I wrote last week about Bella and urged you to see it. (See below.)
Anyhow, people in large numbers did attend the opening weekend, though the number of screens on which the film appeared was limited (800 nationally). That means it has not opened yet in certain big cities such as Seattle, or smaller cities like Fort Wayne, say, or Boca Raton, not to mention small towns like Galesburg, Illinois. It will now, I guess, so see it. I don't want to give away the plot, but I will say that it says much worthwhile about America today, our heritage and the positive influence of the "new" hispanic culture. (It has nothing to do with illegal immigration, however!)
Here is what the people promoting the film just sent film supporters (note the link to the Ebert review):
THANK YOU!!!!!
Because of your help Bella broke records on opening weekend! Bella achieved:
-#1 highest avg Box Office per screen of any film in our category in the world this year!
-#2 highest avg Box Office per screen of any film in the world on Friday & Saturday
-#1 highest avg Box Office per screen of any film in the world on Sunday
Ebert's incredible thumbs up review.
Last week Tony Bennett spontaneously took the microphone from lead actor Eduardo Verastegui after the premiere at Tribeca and gave an impassioned speech thru his tears saying; "it is a perfect movie, an artistic masterpiece that every American must see". He said a lot more and you can see the video on You Tube. You can also see Eduardo's appearance on Fox and other interviews at www.BellaNews.com.
LATEST REVIEWS
Warm, sweet and funny. -Roger Ebert, rogerebert.com
Versategui is a natural on the big screen, a compelling presence. -Ruthe Stein,
SF Chronicle "A sweet, life-affirming picture" - Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times
"A bear-hugging embrace of sweetness and light" -Stephen Holden, The New York Times
"Cynics need not apply, but I found "Bella" a real heart tugger." - Lou Lumenick, New York Post
An unforgettable experience! A celebration of family, food, music and life-affirming values -Michael Medved
Powerful and moving... a true inspiration. -CNN, Ana Maria Montero
"The warmest family drama I've seen in years" -Frank Lovece - Film Journal FOX NEWS
