"Shrek," "Antz," "A Bug's Life" and "The Incredibles" are all movies made for kids but appreciated by adults because of their charming themes and their witty banter. The new kid's movie on the block, DreamWorks' "Over the Hedge," is up for nationwide release on May 19th. The film, directed by Tim Johnson, stars Bruce Willis, Steve Carell, Eugene Levy and Wanda Sykes. Although the film is primarily geared toward a younger crowd, it is also designed to appeal to the college and adult population with pop culture references and, of course, the occasional lewd comment. The Daily sat down with Mr. Johnson and Ms. Sykes in two separate interviews at the Four Seasons last month to discuss this delicate balance, to talk about their experiences, and, of course, to discuss their thoughts on college.
Interview 1
Question: Working with Disney you helped to create movies that were a big part of present-day college students' childhoods. Do you think it is important that children growing up today have their own movies like "The Little Mermaid" (1989)?
Tim Johnson: This is actually one of the things that I am most passionate about. For children, who see movies multiple times and throughout their lives, movies are much more important than adults who use them for recreation and entertainment. Movies for children become a focal point around which they run their lives. When children see a character loving, sharing, experiencing loss, exploring the world, they mirror that in their actions much more than their adult counterparts, who recognize it as "good" and then move on. In the same vein, I think that for college students, that they are still impressionable. College students are still forming their opinions about the world; they're not really sure where their life is going; they're still up for suggestions. Give them a well-thought-out and funny movie and they just might take it to heart.
Q: Along those lines, what do you think of making movies that are so easily understood and appreciated by adults (like "Shrek" (2001)) with music, humor, etc.?
TJ: Basically, I believe that we have even upped the level of humor from "Shrek" and previous movies that are like "Shrek." Instead of kid themes in a movie with some adult comedy, here we have used a more adult setting. Thus, I believe this is one of those universal movies. Good for children, as I mentioned before, and enjoyable for their parents who also have to attend.
Q: What does the movie say about human beings, in particular as seen from the animal viewpoint?
TJ: The movie speaks wonders about an objective viewpoint of human nature. It takes place in a crowded forest with characters like Wanda Sykes' character, Stella the Skunk. When the animals decide to explore what is going on outside their world they are met with encroaching suburbia and the humankind that live in this wondrous world. They see food and other paradisiacal sites and decide to see what this life has to offer. But as they get closer to human beings, their own life, back in the woods, becomes encroached upon.
Q: The movie features an all-star cast: Steve Carell, Wanda Sykes, Bruce Willis, Eugene Levy. Was is easy to get such an all-star cast? No begging?
TJ: Well, a little begging, but it ended up working out. Stars realize that these movies are going to be seen by children, and thus will be icons to the under-12 category, and they understand that their parents will also be there. Thus, they like that it is a movie that is lost on no one. Those who have kids, like me, also enjoy that their kids will be able to see some of the work that they have done.
Q: What final advice do you have to offer college students?
TJ: This sounds so trite but you have to follow your dreams, see where they take you, not decide where you want to be and have that guide you. As an undergrad at Northwestern I originally wanted to be a scientist, but I loved to draw, the guitar, I loved to talk to people, and I loved movies. Looking back I realize that all these things together are perfect for being a director, but I didn't know at the time. Yet, I figured out that I wanted to work in Hollywood, I went, and it worked out with the interests that I had already. This isn't an advertisement for succeeding in Hollywood, but it is advice for succeeding in life.
Interview 2
Question: How is this movie different than anything you have done in the past and why did you decide to undertake it?
Wanda Sykes: I was in another studio making "Crank Yankers" [as the voice of Gladys Murphy] and a friend casting director of mine called me in. He said that a director (actually Tim Johnson) wanted to see me, and I was like "This best not be an interview; I hate interviews!" But they kept assuring me that no it wasn't, yeah, yeah, yeah. We drive up to the place, they keep telling me it isn't an interview and I see all these black women standing outside in the lobby, and it's in some used car place. I'm like "what is this, some sort of free car day for black women?", but instead I ended up meeting Tim Johnson, we hit it off, and I realized it's something I really wanted to do.
Q: What are the pros and cons of just having your voice projected on screen and no body movements?
WS: Um... I guess I never really thought of that, and I'm glad you weren't there to tell me; you would have freaked me out. I guess I do the voice, with some body actions of my own, and hope that these crazy animator guys figure it out and that I look good. You're trusting a lot to other people because you are only there doing your voice without anyone else. At the time you think "These bitches are crazy; this is gonna look like s-t" but it all works out. I look good.
Q: I realize your character is a skunk, so don't take this too personally, but is there any aspect of your character that you can identify with? I hear she's sassy.
WS: Definitely, I run my life like a sassy person. She's confused a little, she's not sure what she's doing, but she definitely knows that she's not gonna let anyone take advantage of her, she's always gonna have the last word, and that's me for the most part.
Q: What was it like working with people like Bruce Willis, Steve Carell and Eugene Levy? Was the set crazy?
WS: Well, if we had all been there at the time, it would have been. But it was just crazy old me, and Stella.
Q: What do you think of Boston?
WS: It's so damn cold! Last time I was here I was staying at the Ritz Carlton and they had to drag me away from the bar. It was so cold, I was just drinking to keep warm. That's what you guys must be doing when you go out at night to those frats; you're COLD! Anyway, I'm planning on visiting the Four Seasons bar tonight. And I actually would like to see more of Boston. I'm only ever here for a couple days.
