Jenny From the Block arrived in SIX for the premiere of “Unstoppable,” a poignant sports drama that premiered Friday at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Jennifer Lopez, who plays a fiercely supportive mother of five, co-stars in the film with her ex-husband Ben Affleck, whose production company Artists Equity serves as producers. Affleck missed the festival (he and Lopez filed for divorce in August after less than two years of marriage), but his company founder and friend Matt Damon attended the premiere and walked the red carpet.
Despite the gloomy weather, crowds of fans gathered on the red carpet to catch a glimpse — and maybe even take a photo — of Lopez and her co-stars Jharrel Jerome, Don Cheadle and Bobby Cannavale.
“Jerome (Moonlight) plays a college wrestler with dreams of going pro in Unstoppable. The film is inspired by the inspiring true story of Anthony Robles, who was born without a right leg and developed the strength and skills needed to meet the demands of the Arizona State University wrestling team.”
During the screening, the audience at Roy Thomson Auditorium applauded several times, complaining about the film's more painful moments. All of the talented actors in the audience sat through the film, although Cannavale walked out halfway through and returned with popcorn. When the screening ended, the real Robles was given a two-minute standing ovation by the audience. During the applause, Cheadle waved to the crowd while Damon told the younger stars, “Great job, guys. Great.”
During the post-show Q&A, Robles enjoyed a warm hug and standing ovation for the second time that night.
“It still affects me to this night,” he said. “I’m so proud. I couldn’t be happier.”
Lopez, who also received a standing ovation from the crowd, expressed a kinship with Anthony's mother, Judy Robles, who endures physical and mental hardships while supporting her son's dreams.
“When I read the script, I felt that many women, including myself, could relate to the struggles she went through,” Lopez said. “The story about Latin America was so inspiring. It drew me in.”
Although Lopez has played real-life characters before, such as in the biopic “Selena,” she hasn’t always been able to connect with those people to shape her performances. In “Unstoppable,” she expressed appreciation for the opportunity to use Zoom with Judy.
“This was a different experience,” Lopez added. “We were kind of the same person. The core and soul of who we are — first and foremost, we're mothers.”
Judy Robles, who attended the premiere and participated in the Q&A, praised Lopez's acting talent. “You were like me — in the sass, but also in the sadness and the pain. Bobby, you scared the shit out of me,” she told her on-screen double.
“But in a funny way?” Cannavale, who plays her abusive husband, joked.
William Goldenberg, the Oscar-winning director who edited Affleck's “Argo” and “Air,” made his feature film debut with “Unstoppable.” He said he was “lucky” to have Affleck and Damon as partners.
“They supported me and set me up for success. I appreciate everything they did,” he said. “I worked with Ben for almost 20 years as an editor. His belief in me exceeded my belief in myself.”
