January 20, 2010, - 12:02 pm

Interviewing These Movie Stars, Today; What Should I Ask?

By Debbie Schlussel

Back in September, I asked readers for question ideas when I was scheduled to interview Drew Barrymore.  Unfortunately, she got sick and I was only allowed to ask her two questions (so, I picked two reader questions, though all were good).  Even more unfortunate, I forgot a Mini-DV cassette to put in my camera, so I couldn’t get it on video (plus her answers to the questions were kinda silly in a “Valley Girl” sort of way).

percyjackson

Today, I’m scheduled to interview stars of the new movie, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians:  The Lightning Thief,” which is scheduled to be in theaters on February 12th.  And, since the movie isn’t yet finished, I haven’t seen it and will only have the trailer to work from.  The movie is based from the eponymous novel by Rick Riordan, and comes from the same people as the Harry Potter flicks.  Check out the movie’s website and watch the trailer:

Here’s the summary of the movie, which the studio sent me:

It’s the 21st century, but the gods of Mount Olympus and assorted monsters have walked out of the pages of high school student Percy Jackson’s Greek mythology texts and into his life. And they’re not happy: Zeus’ lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Even more troubling is the sudden disappearance of Percy’s mother. As Percy adapts to his newly discovered status as a demi-god (his father is Poseidon), he finds himself caught between the battling titans of Mt. Olympus. He and his friends embark on a cross-country adventure to catch the true lightning thief, save Percy’s mom, and unravel a mystery more powerful than the gods themselves. Starring Logan Lerman, Brandon T. Jackson, Alexandra Daddario, Sean Bean, Pierce Brosnan, Steve Coogan, Rosario Dawson, Catherine Keener, Kevin McKidd, Joe Pantoliano, Uma Thurman and Ray Winstone. Directed by Chris Columbus. (20TH CENTURY FOX) This film is rated PG.

Given that I haven’t seen the film, what should I ask them? Has anyone read the book? What can you tell me about it?

These are the actors scheduled to be at the interview:

* Brandon T. Jackson (plays Grover Underwood): Born and raised in Detroit and has been in TROPIC THUNDER, 8 MILE, ROLL BOUNCE, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL.

* Jake Abel (plays Luke): From Canton, Ohio and has been in THE LOVELY BONES, ANGEL OF DEATH, STRANGE WILDERNESS, FLASH OF GENIUS

* Logan Lerman (plays Percy Jackson): Has been in GAMER, MY ONE AND ONLY, 3:10 TO YUMA, THE NUMBER 23, HOOT and the TV series JACK & BOBBY

* Alexandra Daddario (plays Annabeth Chase): Has been in the TV series ALL MY CHILDREN, THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, THE ATTIC, THE BABYSITTERS

Please let me know any ideas you have on what I should ask them.




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8 Responses

Why would you want to appear in a film with such a lousy title?

roger on January 20, 2010 at 12:30 pm

Ask him if he has “Pants on the ground”

Fred Taub on January 20, 2010 at 12:39 pm

The book is fantastic, IMO, but it’s definitely a “young adult” genre, so it doesn’t have as much substance as an adult novel, IMO. It really makes you try to remember all that Greek mythology you were taught in school. It’s a great story. If Rick Riordian was the one you’d be interviewing, I’d ask why he’s no longer a member of the San Antonio Writer’s Guild. Does he not want to help people that were once aspiring, like he was?

Any ways, I’d be curious to know if the actors read the book, and how much they feel the movie follows the book.

Kirk on January 20, 2010 at 12:46 pm

Since I’ve never heard of any of them, I don’t know what to ask. Gotta leave this one up to the pro…that’d be you,Debbie…no “two state solution” questions tho, is all I’ll advise…

Bigrich104 on January 20, 2010 at 12:56 pm

Ask them if they’re going to see the “Clash Of The Titans” remake when it comes out. Then watch the publicists run in yelling, “Stop the interview!”

Douglas Q on January 20, 2010 at 12:56 pm

…also, it is rather generous of you to refer to these guys as “movie stars”…

Bigrich104 on January 20, 2010 at 12:57 pm

What are we to make of a secular, liberal Hollywood that promotes a movie claiming “the gods are real”? Those of us who grew up with comic book heroes saw them as possessing special abilities or powers, but they were never seen as “gods”. One is tempted to see this validation of pre Judaeo-Christian deities as almost … pagan.

Raymond in DC on January 20, 2010 at 1:53 pm

I have read 4 of the books. How much do the actors know of the story? I like premise, not because the gods (small g) are real in the story, but because the situations that are incurred because of the gods make the main characters find it within themselves to fight the good fight. Children will not only be introduced to the history of that aspect of western civilization, but can relate to the characters. Percy, good heart, but lives by Murphy’s law, Annabeth, over achiever, Grover loyal friend that has his own path to follow. I like stories like this for children, because when you discuss it with them, it is a platform to be used for them to articulate and find their own sense of right and wrong. Of course, if you only see the movie you will probably miss this aspect, but I am sure the special effects will be great. Question for the actors: do you think, as far as human nature goes, the human race has progressed since the times of the gods of olympus? (of course, this is assuming they know who the gods of olympus are…)

Penelope27 on January 20, 2010 at 6:49 pm

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