Try to straighten the lever, it will bend back to some degree. Again push down on the hood, or have someone else push while you work the release lever. Once you get the hood open it time to learn how to adjust the "striker" bolt. A properly aligned hood and properly adjusted hood latch should be easy to open and close. A little lubrication also helps. The bolt has to center in the latch or it will hang up inside the latch. Keep trying, and make sure the safety catch works!!! Those hard to open hoods always come open at about 50 miles and hour!!!