Jenny from the Block came to Six for the premiere screening of “Unstoppable,” a heartwarming sports drama that debuted at the Toronto Film Festival on Friday.
Jennifer Lopez, who plays the fiercely supportive mother of five, worked on the film with her ex-husband Ben Affleck, whose production company Artists Equity served as producer. Though Affleck was absent from the festival (he and Lopez filed for divorce in August after less than two years of marriage), his company co-founder and friend Matt Damon attended the premiere and walked the red carpet.
Despite the overcast weather, crowds of fans gathered near the red carpet to catch a glimpse of Lopez and her co-stars, Jharrel Jerome, Don Cheadle and Bobby Cannavale, and perhaps get a photo.
“Unstoppable” stars Jerome (“Moonlight”) as a college wrestler with dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. Based on the inspiring true story of Anthony Robles, who was born without a right leg but developed the strength and skill to fit the demands of the Arizona State University wrestling team.
Throughout the screening, the audience at Roy Thomson Hall applauded many times, and some even sniffled during the film’s emotional moments. The entire cast remained seated throughout the film, although Cannavale left his seat midway through and returned with popcorn. As the end credits rolled, the real Robles was greeted with a two-minute standing ovation. As the applause rang out, Cheadle waved to the audience and Damon told his young stars, “Well done, guys. This is awesome.”
During the Q&A following the screening, Robles soaked in warm hugs and his second standing ovation of the night.
“I’m still overwhelmed tonight,” he said. “I’m very proud. I couldn’t be happier.”
Lopez, who received a heartfelt welcome from the crowd, expressed his closeness to his mother, Judy Robles, who endures physical and mental hardships while supporting Anthony’s dream.
“When I read the script, I felt that a lot of women, myself included, could relate to the struggles she’s been through,” Lopez said. “The story of a Latina woman was so inspiring and compelling.”
While Lopez has played real people before, like in the biopic “Selena,” she hasn’t always been able to connect with them to shape her performance. For “Unstoppable,” she was grateful to be able to speak with Judy over Zoom.
“It was a different experience,” Lopez added. “In some ways we were the same people. At our core and our hearts, we’re moms, first and foremost.”
Judy Robles, who attended the premiere and took part in the Q&A, praised Lopez’s acting skills, saying to Lopez’s on-screen stand-in, “You were me. Not just the sass, but the sadness and the pain. Bobby, you scared the hell out of me.”
“But in a funny way?” joked Cannavale, who plays an abusive husband.
“Unstoppable” is the feature film debut of Academy Award winner William Goldenberg, who previously worked as an editor on Affleck’s films “Argo” and “Air.” Goldenberg said he was “fortunate” to have Affleck and Damon as partners.
“They supported me and set me up for success and I’m grateful for all they did,” he said. “I worked with Ben as my editor for almost 20 years and the confidence he had in me exceeded my own confidence in myself.”
