Blue 42. Blue 42. Hut ... Hut ... Hike.
On May 27th, The Longest Yard, a remake of the 1974 classic with Burt Reynolds, will open across the county with an all-star cast including Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Nelly, Goldberg (the wrestler) and Burt Reynolds.
I interviewed Chris Rock the other day and he spilled his guts about his new film and even gave some helpful tips on dating and his future in the acting biz.
The State Press: Do you think this role in "The Longest Yard" was meant for you?
Chris Rock: Adam said it was, so I said yes.
SP: Does this role allow you to use your open style of comedy like you do on your tours or were you restricted?
CR: I was a little restricted, but not really. I had a good time and was prepared.
SP: What's your view on remakes?
CR: Umm ... the original "The Longest Yard" wasn't much of a comedy. This is more of a comedy first, action second movie rather than an action first, comedy second. Go right ahead with the remakes. This movie is not your typical Sandler movie. The danger is real in this one. It's not comedic danger because it deals with jail. This is Adam's movie and I'm just a costar. I just trust Adam and the director.
SP: What was Burt Reynolds like on the set?
CR: He was great. He was happy to be in it. A lot of times old stars that have a cameo get such little parts like just waving. He actually got a real part. He told stories about the 90 movies he's been in. It was great.
SP: How was it working with Nelly?
CR: He was fun, athletic and a good PlayStation 2 gamer. He was Miami and I was Houston in NBA Live. We played a lot of basketball during this movie, even though it's a football movie.
SP: What do you think of rappers in movies?
CR: If Elvis and Sinatra can do both, he can do it. I have no bias against rappers in movies. I thought Paul Simon in "Annie Hall" was great.
SP: Do you ever want to star in a dramatic role like Denzel Washington or Jamie Foxx?
CR: I'd do dramatic in someone else's movie, but I don't want to star in one. I like the challenge of leading in movies. When you are the number two person, I love doing that. I'll just try to be funny while the weight of the movie is on Adam Sandler. People don't hire me like Daniel Day-Lewis to play other people, they hire me like they hire Bill Murray, to be us.
SP: Have you paid much attention to politics recently?
CR: I have not been paying much to politics.
SP: When are you going to tour again?
CR: I'm probably not going to tour until '07. I'm at a rest now. The world is not going to change for a while. Now I'm in hiatus.
SP: Do you get tired of movies and want to go back to comedy?
CR: I wish I was on the road all the time, but if I don't have something new to say, I don't. I'd love to be on tour all the time, but now I have to rejuvenate. No one likes a stale comedian.
SP: Are you going to do a "Pootie Tang" sequel?
CR: We keep talking about it. Start a club and start a petition. There's people that love it and hate it, but I'd love to do another "Pootie Tang" ... I live for it to happen.
SP: Did you get any feedback from the Oscars?
CR: I get feedback from the street and people seem to like it. As far as celebrities, nothing. Haven't bumped into Jude Law or Colin Farrell.
SP: Is there any acting involved in hosting?
CR: Nothing. It's a comedian's gig. Has nothing to do with acting. You just have to care about certain awards given out.
SP: Is there anyone in Hollywood who needs a butt kicking?
CR: I got no beefs with nobody ... The Olsen twins.
SP: So, you're a man of many words, what's you're best pick up line?
CR: Pay your loan, how's it going babe?
SP: What is one thing people don't know about you?
CR: I don't know man. I dropped out of high school. I'm not as smart as people think I am. I'm an intellectual magnet. I just do jokes.
SP: Do you often practice at small venues before touring?
CR: I definitely work out a lot at them. Small audiences are like the gym.
SP: Favorite comedian?
CR: I love [Dave] Chappelle. David Attell is pretty funny. Margaret Chow is the best comedian out there that's pounding the pavement.
SP: Favorite music?
CR: I can't wait till the next White Stripes record. The Game CD is pretty good and so is the new Beck.
SP: How would you fair in a real life prison?
CR: Not well. I will kill myself.
Reach the reporter at monis.rose@asu.edu.
