Americano Press Coverage


E! News


Premier - "Americano" by Oliver Jones

For first-time writer-director Kevin Noland, Hopper is here primarily to sprinkle a little Easy Rider mojo onto an indie that's cut from the same faded denium. Set in Pamplona, Spain, during the running of the bulls, "Americano" tracks the backpacking jaunt of a recent college grad (Joshua Jackson) before he embarks on a lifetime of corporate tedium. Hopper, playing the enigmatic expatriate owner of the Club Americano, pressures him to rethink his choice. "[It's] about discovery and the importance of experiencing life outside of your comfort zone," Noland says of the film.

Speaking of which, Hopper is currently struggling his way through a monologue. "It is time to kill the god of contentment," he bellows to the club revelers. "I can't remember the next fucking line, but I'm sure it's a motherfucker."

Not to be deterred, he begins to improvise. "You drink your cup of java, then you move on to your nose candy, you take your exstasy...." A throng of extras begins to cheer him on. "Mack Daddy Hops is here!" he shouts.
"D-Hops!" one shouts back.
"D-Hops!" Hopper echoes, before slinking off camera to finish his cigar and study his lines.

LA Times - "AMERICANO" by Kevin Crust

In his debut feature 'Americano,' writer-director Kevin Noland beautifully captures that angst-ridden moment in a young life when faced with an anticipated option that could dramatically change that life. It is the final three days of a European backpacking trip, when recent college grad Chris McKinley (Joshua Jackson of 'Dawson's Creek' fame) finds himself with two friends in Pamplona for the infamous running of the bulls.

His impressive performance bestows upon him an added confidence that enables him to win over a quintessential Spanish beauty. She takes him and his friends under her wing and to her home in a picturesque village. While logic and conscience dictate that he return home as planned to his fast track career, this vibrant and headstrong Spanish beauty in front of him has ripped open the door to a whole new world.

In 'Americano,' Noland sketches out a charming and compelling case for 'travel' as a crucial part of a young person's education."


Film Threat - "Americano" by Eric Campos

'Americano' is an exhilarating trip through Spain as three American college graduates blow off some steam, indulging in all this foreign land has to offer, which includes taking part in the running of the bulls. The movie is driven by character experience more than plot. As Ryan (Timm Sharp), Michelle (Ruthanna Hopper) and Chris (Josh Jackson) venture further into Spain, they take the viewer right along with them, making for a kind of European vacation for the audience, with clueless, but adorable travel guides no less.

Amongst other places, their travels bring them to a car called "Americano," where they run into the tripped out bar owner played by Dennis Hopper. Chris also meets a mysterious Spanish woman, Adea (Loenor Varela) who takes him and his friends in at her home, quickly turning their adventure into a quiet countryside vacation. Things get even more interesting as Chris and Adela form a bond as the relationship between Ryan and Michelle begins to show signs of strain. Beautifully shot and filled with lovable characters you could watch for hours, "Americano" is an amazing journey that makes one yearn for travel. Now, who's coming to Spain with me?