Jurnee Smollett-Bell
The “Temptation” Interview
with Kam Williams

Sentimental Jurnee!

Born in New York City on October 1, 1986, Jurnee Smollett-Bell is an award-winning actress and activist of rare talent and conviction. She recently starred in the Emmy Award-winning series “Friday Night Lights” on which she portrayed the character Jess. She’s also been seen on “The Defenders” as Lisa, a new attorney at the law firm.

Jurnee starred in The Great Debaters with Forest Whitaker and Denzel Washington who also directed the historical drama. Jurnee received rave reviews and won the NAACP’s Best Lead Actress Image Award for her performance.

The versatile thespian landed her breakthrough role at the age of 11, when she starred in Eve's Bayou opposite Samuel L. Jackson and was cited by Interview Magazine as one of the five Hollywood stars to watch in the new millennium. Her other film credits include Roll Bounce, Gridiron Gang, and Beautiful Joe with Sharon Stone as well as made-for-television films including the Wonderful World of Disney’s "Selma Lord Selma” and Showtime’s "Ruby's Bucket of Blood" opposite Angela Bassett.

On TV, Jurnee has guest starred in the season finale of “Grey’s Anatomy” as well as on "House," "E.R.," "Strong Medicine," and "NYPD Blue." Her other television credits include "Wanda at Large" and "Cosby," for which she won NAACP Image Awards in 1999 and 2000.

She began her television acting career at the age of 4 with a recurring role on "Full House," later reviving the character for a season of "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper." She followed that by starring on the ABC comedy "On Our Own" alongside her real life sister, Jazz, and her brothers, Jojo, Jussie, Jake and Jocqui.

Besides acting and singing, Jurnee is an activist and the youngest board member of Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA), a nonprofit dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV, advancing human rights, and to educating and empowering AIDS orphans and other at-risk youth. She has been involved with ANSA since the age of 11. 

Working with the organization, Jurnee has traveled to South Africa, where she has met with Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Tutu, as well as with victims of HIV. She even went on an official mission for the U.S. State Department to Botswana, Swaziland and South Africa to conduct AIDS awareness workshops.

Among Jurnee’s other charitable causes is the Children’s Defense Fund, where she joined the board at the invitation of her longtime mentor, Marian Wright Edelman. Here, she talks about starring as Judith opposite Vanessa Williams, Kim Kardashian and Brandy in Tyler Perry’s latest morality play, Temptation.

Kam Williams: Hi Jurnee, thanks for the time.

Jurnee Smollett: Thank you for taking the time.

KW: The last time I had a chance to speak to you was when you were doing The Great Debaters.

JS: Oh, man, it’s been a minute.

KW: What interested you in Temptation?

JS: The challenge of the role. It’s kind of what you look for as an actor. Something that you haven’t done before… something that can really make you stretch… and honestly, I’d always wanted to work with Tyler.

KW: How did that come about?

JS: I was awakened by a call early one morning from an Atlanta number. When I answered my cell phone, the person said, “Hello, this is Tyler Perry. May I speak with Jurnee?” And I said, “Shut up, there ain’t no way this is Tyler Perry.” [Chuckles] I thought it was one of my brothers doing a prank call on me. Tyler just laughed, apologized for waking me, and then asked me to call him back after I got up. When I hung up, my husband turned over and asked, “Baby, do you think that maybe that really was Tyler Perry? You might want to call back and see.” [Chuckles] Lo and behold, it was Tyler, and he said he had been following my career and that he had written this script with me in mind. He said Bill Cosby had actually told him years ago that he needed to work with me.  

KW: So, what did you think of the script?

JS: When I read it, I was like, “Wow! This is a lot to take on.” But I wanted the challenge.

KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles says: Tyler Perry does very well at being funny and at being serious. You, too, do well at both. How did you prepare for the different emotional moods your character, Judith, is called upon to convey in Temptation?

JS: I had to do a lot of research because of the complexity of the character since she passes through so many different emotional colors. In preparation, I spent time speaking with marriage counselors , therapists and relationship experts in order to get into her head, to understand what leads to what, and how a third person could come between you and your spouse and convince you that your marriage and life isn’t what it should be. I wanted to get a sense of how that could happen. Being a newlywed, it was so hard for me to imagine that. Tyler and I would debate back and forth about the script. I’d ask, “Would she really do that?” Sometimes, he’d make an adjustment, other times he say, “Look, Jurnee, you have to remember this is not you in a happy marriage.” Those were the moments when I had to rely on my research.   

KW: What was it like having Tyler Perry as a writer and director?

JS: It was such a great experience. He’s so down-to-earth… he’s a fun guy… and he keeps a great set. Everything’s on time. He’s the first one to show up, the last one to leave, and he’s really open to suggestions and collaboration. For instance, if I said, “I don’t feel that that dialogue is truthful,” he’d respond with, “Okay, let’s work that out. Let’s adjust it.” He was very open to play, which is what you look for as an artist. 

KW: What was it like working with your leading men Lance and Robbie, as well as Kim, Brandy and Vanessa?

JS: It was great to work with the guys, because they really brought their “A” game. I was really grateful to them for being so open and emotionally available, since half of my performance involved looking into their eyes and reacting to them. And what an amazing cast of women. Vanessa Williams, who plays my boss, is such a legend. I’ve always looked up to her. Not only is she so gorgeous, but she is a pro. She gave me some great advice and support, that little stamp of “You got this, girl!” which you never can get enough of. Brandy, I already knew. Although I didn’t have many scenes with her, I was happy that she was in the film because she’s such a talented actress. And Kim was just so sweet to work with. She was very eager and very professional. It was a great, diverse cast.  

KW: What message do you think Tyler wants his audience to take away from the film?

JS: I think he really wants the film to start a dialogue among couples about relationships. That you cannot take your loved one for granted. You have to continue to communicate. You always have to work on the relationship. And then there’s another message about choices. The film at its core is really about how thoughts can infect your mind that might lead to choices that can lead to actions and behavior you never thought yourself capable of, if you don’t watch yourself. Since the movie, in a way, is a cautionary tale, Tyler wants the message about relationships to reach younger people, too.

KW: Children’s book author Irene Smalls asks: Has the transition from child to adult actress been a smooth one for you?

JS: I’ve been blessed that it has been a smooth one, not without its challenges, of course. But for the most part, I’ve always been able to work. I’m very picky about the kind of work that I do, and I’m fortunate to have been able to work with great directors and great actors who’ve helped me grow as an artist. 

KW: Marcia Evans asks: Do you have any upcoming projects with any of your siblings? 

JS: Ahh! Possibly. My siblings are so talented. My sister’s a producer, and my brothers and I all write. We’ve been developing some stuff. We’ll see. It would have to be the right project. But for now, I’ve recently joined the cast of True Blood.

KW: Marcia also asks: Is there an historical figure you would like to play in a biopic?

JS: Ahh… that’s a good question. But there are too many to pick just one. [Chuckles]

KW: Editor/Legist Patricia Turnier asks: How did you come to develop an interest at such an early age in AIDS in Africa and the Children’s Defense Fund as charitable causes?

JS: I love that question. When I was 12 years-old, I got involved with an organization called Artists for a New South Africa. One of its missions is to help with HIV/AIDS awareness. My best friend is Hydeia Broadbent who was one of the first people in America born HIV+. Between those two, I’ve always been passionate about HIV from a young age, because I’ve seen, personally, how it can affect someone’s life. Obviously, HIV/AIDS isn’t a death sentence anymore. Hydeia will be 28 soon and she’s a walking example of that. But still, as her best friend, I see how hard it is to live with this disease. She wakes up with stomach aches, because the medication is really harsh on your body. It’s nothing that anyone would choose to have. So, I do what I can to educate young people about this disease, because it is preventable.

KW: Patricia also says: I loved your performance in The Great Debaters. She asks: What does it mean to you to have African-American, Christian and Jewish roots? 

JS: It means that I’m a mutt. [LOL] My mom is African-American, Native-American, Irish and Creole, and my father is of Jewish, Russian and Polish descent. It’s made me who I am. Because of my diverse background, I think I can relate to many different people, different stories and different communities.   

KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?

JS: [LOL] I see my big ole smile. No, I see this young woman that I pray God can use for a bigger reason. 

KW: Thanks again for the time, Jurnee, and best of luck with the film.

JS: Thank you, Kam.

To see a trailer for Temptation, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDfTwu2CgDY 

Olympus Has Fallen
Film Review by Kam Williams

While serving as the President’s (Aaron Eckhart) personal bodyguard, Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) grew very close to the First Family. During his tenure at the White House, the dedicated, detail-oriented Secret Service agent also familiarized himself with every aspect of the building’s layout.

Nevertheless, Banning was reassigned to a desk job after failing to rescue the First Lady (Ashley Judd) before the presidential limo plunged off a bridge into an icy river en route to a Christmas party. Although the accident wasn’t his fault, he was left agonizing over a snap decision that might have been the difference between her living and dying.

A year and a half later, we find Banning still riddled with guilt despite receiving assurances from the Secret Service Director (Angela Banning) that there was nothing he could have done. However, he soon gets that sorely needed shot at redemption when a swarm of ninjas from North Korea attack the White House, taking the President and his Cabinet hostage.

With the President and Vice President (Phil Austin) abducted, the line of succession dictates that the Speaker of the House (Morgan Freeman) assume power from a well-fortified bunker. Meanwhile, the maniacal leader (Rick Yune) of the bloodthirsty terrorists proceeds to torture his hostages, hoping to learn the codes controlling America’s nuclear arsenal.

The unfolding crisis is not lost on Banning who observes the slaughter of his former colleagues from an office window across the street. The disgraced agent springs into action and surreptitiously enters the White House armed only with a handgun and a walkie-talkie. But he still enjoys the advantage over an army of heavily-armed intruders by virtue of his knowledge of the premises’ every nook and cranny.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Olympus Has Fallen is a derivative action flick which might be best described as a cross of Die Hard (1988) and In the Line of Fire (1993), except that instead of Bruce Willis or Clint Eastwood, we have Gerard Butler playing the invincible, two-fisted protagonist. The fast-paced film is engaging and entertaining enough to come recommended provided you’re willing to put your brain on hold and not question any of the picture’s implausible plot developments.

Featuring pyrotechnics worthy of a 4th of July fireworks display, Olympus Has Fallen is an eye-popping, patriotic, high-octane adventure that leaves no doubt about who’s the vindicated hero that kept the world safe for democracy. The Butler did it! Gerard Butler, that is.

Very Good (3 stars)

Rated R for graphic violence and pervasive profanity

In English and Korean with subtitles

Running time: 120 minutes

Distributor: Film District

To see a trailer for Olympus Has Fallen, visit

Admission
Film Review by Kam Williams

Portia Nathan (Tina Fey) has worked for 16 years in the admissions office at Princeton, the college regularly rated the best in the country by experts. Because of her pivotal role in picking prospective students for the highly-selective Ivy League institution, the highly-principled administrator often finds herself approached by pushy, helicopter parents seeking preferential treatment for their children.

That’s why she prides herself on never having compromised the integrity of the application process, a commitment also appreciated by the outgoing Dean of Admissions (Wallace Shawn). In fact, he’s recently indicated that upon his impending retirement, he’s prepared to recommend either her or the equally-dedicated Corinne (Gloria Reuben) as his replacement.

That announcement jumpstarts a fierce competition between the two colleagues which soon has Portia venturing to New Hampshire in search of qualified candidates. There, she visits an alternative high school whose handsome principal, John Pressman (Paul Rudd) had been a classmate of hers at Dartmouth. Sparks fly, but nothing transpires, because she’s in a committed relationship.

Instead, John just pressures Portia to interview Jeremiah (Nat Wolff), a bright but underachieving student with a woeful academic transcript. She has no problem dismissing the kid out of hand until the headmaster slips her a birth certificate showing that he’s the son she surrendered for adoption as a baby.

Suddenly, Portia’s maternal instincts kick in and she finds herself on the horns of a dilemma. Should reject this candidate who is clearly not Princeton material, or should she bend the rules for her own flesh and blood? After all, it’s the least she could do, since she played no part in raising him.

That is the conundrum at the heart of Admission a delightful, romantic dramedy directed by Paul Weitz (American Pie). Based on Jean Hanff Korelitz’s best seller of the same name, the film offers a very revealing peek at the cutthroat, college entrance process from the gatekeepers’ point of view.

Besides the temptation of nepotism, the film revolves around the tender romance between Portia and John which conveniently has a chance to blossom when she’s abandoned by her philandering boyfriend (Michael Shannon) upon returning home from New Hampshire. Meanwhile, intriguing subplots abound involving a cornucopia of colorful support characters.

For instance, itinerant bachelor John has an adopted African son (Travaris Spears) who craves the sort of predictability his settling down with a stable woman might provide. And Portia needs to mend fences with her estranged mother (Lily Tomlin), a breast cancer survivor who in turn might benefit from the attention of an ardent admirer (Olek Krupa). Additional sidebars feature memorable cameos by Roby Sobieski (Leelee’s little brother), Asher Muldoon (author Korelitz’s son) and an emerging ingénue in Nadia Alexander.

An alternately comical and thought-provoking cautionary tale that’s every bit as hilarious as it is sobering.

Excellent (4 stars)

Rated PG-13 for profanity and some sexuality

Running time: 117 minutes

Distributor: Focus Features

To see a trailer for Admission, visit

The Sapphires
Film Review by Kam Williams

As young children, the McCrae sisters, Gail (Deborah Mailman), Julie (Jessica Mauboy) and Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), formed a promising singing group with their cousin (Shari Sebbens). But the ensemble barely got off the ground before Kay was seized by the authorities while recuperating in a hospital.

You see, the girls were growing up in Australia at a time when the law allowed fair-skinned aborigines to be taken from their mothers and placed with Caucasian families so they could be raised in accordance with the “White Ways.” Consequently, half-caste Kay had virtually no further contact with indigenous culture or any of her relatives over the next decade.

By 1968, however, Gail, Julie and Cynthia were old enough to track their cousin down, whereupon they encouraged her to run away with them on the spot. And it wasn’t long thereafter that the reunited foursome entered a local amateur competition as a Country music act.

Although they underwhelmed the audience that day, they did impress Dave Lovelace (Chris O’Dowd) who recognized their potential, assuming they would be willing to change their repertoire to popular Motown tunes. In short order, he became the quartet’s piano player, conductor, choreographer and manager, whipping his diamond in a rough into Australia’s answer to The Supremes before signing them to perform for the troops over in Vietnam.

Based on the stage play of the same name, The Sapphires recounts the band’s harrowing, real-life experiences upon arriving in Southeast Asia during the bloody Tet Offensive. The movie marks the impressive feature debut of aborigine Wayne Blair, a gifted actor-turned-director who does a remarkable job of subtly recreating the political climate of the turbulent Sixties.

For instance, he effectively employs the iconic clip of Muhammad Ali refusing to serve in the army (“No Viet Cong ever called me a [N-word].”) to convey the mounting minority opposition to the conflict. Nevertheless, blinded by a combination of naivete and the pay, our hapless heroines find themselves in the middle of a war zone with little preparation for the unspeakable horrors they are about to witness.

With no choice but to make the best of a bad situation, they proceed to put on a number of very well-received shows, as the tour takes them closer and closer to the frontlines. Amidst the insanity, they somehow find time for reverie, reflection, and even a little romance.

A well-deserved tribute to four Aussie lassies who risked their lives to entertain the boys.

Excellent (4 stars)

Rated PG-13 for violence, profanity, sexuality, smoking and mature themes

Running time: 98 minutes

Distributor: The Weinstein Company

To see a trailer for The Sapphires, visit

The Croods
Film Review by Kam Williams

Are you better off than you were four million years ago? That’s the evolutionary question playfully posed by The Croods, a visually-captivating, action-oriented cartoon revolving around an agoraphobic clan of cave dwellers that summons up the courage to abandon their home in the face of impending climate change.

The enchanting message movie was co-directed by Kirk De Micco (Space Chimps) and Chris Sanders (How to Train Your Dragon) who assembled an ensemble featuring Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds and Cloris Leachman to breathe life into a colorful array of prehistoric characters. Besides the talented voice cast, the film makes a most effective use of 3-D technology guaranteed to keep the tykes enthralled for the duration, whether they’re ducking projectiles aimed directly at their heads or trying to touch objects dangling just out of reach.

At the point of departure we find the Croods huddled inside their dank, dark cave where they sleep in a pile to keep warm at night. The family is presided over by Grug (Cage), an overprotective patriarch whose mantra is the double-negative “Never not be afraid!”

The other members of his primitive brood include naggy mother-in-law Gran (Leachman), long-suffering wife Ugga (Catherine Keener) and their three kids: feral baby Sandy (Randy Thom), man-child Thunk (Clark Duke) and rebellious teen Eep (Stone). Grug feels it is his duty to remind them on a daily basis of the many dangers lurking just beyond the entrance of their boulder-fortified abode.

That’s why he’s so fond of telling bedtime stories in which any curiosity about the outside world invariably proves fatal. Grug’s scare tactics work until the fateful day Eep sneaks off to explore on her own only to encounter a boy (Reynolds) about her own age.

Not only has handsome Guy figured out how to harness fire to keep hungry creatures at bay but he forecasts imminent doom for any humans who fail to move to higher ground. When Eep brings word of this frightening development to her Neanderthal of a dad, it becomes abundantly clear that it’s going to take more than a little convincing to get him to lead the family out of the cave on a perilous trek to safety.

Mother Nature plays a part in nudging him to grudgingly join forces with Guy, and the ensuing sojourn across a vast wasteland to Shangri-La allows for a priceless lesson about risk-taking as relevant in the 21st Century as it must have been back in the Stone Age. A side-splitting, thrill-a-minute adventure reminiscent of the best of The Flintstones. Wilma!

Excellent (4 stars)

Rated PG for scenes of peril

Running time: 98 minutes

Studio: Dreamworks Animation

Distributor: 20th Century Fox

To see a trailer for The Croods, visit