Part 3/9:
Despite some initial enthusiasm, the film’s prospects were clouded by controversy surrounding its director, Angel Manuel Soto—a filmmaker accused by some of aligning with "woke" activist ideals. Critics and viewers began to notice a clear emphasis on identity politics within the movie, which appeared to alienate certain segments of the audience. When Soto and others defended the film’s political messaging aggressively, it created a rift, leading many general viewers to withdraw their support even before the film’s release.