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March 15, 2007
Just interviewed Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle...
for their latest film called Reign On Me, to be released on March 23rd. Imagine this, a red carpet rolled out from a dingy theater on a regular main street in Berkeley,CA. The occasional homeless and resident street characters wait around to see what the fuss from the college students is all about. This is ghetto fabulous meets Hollywood—a contrast in worlds as the stars arrive in their fleet of black luxury SUVs to greet the press and students in one of the most “granola” cities of the country. Now as U.C. Berkeley is my Alma Mater, I chuckled at this surreal event. So out of the cars hop out Sandler and Cheadle, happy at the hyped up crowd yelling out their names. Now just to give you some context, the film Reign Over Me has some comedic moments but is rather serious. Adam plays the role of Charlie, who recently lost his wife
and children after 911 and retreated from his life. Actress Liv Tyler plays a therapist who tries to help him in the film.
Cheadle plays Alan, Charlie's old college roomate who is overwhelmed by his family
and professional responsibilities. The two men run into each other and rekindle their friendship, and their chance meeting becomes a lifeline for the men--both of whom are in need of a trusted friend at this pivotal moment in their lives. So, the two actors walk down the carpet and I get to ask them a few questions. You can tell these two have become real buddies after making this film, as they can’t stop joking around with each other. At first Sandler comments on my phallic looking microphone—I got the feeling that he corrupted Cheadle, a strong and amazing actor in his own right. So I ask Sandler, “Do you think being a dad gave you more depth as an actor in terms of understanding the character’s loss?"
Sandler: "Oh yeah, absolutely."
Cheadle: "Even though you’re not sure it’s your child?"
Sandler: "I can’t give it back, I got the kid tested, I’m sure it’s mine, besides, what am I gonna do return the thing?”
Fortunately the conversation got a little deeper than that. However, I now understand why Sandler can gross $20,000,000 for a mediocre movie like “Little Nicky.” (and I'm being nice here) He goes out grass roots style to meet and greet with his core audience, college aged men--engaging them and signing autographs. Brilliant tactic I must admit. Regardless of the irreverent interviews, this movie is getting oscar buzz and tackles the little explored subject of male communication. You can see the highlights of this interview here.
Visiting Fernando and Greg at Energy 92.7
I had such a great time hanging out with my peeps on their morning show. I think radio is even more fun than television, you feel a little more uninhibited and free to express your opinions—plus you can just roll out of bed and show up for work! The following Monday I had this hilarious duo visit me on View from the Bay, and you can take a look right here.
You can check out my interview with Billy Bob Thornton …2/19
on View From the Bay. Thornton is in a new film called the Astronaut Farmer, about a Texan farmer who doesn’t let anything get in his way of launching a rocket into space from his backyard barn. His co-star, Virgina Madsen, couldn’t make it, so sorry I can’t include any info on her here. The storyline at its core is ludicrous, but that’s what makes the film so great—it dares the viewer to dream beyond the walls of laws, rules, and social norms.
The role of Charles Farmer is perfectly suited to Thornton, a nonconformist who lives life his own way. Most people think of the Angelina Jolie days when they think of Thornton, the wild paparazzi attracting episodes of PDA, tattoos, and vials of blood. But upon meeting Thornton, I can tell he has moved well beyond those tabloid attracting times. When I first arrived for the interview, he kindly shook my hand and had a very laid back demeanor. He was dressed casually in a black striped shirt, black jeans and some stunning blue turquoise jewelry. He’s younger looking in person than on the big screen, tall and really thin (do actors eat anymore?) with kind eyes.
He really loved being in this film because the main character, Charles Farmer, comes from a more pure and innocent perspective—why can’t a man realize his dream if he doesn’t intend to hurt anyone? Thornton commented on how the younger generation doesn’t dream anymore. People dream about acquiring things, but not of achieving greatness. This film is appealing to people of all ages—challenging adults to follow their dreams not only for themselves, but for the next generation. Mark and Michael Polish, the brothers that directed and produced this film, had an interesting theory. Children these days look outside their family for role models. This film encourages people to look within the family for inspiration, rather than outside for “role models”--can you say Britney Shears? If you are looking for a good old fashioned film with a modern sense humor that even takes jabs at the Patriot Act—then the Astronaut Farmer is for you. Look for this film in theaters everywhere February 23rd. Oh, and before I forget, thanks all of you readers for your inquiries on Thornton and Madsen. Some of your questions were hilarious—like Andre from Canada—I especially liked your question on why Thornton has an intense phobia of antique furniture. I guess that will remain a mystery unless I get the chance to interview him again! It has been so great to see traffic on my site literally quintuple in the past three months alone. This site was only experimental at first but with your encouragement I have looked forward to updating it regularly. You guys rock! For newcomers who want to read about my interviews with Orlando Bloom, Selma Hayek, Tim Robbins, Nicolas Cage, Oliver Stone, Zach Braff and others just click on my archives link on the upper left hand corner. And for you loyal fans of Video i, tonight you can check out a new episode, where I introduce a documentary about a small independent bookstore fighting against corporate America. You can check out more details here.
There's a new sassy singer in town…
Her name is “Lily Allen”, and I have been waiting for this kind of singing talent for a loooong time. Her sound is reminiscent of 80s ska and reggae with a modern vocal twist. Think Bow Wow Wow with a lot more depth.
She’s got a sweet and young voice that sometimes belies her mature lyrics, as in her song “Smile, ” where she sweetly tears apart other people that get in her mix. She’s only 21 years old yet seems to have a good head on her shoulders, developing her own unique style—-a renegade with self respect. Finally, a fierce, non-anorexic chick that young girls can aspire to. You go on with yo bad self Lily!
Until later...
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