Never Back Down

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

It was a great day in downtown San Diego looking for that elusive free parking space as I tried to make way into the Hard Rock Hotel. My assistant, Jenise, in tow with purses, notebooks and such, we were escorted to the pool deck area up on top of the building only to see other journalists lined up in wait.

All of us were here to see one person, a twenty-five year old young man who is starring in the new film “Never Back Down”. This film is the story of Jake, a very tough young man who learns that everyone has there fight. After a tragedy in his family, his mother and little brother move to Florida where Jake tries to fit in. He meets Baja (Amber Heard), a beautiful girl who has her own problems. After luring Jake to a party, Baja’s boyfriend Ryan (Cam Gigandet) sets out to make an example of Jake through mixed martial arts.

After taking a beating it is Max (Evan Peters) who sees potential in Jake and introduces him to coach Jean Roqua (Djimon Hounsou), an expert in MMA. Roqua takes Jake under his wing and teaches him discipline and confidence. What the coach doesn’t know is that Jake must make his stand in order to do what is right and move on with his life.

Sean Faris, who plays the lead role of Jake Taylor, greets us with a winning smile and, yes I noticed, still buffed in a casual shirt. He invites us to sit down for a one on one interview.

I had already gone through in my head all the questions I was thinking to ask. Something inside me really wasn’t interested in asking all the usual “so tell me about the movie” questions. Besides, as I stood next to the cabana where the interviews were taking place, I had already heard the answers to the questions that will be in some many other reviews.

So my creative assistant and I came up with a list of “and-or” questions. You know the kind, for example - “dogs or cats”? Situating myself on the sofa I looked seriously at Mr. Faris and said, “I realize it’s been a long day so we will get right to the questions. They are relatively serious so take your time in answering them”. The young actor looked at us both and replied, “ut-oh, now I’m scared!”

These are the serious questions enquiring minds want to know. The hard-hitting questions a journalist such as myself are sometimes forced to ask so that the general public has up to date facts. These facts are what will help shape the decision making process by the movie going public as to whether Sean Faris is who he says he is. Does that star quality face show sincerity and a willingness to share himself - judge for yourself.

Movie Maven: Are you ready Sean?
Sean Faris: Yes.

MM: Here we go, which do you prefer, San Diego or Los Angeles?
SF: (looking slightly confused): You mean to live?

MM: Just pick one, don’t over analyze.
SF: (still confused) It depends I guess. If it is for a weekend then San Diego, but I live in Los Angeles.

MM: Swimming pool or ocean?
SF: (quick reply) Well, I have a pool in my back yard but I do love the ocean.

MM: Fichus or Fern?
SF: Fern

MM: Popcorn or nachos?
SF: (He starts laughing when he realizes what’s happening and slaps his hands together, sits up and laughs) Nachos definitely.

MM: Soda or Icee?
SF: Icee.

MM: Redvines or Twizzlers?
SF: Red vines

At this point my assistant is smiling from ear to ear because, so far, all the answers are exactly what she wants to hear. She’s in love, no doubt about it. I look over giving her a giggle and then revert immediately back into my serious journalistic face and mode.

MM: Milk duds or Whoppers?
SF: Milk Duds

There was a sad sigh coming from my right, the perfect answer streak had come to a screeching halt. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a little pout and it wasn’t directed at me, but I digress.

MM: At the theatre, aisle seat or middle with your feet up?
SF: Definitely, middle with my feet up.

MM: Matinee or late showing?
SF: Late showing

There was that giggle again and pout has mysteriously disappeared.

MM: Walk in or drive in?
SF: Walk in. Drive-ins have horrible sound.

MM: Oh then you should try the drive-in’s where you use your own car stereo for the sound. They have some down in the South Bay area.
SF: That would be awesome! Have surround sound in your car.

MM: Back on track here…about movies. Original or remakes?
SF: Originals of course.

MM: KFC, original or extra crispy?
SF: Extra crispy.

Then my lovely assistant pipes in “okay, say you were the only person left on a desert island and you could chose only one side order, what would it be…mashed potatoes or cole slaw?” Without missing a beat Sean replies, “mashed potatoes with gravy”. My assistant is in dreamland now. I could only hope she was getting these answers written down before I lost her.

MM: Clinton or Obama?
SF: I’m not political or anything.

MM: Didn’t ask about politics, just curious to know which one, Clinton or Obama?
SF: Oh, in that case Obama.

MM: Jet Li or Jackie Chan?
SF: Well, that’s a tough one. I mean Jackie Chan does all his own stunts. I mean didn’t he actually hurt himself once and still continues with the movie, broke his arm or something like that. Oh yea, Jackie Chan.

MM: Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris?
SF: Bruce Lee

(I felt this creepy feeling on the back of my neck, like Chuck Norris was going to pop in and bust some chops!)

MM: Segal or Van Damme?
SF:  Van Damme

MM: “Gladiator” or “300”?
Now folks, this is a sneaky and trick question combined and Sean reacts instantly!
SF: (screams out) That is a dirty question! Awwwwww!! That is just a dirty questions. What a tough call. Oh man! See, the guys I trained with are the same guys who worked on “300” right? Okay, and my co-star in the movie Djimon Hounsou was in the awesome film “Gladiator”. (he hesitates with his hands on his head) Oh man, this is dirty! How can I possibly answer that. Awwwww man!

MM: So what’s your answer?
SF: I’m going to have to go with “Gladiator”. My man Hounsou is in “Gladiator” and I’ve got to go with that. Wow, what a great question, seriously.

MM: Glad you liked that one. McDonald fries or Burger King?
SF: I don’t eat fast food. Well occasionally at In-and-Out.

MM: Okay, Jack in the Box or The King?
SF: Oh definitely the King, he looks like a pimp!

At this point we were all laughing so hard it was almost impossible to believe this was an interview meant for print. So I slowed down the pace a little and asked those silly relevant questions because, after all, he is a serious actor.

MM: How was your training for this film?
SF: It was hard, definitely that. We trained for hours and hours a day. I mean I was working six days a week for weeks on end and training even during lunch, and then go home and work out some more.

MM: What was it like training with Cam Gigadnet?
SF: What can I say; Cam is an animal, seriously an animal. He worked out all the time. If he wasn’t in front of the camera doing a scene he was working out. There was total discipline with this guy. It was absolutely awesome to work with him.

MM: And training with Djimon Hounson?
SF: Oh man, that guy nearly broke my back. It was rough. Sometimes when he would slam me to the mat I would just hold my breath. He was very, very good. He is an awesome actor and a great guy too. I mean I love what he does.

MM: During the screening I heard many people say you look like a young Tom Cruise. Does that bother you?
SF: I’ve been watching Tom Cruise since I was like 10 years old. He’s one of the biggest actors in the world! Why would I mind being compared to someone like him? It’s more than fine with me.

MM: Another thing that was mentioned is that this seems like a modern version of “Karate Kid”, do you agree?
SF: This film is the “Karate Kid” for the internet age absolutely. There is nothing wrong with reaching a new audience with a great story like that.

MM: What are you working on now?
SF: I am producing my own film called “Glass Eye” which will be done in Amsterdam. It’s the story of a soldier that comes back from Iraq and he takes a trip to Amsterdam to pretty much rethink his life. I have a few other film offers that I’m looking at. I’m kind of busy right now though with just doing the press stops for “Never Back Down”.

MM: How does it feel to be doing this on your own?
SF: Fantastic. It’s a chance to have my opinions validated. It’s a chance to tell the stories I want to tell. But right now I’m focusing on acting, its a slow learn but eventually I will be able to do more and more of my own stuff.

MM: Final questions for you Sean, the most important question you will ever answer. You ready?
SF: I’m ready.

MM: (a moment of slight hesitation to drag out the obvious attempt at being dramatic) “Super Troopers” or “Beer fest”?
SF: Oh man, are you serious? Wow, okay, I have to say this. The first ten minutes of “Super Troopers” has the best scene ever, I mean ever! I laugh every time I see it. But, I’d have to go with “Beer Fest” as the best movie of the two.

The cabana’s door slides open slowly which was our signal to wrap up. Saying our goodbyes I could tell my assistant was heart broken but giddy to have spent time with Sean. Dragging her away we said our goodbyes and thanked Sean for being such a great sport. He asked that everyone go see his movie “Never Back Down” opening in theatres this Friday. Well Sean, I have done just that!