DIRECTOR TROY BEYER:
Why remake a classic comedy like “Can’t Buy Me Love?”
Because I think that the kids that were in that film way back when, they’re different now. There’s a whole new generation.
Were you a fan of the original?
Yes. It’s such a great message. It’s a universal message about loving yourself. I fell in love with it and just had to do it.
What makes the movie's female lead, Christina Milian, unique?
She’s so beautiful. She’s such an extraordinary woman. She’s really sweet. There’s like an authentic sweetness to her, like really at the core of her soul.
What about Nick Cannon?
He’s so easy to work with. He’s like my son. I saw him when he and Christina started flirting, and I said, “Stop that.” Her chair started out here and her chair started out there (indicating a few feet apart). When production got closer and closer, their chairs got closer and closer. So it’s like, “What are you guys doing?” And he said, “I’m a Method actor.”
Did you have to discipline anyone?
They were just great. I loved all the kids. I love children – I have my own. I just love them.
What’s next for you?
I’m doing a movie for Fox now. It’s called “Rodeo Girl.” It’s a teenage movie, again, and it’s about a girl who competes in the rodeo and really recreates what Rodeo Queen means. It’s no longer the glamorous façade. It’s about a girl who really is a skillful horse person.
MELISSA SCHUMAN ('Zoe'):
Can you tell me about your role?
I play Zoe Parks, I play one of Christina Milian’s best friends. I play the nice one.
When you were in high school were you popular or a geek?
I actually didn’t go to high school because I was in a singing group my entire high school years, but I did go to a normal junior high. I was definitely a geek. I was definitely not popular. I was a dork and I’m proud of it.
Why do you think you were classified as a geek?
I was different. I don’t know. I just was different from everyone else and it was hard for them to accept that. It’s now something that I hold very dear to me. I embrace that and I love that about myself.
How do you balance singing and acting?
I just do both (laughing).
Do you ever run out of energy?
Of course, sometimes with the schedule you get really, really tired. But it’s nice, with the amount of singing that we do and the amount of touring, it’s exhausting, but when you film a movie you don’t really have that much moving around. You’re working as much but you’ve got a trailer, you get to drive home at night. It’s wonderful.
You also have a song on the soundtrack?
I do. It’s called “Always.” It’s a sad song. It’s an R&B ballad and it’s at a pivotal point in the movie. It’s very nice.
Were you a fan of “Can’t Buy Me Love?”
Before I did this film, I’d never seen “Can’t Buy Me Love” but I saw it once I got the project. I wanted to research my role and just the feeling of the movie. It’s definitely a classic. I can understand why people love it so much. It’s wonderful.
Have you ever made anyone over?
Oh yeah. I’ve got four little sisters (laughing).
Additional “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” Premiere Interviews:
Kal Penn/Russell Howard and Nick Cannon/Christina Milian
Premiere Guests: Arjay Smith (“The Day After Tomorrow”) and Edwin Hodge (“The Alamo”)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
"Love Don’t Cost a Thing" Photo Gallery
"Love Don’t Cost a Thing” Trailer, Credits and Movie News
