EXCLUSIVE: Interview w/ Regina Hall

Actress Regina Hall (Scary Movie, Love & Basketball) speaks to Aries from UrbanBridgez.com about her new film “Law Abiding Citizen” as well as her past films, changes she would like to see in Hollywood and more!

UrbanBridgez.com: What made you interested in Law Abiding Citizen?
Regina Hall: I read the script and really got interested in the story and even before that I was already interested because Jamie (Foxx) and Gerard (Butler) were already cast and then F. Gary Gray was directing. So you know, it wasn’t much more needed after that.

UrbanBridgez.com: You play Nick’s wife, how was it working with Jamie Foxx?
Regina Hall: It was great! I have to tell you, I had never worked with him before and I didn’t really know him before that. But he was really great to work with, really generous and collaborative, it was really wonderful.

UrbanBridgez.com: As a successful black actress in Hollywood, how do you think you landing the role in Law Abiding Citizen will help other black actresses in the long run?
Regina Hall: You know, I think everytime one of us works and we do a great job; it just opens up opportunities for people. When it’s successful people want to see more of it. I think it’s great to see a black family, a black director as well. And when you become apart of films that are successful it opens and leads to great opportunities. Not just for myself, but for other people. That’s the hope!

UrbanBridgez.com: What do you want movie goers to get out of the film after watching it?
Regina Hall: Some dialog would be interesting. Everybody I feel, takes something different away from it when they watch it. Really it’s a fun movie, it’s a great ride. I really just want people to go out and support it. I would love everybody to go see it this weekend. Just enjoy that kind of thrill aspect that is unique to the film. It’s really entertaining.

UrbanBridgez.com: What was the best part in working with Director F. Gary Gray?
Regina Hall: Gary loves what he does and I think there is something about working with someone who is passionate about what they do. It translates into what you want to give as an actress. You want it to be that more successful, because you see how hard they’re working and how dedicated they are. And you feel that much less, unless you show up with that kind of dedication.

UrbanBridgez.com: You’ve been in some of my favorite movies from Love & Basketball, The Best Man & your breakout film Scary Movie. What are some of your favorite roles you’ve played in your career?
Regina Hall: I really like Brenda, I mean she’s fun! She’s been in 4 of the films (Scary Movie), so I love playing Brenda. You know, I also love movies I was in that were not successful. I loved playing Peaches in “King’s Ransom.” So I think it’s everytime I get to do something a little bit different. I don’t know, I just like them all, I think I like to just work (laughs).

UrbanBridgez.com: Many don’t know you graduated college with a masters degree in Journalism. When you were in college, did you have any interest in becoming an actress?
Regina Hall: I did, not in a bad way I didn’t really think it was a ceaseable profession. In my Dads mind, in terms of acting and making a living from it. I always knew I wanted to do it, I just don’t think if I knew I ever would do it. And then I did! I have to say I feel really blessed to do what I love. I love what I do, I love my job. When I have a job, I love them. Even if I’m terrified and hate them, I’m like what am I doing, why did I do this. Always happy to work.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s something you would love to see change in Hollywood?
Regina Hall: Oh God (laughs). You know I wish we had a diversity of stories. Which would obviously create more opportunities. I wish there were a diversity of stories that we could tell. You know that didn’t have to do with the same thing, and when I say that like if it’s a time period, does it have to be slavery? If we’re pregnant, do we have to be eating or at Church? And it’s not that we need to do away with what we have, we just need to expand it. We just need more. I feel there are a lot of stories that could be told, that would be great!

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s next for you?
Regina Hall: A film with Chris Rock, called “The Death of The Funeral.” It comes out in theaters April 23rd actually of next year. Another film, I don’t have the release date but it’s called “Mardi Gras,” that I’m excited about. Just continuing to work.

UrbanBridgez.com: Any last words for your fans?
Regina Hall: Just thank you! I feel like I have some really amazing and supportive fans. It’s great, I have to tell you. I feel really blessed to have had a dream and to actually be able to do it. You’ll see more comedy, for all the ones like, I like it when you’re funny (laughs). I’ll always do fun stuff. Actually I have more appreciation than anything and grateful. Really, really grateful!

– “Law Abiding Citizen” In Theaters Now –