YOUR ONLINE GUIDE TO LATINO L.A.

No, Seriously?

The first trailers for Disney’s Beverly Hills Chihuahua have hit the Internet and are getting decidedly mixed reviews. While we can’t get enough of dancing dogs and the cast includes a number of top-notch Latinos, we’re still, well, left speechless by how ridiculous the whole thing is. Judge for yourself.

Ugly Ad Targets Governator

In a rather unprecedented move, last week it was announced that Ugly Betty, which is filmed here in Los Angeles, would be moving to New York for production in the fall. The show’s actors, including many who are L.A.-based, are reportedly unhappy. But they’re not nearly as upset as the crew members who are now out of work. And Friday they took out an ad in Variety to publicly blame Governor Schwarzenegger for the allowing New York to steal the ABC show: “We were informed this Tuesday that the production of our show is moving … primarily because of the 35 percent tax incentives being offered by the state of New York. … While the loss of our individual positions may be insignificant, the loss of this production is staggering. We implore you to do everything in your power to level the playing field and bring our jobs back to California by enacting meaningful incentives.”

And In Casting News…

Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Their Eyes Were Watching God) has joined ABC’s drama pilot Castle, where he’ll play a police chief, according to the Reporter. Meanwhile, show killer veteran actor Esai Morales has signed on for the Battlestar Galactica prequel Caprica, which is billed as a backdoor pilot/TV movie.

Keep Your Day Job

Footballer Tony Romo has made a name for himself both on the gridiron and in the tabloids (as boyfriend of frequent target Jessica Simpson). But nobody’s ever called him a singer. And for good reason. The undercover Latino (née Antonio Rarmiro Romo) performed at a recent Cubs’ game and had more than one false start.

Take That, Oprah!

Las Comadres, a national, mostly online Latina networking organization, has joined forces with Borders and the Association of American Publishers to launch Las Comadres and Friends National Latino Book Club at select Borders locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. Author Esmeralda Santiago (When I Was Puerto Rican) will serve as the spokeswoman for the group, which is open to all those interested in reading English-language works by Latinos. Among this year’s featured titles are Yxta Maya Murray’s The King’s Gold, Margo Candela’s More Than This, Junot Diaz’s The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Who. For more information, visit www.bordersstores.com.—Ashley Alvarado

Mario Lopez Wants to Pump You Up

Photographs by Joan Allen

In a nod to our May “Shape Up” issue, this month the Culture Vultures are highlighting new fitness- and diet-themed books, some Latino related, some not. So when we heard the one-and-only A. C. Slater (Mario Lopez for those not in the know) was releasing a workout guide, we could not have been more excited. Lopez, who is currently treading the boards in A Chorus Line on Broadway, has been known as much for his physique—singular sensation, indeed!—as his body of work since his early days on Kids Incorporatedand Saved by the Bell. And if the text was no good, at least we could look at the pictures.

In Mario Lopez’s Knockout Fitness: The Six-Week Plan for Sculpting Your Best Body Ever, the actor teams with Jeff O’Connell (as well as an extensive team of nutritionists and trainers) to present readers with a diverse, easy-to-follow, and picture-packed guide to getting lean. And the program, which was built on the underlying principles of cardio and superset-based weight training, has some big-name fans, including Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya and Lopez’s former Dancing partner, Karina Smirnoff. De La Hoya praises the wide applicability of the exercise routines: “Mario accommodates every preexisting fitness level. That’s why it can work for everyone: men and women, young and old, the out of shape and the in shape, novice and advanced.”

We can’t see Lopez’s workouts catching fire à la Tai-Bo or even cardio strip; it lacks that certain wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am appeal. But Lopez deserves props for his honest approach—despite the book’s title, he admits it may take at least twice as long for beginners—and the myriad options it offers exercise newbies. Because, as Lopez says, “if you’re not having fun, you’ll never stick with it.” The workout and diet program, which is divided into three phases, includes a series of exercises ranging from straight gym workouts to boxing, splashing around on the beach, and, yes, ballroom dancing. Interspersed throughout are “Hey, Mario!” tips on everything from how to curb your appetite to quick ways to boost your energy level.

Casual readers may find the book’s many charts, equations (what’s math doing in an exercise book?), and meal plans a bit intimidating, but in fact, they are part of what makes it all work. If the program is helping you lose weight, these numbers help illustrate why. Each step is so well outlined that there is little room for confusion. Unlike many splash-in-the-pan regimens, Lopez’s covers all its bases. There’s a reason doctors and scientists emphasize the importance of diet and exercise. And the spelled-out sample meal plans demonstrate how unobtrusive a good diet can be. It’s not about turning your kitchen upside down. It’s just a matter of figuring out what works. Mario Lopez’s Knockout Fitness works.—Ashley Alvarado

$27. www.amazon.com.

Want to get up close and personal with Lopez before buying the book? He'll be signing copies of Knockout Fitness this Thursday, May 15, at 7:30. Barnes & Noble, 189 The Grove Dr., L.A., www.bn.com.

The Impersonator in All of Us

People familiar with Harmony Korine’s work—he directed Gummo and wrote the 1995 cult classic Kids—know he likes to provide audiences with a closer look into the lives of social outcasts. And Mister Lonely, Korine's first film after an eight-year hiatus, is no exception.

Mister Lonely stars Diego Luna as a Michael Jackson impersonator who falls for a Marilyn Monroe look-alike. The two become friends, and Marilyn invites Michael back home to a mimic-filled commune in the Scottish Highlands. There he meets people who impersonate James Dean, President Lincoln, Charlie Chaplin, the Three Stooges, Shirley Temple, Madonna, even the pope—all choosing to fully embody the personalities they admire, rather than live life as their true selves.

The movie’s unusual story line created an early buzz, with people at the preview screening proclaiming the film was going to be good even before the first credits began rolling.

And the opening scene did not disappoint.

Almost as if to set the tone for the quirkiness to come, Luna, dressed as Michael Jackson and sitting atop a pocket bike—complete with a stuffed, winged monkey we can only assume represents Bubbles—drives down in slow motion to the tune of Vinton Bobby’s “Mister Lonely.”

The rest of the film also is filled with signature Korine wit, notably the parallel story line featuring nuns falling out of planes, the pope sharing a bed with Queen Elizabeth, or the scene where Michael sings, “You’re never gonna die, I want you to live forever,” to a group of senior citizens living in a retirement home.

But also prominent in Korine’s pictures is the torment felt by his characters. In Lonely, Michael explains he has never felt comfortable in his own skin and, like his newfound friends, prefers to live life imitating someone he admires rather than face life as himself. Though he finally feels at home in the paradisiacal commune, he is forced to come to grips with reality when it dawns on him it will forever interfere with his life as a dreamer.

Some may consider the act of living life as an impersonator as cowardly. But Korine comes to their defense during one of the film’s key lines: “There are no truer souls than those who impersonate.” Alluding to the fact that we are all impersonators in a sense, because we tend to hide our true selves under the personas we create to deal with different scenarios, whether we are around loved ones, coworkers, or strangers, we are constantly morphing to adapt to the situation. Maybe the director’s real message is that every now and then we all have to come to face with the person behind the mask. Or maybe he just made the movie so he could show nuns jumping out of planes. That’s just it, with Korine you never know. —Rocío Zamora

Now playing at Laemmle's Sunset 5, 8000 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 323-848-3500.

From Hot Gossip to Hot Topic

The self-proclaimed Queen of All Media, Perez Hilton, now has one more thing in common with many of the celebrities he covers on his eponymous website: a clothing and accessories line. The flamboyant blogger, who also has a book deal and semiregular series on VH1, will debut his Perez Hilton for Hot Topic line—a collection of women’s T-shirts, hoodies, accessories, and footwear—on June 6. “I have a good idea for what’s hot and what’s not,” Hilton said in a press release announcing the venture. Um. Yeah.

Gael Gets a Baby Mama

Perennial favorite Gael García Bernal, who played a sinfully sexy padre in El Crimen del Padre Amaro, is now set to be a father in real life, according to the La Oreja. The show reports that Argentine actress Dolores Fonzi, who costarred with García Bernal in Vidas Privadas, is several months pregnant with his baby. This just goes to prove GGB and BFF Diego Luna have to do EVERYTHING together.

He’s Outta There

Former baseball star Jose Canseco’s newest book is called Vindicated. A more accurate title, however, would be Evicted. TMZ.com reports the Surreal Life alumnus recently saw his 7,300-square-foot, $2.5 million Encino mansion foreclosed on. Canseco reportedly blames his financial woes on a couple of bad divorces and his high tax bracket, saying that post IRS, he was only pulling in $17 or $18 million a year. OK, Jose …

ABC Family Debuts Tan Summer Schedule

Actress Natalie Morales—no, not the Today Show’s Natalie Morales—has been tapped to play a crime-fighting twentysomething in The Middleman, a graphic novel–inspired drama from Javier Grillo-Marxauch, which will debut June 16 on ABC Family. Thirteen episodes have been ordered. Just imagine Dark Angel, but not so dark and not so Jessica Alba.

Almódovar Is Universal

Universal Pictures will cofund director Pedro Almódovar’s newest film, Los Abrazos Rotos, and Focus Films will manage foreign sales, according to Variety.com. The Penélope Cruz project, which is set to begin filming in Madrid and the Canary Films on May 26, does not yet have a U.S. distribution deal.

Bardem on the Edge of a Nervous (??) Breakdown

Speaking of the lovely Penélope Cruz, her rumored fiancé, Javier Bardem, has quit Rob Marshall’s film adaptation of the musical Nine, citing exhaustion, Variety.com reports. This is the second recent project the Spanish Oscar winner has exited; Francis Ford Coppola last month decided to replace him with Carmen Maura in the drama Tetro. Nine’s current cast includes Cruz, Sophia Loren, and Mario Cotillard. —Ashley Alvarado

¡Bellisima!

Alejandro G. Monteverde’s feature film debut, Bella, has finally made its way to DVD. Those who weren’t able to catch the movie in theaters can now see what all the fuss has been about as they follow José (Eduardo Verástegui) through the traumatic and debilitating experience that ends his dreams of becoming a professional soccer player. (Though Monteverde doesn’t quickly reveal what has derailed José’s promising soccer career, the hints he provides are obvious enough that most people can piece together what happened before he officially let’s us in on the secret.) Not completely healed, a Jesus-looking José now works as head chef at his brother Manny’s (Manny Perez) restaurant. He reaches out to his recently fired coworker, Nina (Tammy Blanchard), as she deals with an unwanted pregnancy. By taking the time to help her resolve her problems, José realizes he also has a chance to resolve his own.

While the plot is a little far-fetched—I mean, how can you work alongside a mango like Verástegui and not notice him until the day your fired?—the superb acting skills of everyone in the cast makes you not mind the naïveté of the film. As always, Angélica Aragón gives a masterful performance as José’s mother, even strutting her bilingual skills on the big screen. And Verástegui proves he is not just a pretty face. The delectable actor hides his chiseled facial features behind a gross beard for most of the movie yet still manages to make audiences swoon.

The subject matter is refreshing in that it’s not your predictable love story. There is barely even a hint of romance between José and Nina, instead the film revolves around the love and compassion people are capable of exuding. And though the plot may be a bit on the naive side, it definitely lives up to its intent of being a well executed feel-good movie. All in all, not bad for Monteverde’s freshman attempt.—Rocío Zamora


$20. www.amazon.com.

All Revved Up

Venezuela native races into Hollywood with Speed Racer

Milka Duno is known for her speed, but as a child in Venezuela all her focus was on school. And thanks to all her studious efforts, she earned four masters degrees—three of them simultaneously—and became a naval engineer. Duno’s introduction to the world of racing came when a friend recommended she take part in a Porsche driving clinic. She fell in love. In 2007 she became the first Latina to qualify in the Indy 500, where she qualified 29^th out of 33 cars. Duno is currently training for this year’s race, but you can catch her before then in Speed Racer, which hits theaters May 9.—Susan Staine

How’d you get involved with the film?

The Speed Racerpeople contacted my manager, and she told me about the part, and I said yes.

You play Kellie “Gearbox” Kalinkov. What is she like?

She’s an eccentric Russian racer who dresses funny. She has a uniform with feathers! And she’s really aggressive—a little bad. The part is small, but it’s very big for me because of what it means: They thought of me and wanted me for this role, and imagine all the people who are going to see it. God, I want to be in that movie again!

Were you a fan of Speed Racer before you were asked to be in the movie?

I first saw it about three years ago when it was syndicated, and while I was watching I never imagined I would soon be in the live action movie version of the show. I’m the only real driver in the film, and it’s exciting that they thought of me. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of a movie that’s going to be as big as Speed Racer?

How long were you on the set?

I filmed my scenes in 10 days. It was something I enjoyed very much because it was new to me. I was part of a cast of famous actors. I didn’t do scenes with anybody, but I did see Matthew Fox and Emile Hirsh on the set in passing. I even saw Susan Sarandon in makeup! At the end of my 10 days, I just stood in awe of the work that goes into acting.

Was it difficult? I know you’ve done some acting before in telenovelas…

I’ve been in telenovelas, but I’ve only done small bits, and I really admire acting. I’m a driver, not an actor, so I see it as difficult and complicated, and I’m sure actors see my job as difficult. The hardest part, if you’ll believe it, was acting like I was a driver in a race. I had to overact. I had to change my style. I’m a calm driver, but for the movie I had to overdo the jolts and the energy.

Would you act in another film?

Of course, I would love it—even if it’s a bigger role and I’m not really an actress—I’d do it because the opportunity presented itself, and opportunities only come around once [in awhile], so you have to take them.

How did you become a driver?

I never thought I was going to be a driver. I was very studious. I believe it was destined to be. I’m a naval engineer, but now I’m a driver. I never thought I would do it, but here I am. It just happened. In Venezuela it’s not very popular. It’s getting bigger, but it wasn’t that popular when I started, so it definitely had to be in my destiny. I tried it once, and because it was so complicated—and I’m really competitive by nature—I pushed myself and dedicated myself to be the best. I’m always attracted by a challenge.

How do you handle being one of the few women in a male-dominated sport?

It all depends on your determination. I decided to play under the same rules as everyone else. And when you’re working, it doesn’t matter what gender you are. It’s all about aptitude and how well you do what you’re doing.

You seem to have a lot of determination. You became the first Latina to qualify in the Indy 500.

It was fantastic! It happened last year, and I’m so excited about it. Indy has 90 years of history, and I qualified in that historic race! There were also fans who jumped and cheered for me … they were all rooting for the Latina. [Indy] was the most difficult thing that I have ever tried … and we’re preparing for it again this month.

Do you parents support you?

Of course they support me. At first they didn’t because I was going from being a naval engineer to racing. But now, they’re my biggest fans.

What doors has racing opened for you?

Racing has given me the opportunity to work with a project that’s really close to my heart: education. I’m working on a bilingual children’s book, Go, Milka, Go! It’s about the importance of education because [even though] I’m working as a professional athlete, sports are temporary, but education is forever. The book is my small contribution to young readers. I’ve also had the opportunity to visit schools, universities, and orphanages in a lot of countries, to talk about education—all because I’m a known driver. And I serve as a role model for people, that’s inspiring.

Any other projects going on?

I plan to win other races and to keep speaking to young people who will be the future. Becoming a recognized racer has taken a lot of effort, and I’m going to keep at it so that I can keep succeeding.

What would you say to girls who want to be racers?

I always say that you have to prepare by educating yourself. When you’re educated, you’re prepared for anything. I was educated and dedicated, and when the opportunity to race came up I was ready. That’s the secret: You just have to be prepared when opportunity strikes.

A Side of Life

As Kermit would say, it ain’t easy being green. But as most Latinas can attest, it’s even tougher to be lean. Fortunately, Ciudad’s May issue (on newsstands now) is full of tips on how to shape up and slim down in the summer months ahead. And we’re not stopping there. This month, the Culture Vultures will bring you reviews of some of the latest and greatest exercise-themed tomes, including Mario Lopez’s new workout book and Barbara Trujillo Gomez’s fitness guide for Latinas.

Of course, exercise is just one half of the weight-loss process. Running five miles a day is fine and dandy, but it isn’t going to get you anywhere if you keep scarfing down McDonald’s burgers and fries morning, noon, and night. Instead, as many a nutritionist would tell you, the trick to losing weight is diet and exercise. That’s where Lisa Lillien’s new book, Hungry Girl: Recipes & Survival Strategies for Guilt-Free Eating in the Real World, comes into play. What started out as one woman’s effort to track down more nutritious versions of her favorite foods quickly became a massively popular e-mail subscription service and now an extremely insightful and easy-to-digest cookbook that’s jam-packed with recipes, little-known food facts, and tips for diet survival in our junk food nation.

Although Lillien is not Latina, her book does contain a number of healthy versions of Latino dishes. Among our favorites: the 7-Layer Burrito Blitz (277 calories) and the Sassy Salsa Pumpkin Soup (177 calories). Not convinced? Check out more of the Hungry Girl’s recipes at Hungry-Girl.com.—Ashley Alvarado

$18. www.bordersstores.com.