorites may be missing.  

“If we don’t document it, it will be lost,” Reyes reminds us. The book celebrates and honors the latest generation of artists like Edward James Olmos, Andy Garcia, Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, and Eva Longoria who have paved the way for Ana de Armas, Michael Pena, Zoe Saldana, Pedro Pascal and Oscar Isaac, among many others.

Jimmy Smits, who will be starring in a new CBS TV series East New York, and is a long-time friend of Reyes’ contributed the forward to the book. Viva Hollywood  is lavishly illustrated with more than 200 color and black and white photos.

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Lights, Camera, Acciòn is an American Masters project directed by Ben DeJesus and executive produced by John Leguizamo, Michael Kantor of American Masters, and Sandie Viquez Pedlow of Latino Public Broadcasting/VOCES and David Chitel of NGL Collective premieres Tuesday, October 5, on PBS.

A co-presentation of Latino Public Broadcasting’s VOCES and American Masters, Lights, Camera, Acciòn is a celebration of the incredible impact Latinos have made in Hollywood — past, present and future, with a focus on the exciting new wave of talent that is transforming the industry. Featuring prominent Latino voices in film and television, this special captures the candid perspectives of talent from in front of and behind the camera, as they share their challenges, personal journeys and outlook on the future. 

In the documentary we hear from high profile A-talent who have been grandly representing Latinos in Hollywood for years. The documentary also focuses on the current writers and the on-camera talent that are now front and center, reshaping the image of Latinos in Hollywood through their work. The long list of talent include actors Edward James Olmos, Gina Torres, John Leguizamo, Chelsea Rendon, Jimmy Smits, Ivana Rojas, Esai Morales, Xolo Maridueña; showrunners Tanya Saracho (Vida), Peter Murrieta (Mr. Iglesias) and Marvin Lemus (Gentefied), media scholar Chon Noriega, and more.

“When I set out to make this film, my goal was to shed light on the incredible contributions – often unacknowledged – that Latinos have made to the history and success of Hollywood since the very beginning,” says director DeJesus. “I also wanted to showcase the new generation of talent that are now blazing their own trails, both on-screen and behind the scenes.”

“Visual media is such a powerful medium. It has the power to change the way we look at the world around us,” says executive producer Leguizamo. “Ben is on a 24/7 mission to get more of our stories out there because if people are able to see the incredible contributions that Latinx people make and have made to our society, imagine how they would look at our community. And more importantly, imagine how we would look at ourselves.”

The 24-minute documentary film premieres on Tuesday, October 5, immediately following the broadcast of American Masters — Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It at 9 p.m. (check local listings). The film will also be available for streaming on all station-branded PBS platforms, including pbs.org/americanmasters  and the PBS Video App beginning October 5.

Lights, Camera, Acciòn is a co-production of NGL Studios and Latino Public Broadcasting in association with American Masters Pictures, with funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Directed by Ben DeJesus. Produced by Jill Krikorian and Cionin Lorenzo. Executive Producers: Sandie Viquez Pedlow, Michael Kantor, John Leguizamo, and David Chitel. Series Producer for VOCES: Luis Ortiz. Series Producer for American Masters: Julie Sacks.

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The film that has been generating a lot of buzz leading up to today’s theatrical release is In the Heights, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) and directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians). It releases today June 11 in theaters nationwide and on HBO Max. Its a film to be appreciated to the fullest on a “big screen” for many reasons.

Almost every single critic has raved about the film, the direction and the casting. You will see an amazing cadre of “new” talented actors (at least on he big screen), starting with the lead Anthony Ramos. Ramos is on his way up with a bullet. Ramos met Miranda when he was cast in his hit play Hamilton. Since then he has worked on four project with him. Even before the release of In the Heights, which is his first starring role in a movie, Ramos’ talent has already led to roles in HBO’s In Treatment, and the Paramount Pictures upcoming untitled Transformers project.

In addition to Ramos, the two female leads Melissa Barrera (Vida) and singer Leslie Grace make their film screen debut and they do it spectacularly! These are now two talents that will be getting a lot more work in Hollywood. As a matter of fact Barrera has already landed her next three films. She just finished shooting Carmen where she plays the lead in the Sony Pictures Classics while also just wrapping Scream for Paramount pictures. The actress just signed a deal to star in Breathe, a six-episode drama series for Netflix.

Grace is a Latin Grammy Award-nominated singer who in 2015 signed a distribution deal with Sony Music Latin and a worldwide contract with Sony/ATV. After her performance in In the Height, where she shines as Nina, we predict you will be hearing about her next role soon.

There is a wave of support for In The Height, which is literally “opening up” theaters with it’s release this weekend. Celebrities who have seen the movie and asking people to go see it include Oprah, Dwayne Johnson, Ariana Grande and Hugh Jackman among others.

Social media is a-buzz with excitement for the premiere with several organizations coming out in full force to support.

NALIP, an organization that addresses the professional needs of Latino filmmakers content creators, launched #LatinxGoldOpen Theater Buyout Movement. An extension of the campaign that began with Asian films, it is now expanding to help secure box office success for Latino movies.

Joining to the supporters are Eugenio Derbez who said, “Thanks to NALIP and Gold House we get behind our creative community and Lin Manuel Miranda is one of the creators we are all most proud of. I’m also in Atlanta shooting our next movie and selfishly want to see In the Heights on the big screen ASAP!”

Actress Tatyana Ali of The Young and the Restless fame stated, “Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jon M. Chu’s upcoming film, In the Heights is a much needed celebration of the diverse perspectives and identities that make up our Latinx communities. To experience the sounds and sights of one’s own culture on the big screen is a balm to the soul. This film is also an invitation to listen to the dreams of others—a declaration of the sueñitos we all share. Join the #LatinxGoldOpen movement to ensure that more stories like In the Heights are told!”

Several multi-cultural organizations including CAPE, African-American Film Critics Association, Define American, The Blackhouse Foundation, and more have joined the effort behind #LatinxGoldOpen.

“Countless studies have demonstrated that films with diverse casts in front and behind the camera tend to do better at the box office,” says Benjamin Lopez, executive director of NALIP. “While Hollywood knows this to be true, there is still a long road ahead for proper diverse representation. We’re excited to work with Gold House for the #LatinxGoldOpen initiative promoting Jon M. Chu’s film In the Heights, based on the stage musical by the same name by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes. Added Lopez, “This partnership is a strong example of multicultural organizations coming together to support one cause, amplifying and supporting authentic stories and diverse talent in the media and proving that there is a worldwide audience for them.”

For decades studios and the Latino community have had high hopes for Latino themed film to succeed at the box office, only too see them fail. This time around there is also support from other communities, and even mainstream media. This time it feels different.

There is already buzz about Oscar nominations. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and just get out there, especially if you are vaccinated, and enjoy In The Heights where it was made to be seen, on the “big screen”.

The post Where and why to watch the most talked about film in Hollywood ‘In the Heights’ this weekend first appeared on .

In In the Heights, Smits plays Kevin Rosario, the overprotective father of Nina, a struggling Stanford University student. The son of farmworkers, Kevin tries to avoid the same mistake his father did and owns a taxi cab company.

Directed by Jon M. Chu, of Crazy Rich Asians, the film is based on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical hit, with music and lyrics by Miranda and a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. The story takes place in New York’s largely Dominican neighborhood of Washington Heights.

Not a professional dancer nor singer, Brooklyn-born Smits had extra help in his performance for the film. In an interview on ABC’s  Live with Kelly and Ryan, with Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest, Smits self-deprecatingly revealed he had “four vocal coaches for seven lines” in a musical number and laughed about it.

The unveiling of Smits’ Star on the Walk of Fame came just days before the world premiere In the Heights, playing theatres nationwide starting June 11.

With a show business career spanning over three decades, the Latino thespian is an accomplished film, TV and theatre performer.

Smits’ star is near the one of Gregory Peck, an Oscar-winning legend with whom the Latino actor co-starred in the film 1989 Old Gringo and whom he considers a “kind of a mentor” that helped him stay on the right path in his career. “That means a whole lot (to me),” he said in the same TV interview with Kelly and Ryan. 

“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to be honoring one of the hardest working actors in show business,” said Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “The fact that we placed his star near the star of his favorite actor and co-star Gregory Peck makes this ceremony even sweeter. We are proud to add Jimmy Smits to our Walk of Fame family.” The star is located at 6100 Hollywood Blvd. near the Pantages Theater.

The Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy-winning actor has appeared in over 20 feature films like Old Gringo and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and about 30 television projects such as L.A. Law and NYPD Blue. He is also a consummate stage performer whose credits include the Broadway production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Anna in the Tropics as well some Shakespearian works.

In a long, prolific career, Smits has earned more than 40 award nominations and critical acclaim and worked with renowned directors and Hollywood stars. His early filmography includes Peter Hyams’ Running Scared with Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal, John Schlesinger’s The Believers, Blake Edwards’ comedy Switch; and the critically acclaimed My Family/Mi Familia, directed by Gregory Nava, for which he received an IFP Spirit Award nomination.   

Smits’ later works include Carlos Ávila’s Price of Glory, George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Rogue One and Robin Swicord’s The Jane Austen Book Club. Other credits include El Traspatio (Backyard) by director Carlos Carrera and Who We Are Now, written and directed by Matthew Newton.

Smits, however, may be best known for his television work. He received six consecutive Emmy nominations, winning in 1990, for his role as Victor Sifuentes on the multi-award-winning drama L.A. Law. He received a Golden Globe Award and five consecutive Emmy nominations for his role as Bobby Simone on the critically acclaimed, Emmy-winning drama, NYPD Blue, and earned an Emmy nomination for his guest star arc in season three of Showtime’s hit series Dexter. 

Additionally, he received an ALMA Award and an Imagen Award for Best Actor in The West Wing, has four Golden Globe nominations and eleven SAG Award nominations, receiving the honor in 1995 for NYPD Blue. His highly-touted departure from New York police drama also won the Humanitas Award.

Smits last starred in the NBC-TV series Bluff City Law as a civil rights lawyer in Memphis and appeared in a season-long guest arc opposite Viola Davis on How To Get Away With Murder. Before that he co-starred in 24: Legacy, opposite Corey Hawkins and Miranda Otto, as a powerful and ambitious U.S. Senator. He also co-starred in Baz Luhrmann’s music-driven drama for Netflix The Get Down, a mythic saga of how New York at the brink of bankruptcy gave birth to hip-hop, punk and disco. He also portrayed Neron “Nero” Padilla in the final three seasons of the lauded FX show Sons of Anarchy and takes a comedic turn in NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

In 2009, he finished a guest-starring stint in season three of Showtime’s hit series Dexter, for which he was recognized with his 12th Emmy nomination. In 2008, Smits’ El Sendero Productions company co-executive produced the CBS series Cane, which he also starred in. The show was critically acclaimed for its cutting edge and dramatic reflection of the family dynamic within a modern-day Cuban-American family. In 2006 Smits completed his role in the long-running and critically-acclaimed NBC series The West Wing. As President Matthew Santos, Smits brought to the show his infusion of energy and added even more depth to the well-written and politically relevant plotline.

Smits has involved himself in various charitable organizations over the years, such as Stand Up 2 Cancer, the Saban Community Clinic, Homeboys, St. Jude’s Hospital for Children among others. He has consistently been a strong advocate for education and co-founded the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts (NHFA) in 1997 along with actors Esai Morales and Sonia Braga and Washington attorney Felix Sanchez, to promote Hispanic talent in the performing arts. The organization offers graduate scholarships and cash grants at prominent colleges and universities to expand career opportunities and increase access for Hispanic artists and professionals while fostering the emergence of new Hispanic talent.

Featured Photo: In the Heights (Credit: Warner Bros.)

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Beginning on Monday, June 7th, Anthony Ramos who plays the lead role of Usnavy, and who is already known to tens of thousand Broadway fans from his role in the Tony award-winning plays In The Heights, will start off the week talking to Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest on Monday, June 7^th. We will get some insight into shooting the film and what we can expect. Already the buzz is strong, with the reviews to discuss the film adaptation of the Lin-Manuel Miranda musical 

On Thursday, June 10, fresh off receiving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Jimmy Smits joins Kelly and Ryan for some insight into why he agreed to smaller role in the major production. On Friday, two-time Tony Award nominated Daphne Rubin-Vega will close out the week of In The Heights talks, the day before the film’s premiere on June 11.

There is much buzz on In The Heights and which has a 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes while movie critics seem to be all on point with their praise of the film. “Movies and Shakers” summed up the critics’ consensus well when they said, “With Lin Manuel-Miranda’s genius, Jon Chu’s direction, and the fusion of talented cast and crew, this production, filled with exhilarating energy, more than translates from stage to screen.”

Jon M. Chu’s directs the much anticipated Warner Brothers’ adaptation of Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway hit musical In the Heights, which opens nationwide on June 11, 2021. 

The post Anthony Ramos, Jimmy Smits, Daphne Rubin-Vega ‘Live with Kelly and Ryan’ Starting Monday first appeared on .

By Marco Antonio Gonzalez 

While there have been a few films, and I do mean a few, inspired by and for Latinos in the Hollywood factory, never has there been a film, much less a musical, where Latinos are not only the subject matter but also the behind the scenes, front and center of a plot. The celebration of community, Latino cultural pride and heritage have rarely been depicted or delivered in such a majestic manner by Hollywood as it has been in Jon M. Chu’s much anticipated Warner Brothers’ adaptation of Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway hit musical In the Heights, which opens nationwide on June 11, 2021. 

To be fair, there have been some notable and remarkable films in the limited Hollywood archives that have been reserved for us in a dark corner of their basement and that are worth mentioning as legacy Latino films; some of these iconic films include Zoot Suit, Mi Familia, Stand and Deliver, La Bamba, El Norte, Selena, Frida, The Motorcycle Diaries and most recently, Disney’s Coco. But for the most part, our stories have been relegated to play second fiddle or simply stand in as extras on the sideline of American cinema–Think West Side Story, whose only redeemable element is the presence of our iconic Rita Moreno as the only real Latina in a reinvented Latino-themed Romeo and Juliet Broadway musical-turned-film. 

In the Heights stars Anthony Ramos (A Star is Born, Hamilton, Honest Thief, In Treatment), Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton, Kong: ), Melissa Barrera (Vida, Scream, and Carmen), Lin Manuel Miranda, Jimmy Smits, Marc Anthony, singer/songwriter Leslie Grace in the lead role of Nina and Olga Merediz, who is the only cast member from the original Broadway musical that captures the essence of community and family in her reprised role as Abuela.

In the Heights marks a dramatic and most defined line between visibility and invisibility of the Hispanic experience in America as told by Hollywood, and while it may have taken some time to get here, it makes a bold statement about the importance, contributions and influence of Latinos in America.  In the Heights may take place in New York City’s Washington Heights, but it unites us all by subtly and elegantly embracing all Latinos under one beautifully wrapped bow; it could be the immigrant story of any of our families. Yes, language and culture are perhaps a common thread between the diverse and complex Latin American diaspora in the U.S., but in the end, as members of this rich and mixed culture, we understand that we all inevitably experience our “Latinoness” in a very unique idiosyncratic nationalist way, without failing to accept the fact that we still belong to a larger tribe, and that is the Latin American tribe, where the triumph of one is the triumph of us all. It’s hard for me as an American born Mexican to not move my hips on cue with the first note or beat of a cumbia or salsa track, or the contagious rhythms of Colombian vallenato, or feel pride when I see the Aztec dancers on Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles or hear the dazzling and intoxicating notes of a Brazilian samba; that’s just who we are!

“In the Heights is more than a movie to me,” said Barrera exclusively to Latin Heat. “It represents honoring our people, it represents honoring our culture, it represents honoring generations of our ancestors that have long felt erased from the narrative and I love that the world will get to see our community in all of our complexity, in all of our beauty and glory too, and to see us celebrate each other and lift each other up because I feel that’s the essence of the Latinx community.” 

When you watch In the Heights for the first time, you feel that type of sensation and a warm fuzzy feeling, and you forget about your own Mexicanness, Puertoricanness (if those are even words), or your own family’s immediate national heritage and you embrace that rich culture that we all call Latino (or Hispanic, Latinx or whatever term you prefer), a culture that is expressed by this musical film in an explosion of color, music, dance, emotion and raw honesty. It took two influential and talented people of color, Miranda and Chu, to get Hollywood to finally tell our story with dignity and respect. 

In the Heights, the musical film is the product of two brilliant minds that bring to life our Latin experience in the U.S., the life of hard-working immigrant families who have been a quintessential part of the American fabric and the greatness of this nation. It is also a celebration of community, family and cultural pride, and heritage. The film is brilliantly directed by Chu as a musical of colossal proportions, with a crescendo effect of color and music that result in an explosive cinematic masterpiece with musical choreographies and numbers that are reminiscent of some of Hollywood’s most epic musicals of yesteryear. 

While the Broadway musical focused on the life and aspirations of Nina (played by Dominican singer Grace) and her personal conflicts between fulfilling her academic dreams and leaving her barrio behind, the film actually pivots its attention to the romantic storyline between the film’s lead characters Usnavi de la Vega (Ramos) and Vanessa (Barrera). The on-screen chemistry between Ramos and Barrera is pure magic and seamless. You believe their romance and truly fall for their love story from the opening of the film to the last frame that closes this unapologetic musical. 

In her film debut, Barrera steals every scene she appears in and unravels her singing, dancing and acting abilities in a similar fashion that Moreno must have done in 1961 when she swept Hollywood off its feet with her performance as Anita in West Side Story, which won her an Oscar for best actress in a supporting role that year. Barrera is not the next anything, she may very well be Hollywood’s newest quadruple threat, singer, actor, dancer and perfectly bilingual, a feat not seen or accomplished since Moreno’s successful and legendary career in entertainment. “I’m so excited for all the world to see us, to see our stories and to empathize with us, because I feel like we’re so much more similar than we are different,” said Barrera.

The film opens with the title track of “In the Heights,” and it is then that you immediately realize that you’re in for a very exhilarating and unforgettable cinematic experience because what comes next is an amalgamation of stellar choreographies, great music and a beautiful story that will endure the test of time. The grandeur and colorful performances of the “96,000” musical number in the community swimming pool are simply mesmerizing, and perhaps one of the most memorable moments in recent cinematic splendor. It truly is difficult to pick just one favorite moment, because Chu practically makes any plot fragment a gem without even trying, as is the case with the musical number “When You’re Home” with Hawkins and Grace dancing away on the side of an apartment building with the sunset as a golden backdrop or “It Won’t Be Long Now” with Barrera and Ramos. The art direction and the clever, timely insertion of the Dreamers storyline, which is not part of the original Broadway musical, are undoubtedly both carefully crafted characteristics that give the film and its characters a breath of depth and dignity you would never come to expect from a musical. 

Like Barrera said, In the Heights is more than a movie, it truly is an experience, the collective narrative of a group of people that have long been ignored by and intentionally left out of the Hollywood storytelling machine. In the Heights is the story of all Latinos living in the U.S. and a celebration of our communities, our cultural heritage and our powerful voices. In the Heights is truly the story of all of us. 

Featured Photo: ‘In the Heights’ (Credit: Warner Bros.)

The post ‘In the Heights,’ an Instant American Classic, Breath of Fresh Air first appeared on .

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker with Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron rose to number one movie on opening weekend earning a massive $176 million in ticket sales at the North American box-office. It is the third biggest opening of a movie in 2019 behind Avengers: Endgame and The Lion King.  

Latinos are soaring into a galaxy far…far away on the Big screen and audiences are taken with the dashing resistance pilot Poe Dameron portrayed by Isaac in the current Star Wars film trilogy.  

Isaac is only the third Latino actor to embody an iconic Star Wars character in the 9th film francishe that previously included Diego Luna as rebel spy Cassian Andor and Jimmy Smits as Senator Bail Organa, father of Princess Leia. Most recently Pedro Pascal has become a fan favorite along with Baby Yoda as the title character of The Mandolorean in the new Disney Plus streaming series Star Wars spin off.

With its multi-cultural cast and mythic status, The Rise Of Skywalker is proving a potent movie formula for success.  

Isaac is reunited with Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega) in this climatic  film that also co-stars Adam Driver and Kelly Marie Tran.    

Billy Dee Williams returns after 38 years since The Empire Strikes Back as smooth talking Lando Calissian along with Anthony Daniels as CP-30, Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker and the late Carrie Fisher is resurrected through computer technology and previously unused footage from the prior films to appear as Princess Leia under the direction of JJ Abrams.

“ It was fun to get out of the fighter cockpit and join my friends in this adventure together but also to shed light on Poe’s past and learn that he isn’t quite as squeaky clean as you might think.” remarked Isaac in a recent interview.

The 40 year old Guatemalan born actor will continue with further Sci-Fi adventures with an important role in visionary director Denis Villenueve’s upcoming film adaptation of Frank Herbert classic’s classic novel Dune set for release in December 2020 from Legendary entertainment.The Rise Of Skywalker is the last installment in the current trilogy that began with 2015’s The Force Awakens. It is the ninth film in the Star Wars Legacy that began 42 years ago with the original created by George Lucas.

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Bluff City Law is a new one-hour legal drama starring Jimmy Smits about a father-daughter legal team that takes on cases involving injustice and civil rights matters. Elijah Straits, as played by Smits, is a complicated man; a widower and a crusading attorney who fights for those who can least defend themselves. He has an estranged relationship with his daughter Sydney (Caitlin McGee) but they respect each other’s courtroom abilities yet personally they are at odds. Elijah Strait isn’t necessarily a Latino character and Smits sports a mild southern accent for the role.

This is a return to the television legal drama genre that launched Smits on the acclaimed L.A. Law (1986-1992) in which he played young attorney Victor Sifuentes. He won television’s coveted Emmy award for the role. Smits’ television career spans more than three decades including such series as NYPD Blue, The West Wing, Dexter and Sons of Anarchy. 

John Beifuss in his article for the Memphis Commercial Appeal recently described Smits as “a figure whose familiar presence invests any role with authority and the promise of a solid authentic performance.” Bluff City Law is filmed entirely on location in Memphis, Tennessee capturing the ambiance of its southern locale.

The executive producers are Michael Aguilar Dean Georgaris and David Janollan.  Jessica Yu (Grey’s Anatomy) directed the first episode; Smits was surprised and proud to learn that one of the staff writers hired on Bluff City Law is a former recipient of a scholarship from the Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, an organization which he is one of the co-founders.

The veteran actor spent most of the summer largely in New York City and later for a short time commuting between filming locations, where he completed a role as businessman Kevin Rosario in Lin Manuel Miranda’s film version of his award-winning musical play In The Heights.

Bluff City Law begins its series run Monday, September 23, 2019, at 10:00 pm on NBC. Make sure to tune in.

The post Jimmy Smits Stars In NBC’s New Crime Drama “Bluff City Law” first appeared on .

Jimmy Smits’ New  NBC series Bluff City Law for Sept, 2019

Jimmy Smits new legal drama Bluff City Law has been picked up as a continuing series for Monday nights 10: P.M. on the NBC network 2019 Fall Schedule. Bluff City Law stars Smits as Elijah Strait and Sydney Keller (Caitlin McGee) as a Memphis Tennessee father-daughter legal team who take on explosive civil rights cases that are as explosive as their own volatile relationship. Dean Georgaris (The Brave) serves as Executive producer along with Michael Aquilar (Constantine) and David Janollan (Six Feet Under, Midnight). The series pilot was directed by Jessica Yu (Grey’s Anatomy). Smits is repped by UTA, Brillstein Entertainment (Management), and Carol Marshall Public Relations. Follow drama series on social media: @NBCBluffCityLaw

Edgar Ramirez, Sebastian Stan in Exciting Spy Film, 355

Edgar Ramirez and Sebastian Stan (Avengers: Endgame) join Penelope Cruz, Lupita Nyongo and Jessica Chastain in the new spy action film 355, about a group of female spies who must bond together in order to stop an earthshaking event that will thrust the world into chaos and destruction. The film begins shooting in London, Paris, and Morocco this July and will be released by Universal Pictures. Ramirez recently starred in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. Ramirez is repped by CAA and Impression Entertainment.  Stan is repped by ICM and Brookside Artist Management.

Rosa Salazar & Lauren Schacher Join Forces for The Bang Bang Girls Film

Rosa Salazar (Bird Box), who starred in Robert Rodriquez’s big budget Sci-Fi epic film Alita: Battle Angel, will star in and executive produces a new feature film comedy The Bang Bang Girls to be written and directed by Lauren Schacher making her directorial debut. The Bang Bang Girls is the story of a high school valedictorian and her two best friends who recruit their new chemistry teacher (Salazar) to form a secret after school sex education club. Salazar’s other credits include The Maze Runner franchise and the Divergent series: Insurgent. She will be seen next starring in the Amazon series Undone. Salazar is repped by Paradigm and Vanderkloof Law.

Documentary on Dolores Huerta wins Prestigious Peabody Awards

The Independent Lens PBS documentary Dolores, profiling 89-year-old living Mexican American activist Dolores Huerta won the Prestigious Peabody Award for documentaries. The critically acclaimed documentary Dolores is described in the event program as “an exhilarating portrait of activist and community organizer Dolores Huerta that serves as a timely reminder of the power of collective action in service of social justice.” The documentary was produced by legendary guitarist Carlos Santana and directed by Peter Bratt.  Huerta was present in New York at the awards ceremony to accept the award on May 18^th, 2019. 

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