Genre: Comedy, Romance Also starring: Leonor Varela, Timm Sharp, Ruthanna Hopper, Dennis Hopper Directed by: Kevin Noland Release Date: March 24, 2006 (LA) & April 14, 2006 (NY) Video Release Date: April 18, 2006 MPAA Rating: Rated R for language and some sexual content/nudity. Distributor: Americano Productions Links: Official website Buy the DVD

SYNOPSIS
AMERICANO is set against the backdrop of the country’s centuries-old Fiesta de San Fermín, better known as The Running of the Bulls at Pamplona. Chris McKinley (Joshua Jackson), a recent college graduate backpacking through Europe, savors his last three days of freedom before boarding the career fast track back in the States. In Pamplona for The Running of the Bulls with his best friend, Ryan (Sharp), and Ryan’s girlfriend Michelle (Ruthanna Hopper), Chris meets a quintessential Spanish beauty Adela (Leonor Varela) and an enigmatic provocateur Riccardo (Dennis Hopper), both of whom encourage him to rethink his life. As the minutes and seconds until his departure tick away, Chris struggles with an age-old question – should he follow the beaten path, or risk it all on the road less traveled?

JOSH'S ROLE
Josh plays Chris, a recent college graduate making serious life decisions during his last three days of a month-long, backpacking trek through Europe.

PRODUCTION NOTES
Production took place in Los Angeles, CA and Pamplona, Navarra, Spain

INTERESTING TIDBITS

• The actors actually ran with the bulls during filming of the movie.
• Screened at a ton of film festivals including the Seattle, Vail and Austin Film Festivals.
• Is writer/director Kevin Noland's first film.

QUOTABLES
Riccardo: Don't fall for the con. The Ameri-con.

Adela: Promise me: Do what scares you.

RANDOM REVIEWS
"Bottom line: "Americano" ultimately is best appreciated for its stunning views of the beautiful Spanish scenery." -- The Hollywood Reporter (click for full review)

"“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." -- FilmThreat.com (click for full review)

More Reviews: Reel Film // TV Guide Online // LA Weekly