It's kind of like I'm still hoping Chris Tucker changes his mind one day, but if he doesn't, I'm not sure. The last thing I want to do is wear out my welcome. I don't want to do that. I want to leave on a good note, leave on a high note, create something new.
How do the “Friday” and “Barbershop” movies compare to doing “Torque?”
They're bigger. You know why? Being a black actor, you've got to have what I call ‘ghetto hits’ in your pocket to continue to eat. For a long time actors like [Ron O’Neal] were still making a living because of “Shaft” and because of “Starsky & Hutch.” Just having something out there that black people love keeps you working. When a new generation comes around, you're not getting those roles from the white execs. It's going to be that young black filmmaker who remembered you in “Boyz N the Hood” or remembered you in “Friday” or remembered you in “Barbershop” who's going to say, "Hey, old man, you want to come act on this movie?" Like I said, with black actors, you have to have those what we call ghetto classics stuck under your belt.
Are black produced movies finally getting mainstream appeal?
I think so. I think with the first “Barbershop” we showed that if a movie's done well, promoted well, everybody wants to see it. So, hopefully a lot of things have changed when it comes to that or just when it comes to Hollywood’s perception of that because I've had some movies pigeonholed because they feel this is the target audience. It's a niche thing, “We shouldn't go out wide with this release.”
How do you feel about the way “Torque” was received?
Everybody that saw it liked it. That's really all I am concerned with. It's a kids kind of flick. Every movie I do, you could really get caught up in box office numbers. The first “Friday” did $26 million at the box office but people loved it when it came out on DVD and VHS. So no matter when you see it or where you see it, if you like it, then I feel like we did a good job.
Are you prepared for critics of rappers-turned-actors?
No. If they say something then the juices will flow. I just felt like they were dissing me in their arena, so I had to dis them in my arena.
How do you prepare mentally for all of your roles?
Differently, you know? It's all about where the dude is coming from. Each role is different. I try to stay out of the way a little bit. I always put my inner feelings in the way of what my character would be thinking or what he would be doing. I try to vary a little bit and not give you the same look every time, and just do different things.
Do you prefer the action movies or these comedies?
I like all kinds of movies. As far as doing them, action, comedy, drama - I'm there. Those are my favorite types of movies. I always just look for what's right, you know? It's kind of like there are only a few good movies out there being made this year. It's all about trying to get yourself to be a part of it. If you miss out, then you do the 'okay' movies this year. I don't want to start letting the audience down. I want people to know that when they see the Ice Cube name, that it's a movie that's going to be worth your money and worth your time.
You're next taking on a family movie with “Are We There Yet?” Are you playing a father?
No, I'm playing a bachelor who is trying to get some from a single mother and her kids are my nightmare, you know what I mean? They want none of that. I offer to take them on a road trip - the mother's working in Vancouver and I'm offering to drive them up there to her. They try to sabotage the trip and I hate kids and I'm just trying to use them. I'm like, if they like me, the mama's got to like me. So, it's that whole little twist. It's kind of like a kids comedy, but with me in it, it has that edge that I think it'll make everybody dig it.
ADDITIONAL “BARBERSHOP 2” CAST INTERVIEWS:
Kenan Thompson / Eve / Cedric the Entertainer
Additional “Barbershop 2” Resources:
“Barbershop 2” Photo Gallery
“Barbershop 2” Trailer, Credits, and Soundtrack News
