Ya fist thingy is working! I got the same problem and after reading this thread hit the hood firmly several times and it was released.
When I open it though I found that it could be done much easier with just a screwdriver. Get it thru the grill vent from the right side and try to pry the latch holder, which is right over the latch on the left side of the assembly behing white plastic.
There is slots in the plastic cover to get the screwdriver in. You cannot realy to see the part but it is there and if you'll manage to move it just a bit to the left - it should help to release the latch.
