Viola Davis
The "Won't Back Down" Interview
with Kam Williams
Voila! It's Viola!
Viola Davis was born on August 11, 1965 on her grandmother's farm in St. Matthews, South Carolina, but raised by her parents in Central Falls, Rhode Island. After earning a degree in theater from Rhode Island College in 1988, she went on to do post-graduate work at the prestigious Juilliard School prior to embarking on a critically-acclaimed professional career.
Ms. Davis made a memorable mark on Broadway, winning Tonys for stellar performances as Tonya in King Hedley II and as Rose in the revival of Fences. She's also been nominated twice for an Academy Award, for her powerful portrayal of stoic Aibileen in The Help and for her equally-sterling interpretation of Mrs. Miller in Doubt.
Viola's other noteworthy screen credits include impressive outings in Traffic, Nights in Rodanthe, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, Eat Pray Love, Madea Goes to Jail, Antwone Fisher, World Trade Center, Trust, Knight & Day, Get Rich or Die Tryin' and State of Play. And her upcoming films include Enders Game with Harrison Ford, Beautiful Creatures with Emma Thompson and The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby with Jessica Chastain.
Here, she talks about her new film, Won't Back Down, a female empowerment saga, where she plays Nona Alberts, a jaded teacher who joins forces with a frustrated single-mom (Maggie Gyllenhaal) to turn around an underperforming public school.
Kam Williams: Hi Viola, thanks for the interview.
Viola Davis: Thank you, Kam.
KW: Music teacher Steve Kramer asks: What interested you in Won't Back Down?
VD: My interests in the film were two-fold: the backdrop of education and also the human story within it about a woman who, when she was in her twenties, had all these high ideals and hopes of taking the world by storm as a great teacher and also as a great mother. But all of that was just blown to bits, and we find her at a low point where she's totally disillusioned. For me, the movie is about her story of coming back to life again. And that journey is a very human one. It intrigued me, and I saw it as a very interesting challenge as an actor.
KW: What was it like working with such a top-flight cast: You had an Academy-Award-winner Holly Hunter, as well fellow Oscar-nominees Maggie Gyllenhaal and Rosie Perez?
VD: You forgot another Oscar-nominee, Marianne Jean-Baptiste. It was fabulous! To me, it's always a luxury to be able to work with the best of the best because they make it easier for you to do what you do. It's harder to work with people who are not as dedicated to their craft. It also leaves you a better actor when you finish the project, since you always feel like you've learned something. And it's refreshing to spend time with actors who are so vocal, so articulate. "You get more material to steal from." That's what I always say. [LOL]
KW: Editor/Legist Patricia Turnier would like to know whether you had any problems with any of your lines in the script, and how you handle such a controversy.
VD: Yes, I did have a problem with a few things, which is good for an actor. The average person might not see it that way. The sentiment that I had a little trouble with was the idea that, "You change the school, you change the community." I couldn't wrap my mind around that. I just feel that those two trains need to be leaving the station at the same time. I think that that's a heck of a responsibility to expect schools and teachers to change these challenged communities. Many of them are experiencing growth deficits or are going bankrupt, and are infected with gang violence with as many as 85% of the people living below the poverty line. I knew this was going to be a hotbed issue, but I didn't realize how volatile it was going to become once the movie was released. Nevertheless, I welcome this spirited discourse. That's always been a spearhead to change.
KW: Is the big brouhaha due to allegations that the picture is anti-union?
VD: Yes, that is what the controversy's about. I don't think the film's anti-union. I feel it's pro-education. The teacher, in the end, becomes the hero. The teacher! Oscar Isaac's character [Michael Perry] says in the film that the one of the things he remembers about the high school teacher who inspired him to become a teacher was how the union had stepped in and saved the man's job when the system was failing him. So, I don't feel it's anti-union. I consider it pro-activist.
KW: Larry Greenberg was wondering what would you say is the movie's message?
VD: The movie really emphasizes that we're all in the position to be the change that we want to see in this country. And I think there's no better time to bring that message home. What's interesting is that that theme is a common thread in the film, even in terms of the two main characters' taking control of their own personal lives. At the end of the day, nobody can tell you how to tackle failure or how to handle change. The world is very good at encouraging you to go along with the status quo and at basking in your successes. But when you hit a wall in your personal life, and you screw up, people don't give you a chance to navigate your way through it and tap into what's extraordinary about you. I think this movie tackles that subject in a beautiful way, and I think it's the best message you could give to a child. And, hey, you can even bring your kids to the film because it's rated PG. [Laughs]
KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles says: Won't Back Down is not only the title of your new film, but that same sort of spirit was also part of your character's persona in The Help. How much of that strength we see up on the screen is you and how much of it is great acting?
VD: [Chuckles] Well, I'd like to say that it's all great acting. That's what I'd prefer to say, but I suppose I do have that same quality in real life. I guess they say, "Necessity is the mother of invention" because you have two stark choices when you find yourself in a really desperate situation. You can either fold and cave-in to it or you can become really passionate about getting out of it. When you're really passionate, you're going to grab hold of every rope you see, and wrap them around your arms and legs to claw your way out. And that's the way I've felt in my life.
KW: Harriet has another question: Is there a classic film you'd like to star in the remake of?
VD: You know what? Playing Norma Rae would be great, too, although I don't whether that would work. I'd also like to play Harriet Tubman.
KW: Patricia is also wondering whether there's any truth to the rumor that you'll be playing Barbara Jordan in an upcoming biopic about the late congresswoman.
VD: Yes, my husband [Julius Tennon] and I started a production company out of necessity, the need for great narratives for actors of color, and we are currently developing that script with some great producers.
KW: Kate Newell says: I loved your performance. Did you have a teacher who especially inspired you?
VD: I had several teachers who inspired me, in both the public school system and the Upward Bound program. I needed several, because I lived in such abject poverty and dysfunction. And they're still in my life today, because I consider them to be friends, actually.
KW: Thanks again for the time, Viola, and best of luck with Won't Back Down.
VD: Thank you, Kam
To see a trailer for Won't Back Down, visit
Looper
Film Review by Kam Williams
Hit Man Turns Fugitive in Riveting Time-Travel Thriller
Dateline: Kansas City, 2042, which is where we find 25 year-old Joseph Simmons (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) gainfully-employed as a novel type of hit man called a "looper." The grisly line of work basically involves waiting at a designated clearing in a cornfield for the delivery of a blindfolded kidnap victim involuntarily teleported back in time.
As soon as each person spontaneously materializes, Joe blows them away on the spot with a big blunderbuss, before incinerating the body to eliminate the evidence. This modernistic equivalent of filling cement shoes has become the mob's preferred method of assassination since loopers can commit the perfect crime by killing people who technically don't even exist yet.
Despite the great pay, Joe's job has one major drawback, namely, that he will eventually be expected to close his own loop by shooting his future self (Bruce Willis) dead in the killing field. In the interim, he copes with the prospect of committing suicide via drugs and denial, getting high while making plans to retire to France that ostensibly amount to an exercise in futility.
The moment of truth arrives the fateful day he finally finds himself face-to-face with his 55 year-old alter ego. However, Joe is unable to pull the trigger, a failing which doesn't sit well with his short-fused boss (Jeff Daniels) who immediately dispatches an army of thugs to finish off both fugitives.
That is the absorbing premise of Looper, a riveting sci-fi thriller directed by Rian Johnson. The movie marks the third collaboration between him and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, a reteaming lending credence to the age-old maxim: three times a charm.
The picture's inscrutable script is as confounding as Chris Nolan's Memento, and visually the production is rather reminiscent of the best of Steven Spielberg. Nice company. Again and again, just when you think you've unraveled the convoluted plot, the story takes yet another intriguing turn into uncharted waters.
Great performances abound here, starting with Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis as the same character. Also deserving of accolades in substantial support roles are Paul Dano, Emily Blunt, Piper Perabo and Jeff Daniels.
A mind-bending masterpiece that's a must for more cerebral fans of the time-travel genre.
Excellent (4 stars)
Rated R for profanity, sexuality, nudity, drug use and graphic violence.
Running time: 118 minutes
Distributor: Sony Pictures
To see a trailer for Looper, visit
Hotel Transylvania
Film Review by Kam Williams
Mortal Courts Dracula's Overprotected Daughter in Animated Romantic Comedy
I know it's a little early in the season, but if you're ready for a Halloween-themed flick that's going to be lot of fun for the whole family, have I got a cartoon for you. More romantic and funny than spooky and spine-tingling, Hotel Transylvania is a tenderhearted tale that milks most of its mirth by turning a basic scary movie convention on its head.
For, the picture unfolds from the point-of-view of Count Dracula (Adam Sandler) and a beleaguered brotherhood of peace-loving creatures who have not only been unfairly-demonized as monsters but are actually more afraid of humans than we are of them. Who knew? Victims of bad press and paranoia, they naturally shy away from making any contact with humans.
After his wife's untimely demise at the hands of an angry mob, an understandably overprotective Dracula restricted his daughter, Mavis (Selena Gomez), to the safe confines of the family's hilltop mansion, far removed from any prejudiced townsfolk armed with torches and pitchforks. Inside that protective bubble, "Daddy's Little Ghoul" was raised on misleading nursery rhymes in which all the evil villains were people.
Figuring his fellow social outcasts might also enjoy a sanctuary of tranquility safe from humanity, Dracula transforms his sprawling estate into the Hotel Transylvania, a swanky, 5-stake (ala "5-star") resort catering strictly to fellow monsters. The plot thickens when he lowers the drawbridge over the moat to the castle to welcome his friends to celebrate Mavis' birthday.
A hiker who just stumbled upon the place slips in alongside Frankenstein (Kevin James), The Mummy (CeeLo Green), The Werewolf (Steve Buscemi), Quasimodo (Jon Lovitz), The Invisible Man (David Spade) and the other invited guests. Jonathan (Andy Samberg) may be a mere mortal, but the clueless party crasher's just the right age to appreciate the blossoming beauty of a rebellious teen vampire with raging hormones.
It's cross-species love at first sight, much to the chagrin of an exasperated Count Dracula whose desperate efforts to discourage his suddenly-defiant daughter prove futile. His cries of "You're barely out of your training fangs!" and "There are so many eligible monsters!" fall on deaf ears, as Mavis opts instead to heed her late-mother's sage suggestion that "A zing comes along only once in a life."
A tyke-friendly, Halloween adventure teaching a universal message of tolerance via the oft-repeated maxim that monsters are people, too!
Very Good (3 stars)
Rated PG for action, rude humor and scary images.
Running time: 91 minutes
Distributor: Sony Pictures
To see a trailer for Hotel Transylvania, visit
OPENING THIS WEEK
Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
by Kam Williams
For movies opening September 21, 2012
BIG BUDGET FILMS
Dredd 3-D (R for profanity, sexuality, drug use and graphic violence) Karl Urban assumes the title role originally played by Sly Stallone in this reboot of the futuristic, sci-fi franchise which finds America an irradiated wasteland patrolled by a formidable judge/jury/executioner committed to cleansing the country of undesirables with the help of an attractive rookie sidekick (Olivia Thirlby). Supporting cast includes Lena Headey, Wood Harris and Jason Cope.
End of Watch (R for sexual references, drug use, graphic violence, disturbing images and pervasive profanity) Grisly crime saga about a couple of LAPD cops (Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena) who land on a drug cartel's hit list after confiscating a cache of guns and money during a routine traffic stop. With America Ferrara, Anna Kendrick and Natalie Martinez.
House at the End of the Street (PG-13 for profanity, terror, intense violence, teen partying, mature themes and brief drug use) Haunted house horror flick about a recent divorcee (Elisabeth Shue) whose hopes for a fresh start after relocating with her daughter (Jennifer Lawrence) to a quaint rural town are dashed by the creepy recluse (Max Theriot) living next-door. Ensemble includes Gil Bellows, Eva Link and Jon McLaren.
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
17 Girls (Unrated) Baby mama drama set in Lorient, France but inspired by actual events which transpired in a Massachusetts town where a clique of bored high school coeds entered a pact to get pregnant after one of them (Louise Grinberg) was accidentally knocked up. Cast includes Juliette Darche, Roxane Duran and Esther Garrel. (In French with subtitles)
About Cherry (R for sexuality, nudity, profanity and drug use) Coming-of-age drama, set in San Francisco, revolving around a troubled teen (Ashley Hinshaw) introduced to the adult entertainment industry by a sleazy attorney (James Franco) and a washed-up porn star (Heather Graham). With Dev Patel, Lili Taylor and Diane Farr.
Dear Mandela (Unrated) Dream deferred documentary highlighting the efforts of a trio of activists spearheading a revival of the South African civil rights movement on behalf of the black masses yet to benefit from independence. (In English and Zulu with subtitles)
Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel (PG-13 for nude images) Reverential retrospective takes a fond look back at the life and times of fashionista Diana Vreeland (1903-1989), the influential editor of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.
Head Games (PG-13 for mature themes) Brain trauma documentary explores the oft-devastating consequences of concussions suffered while playing football, hockey, soccer and other sports.
How to Survive a Plague (Unrated) AIDS documentary chronicling the efforts of ACT UP and other gay organizations which successfully pressured the federal government to fund the research that turned the epidemic from a death sentence into a manageable medical condition. Featuring file footage of Larry Kramer and Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush.
Knuckleball! (Unrated) Baseball documentary deconstructing the mechanics of the knuckleball with the help of such proponents of the unorthodox pitch as Tim Wakefield, R.A. Dickey, Charlie Hough and Phil Niekro.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower (PG-13 for mature themes, profanity, and teen sexuality, fighting drug use and alcohol abuse) Screen adaptation of the Steven Chbosky novel of the same name about a lonely freshman's (Logan Lerman) attempt to adjust to high school while simultaneously struggling to cope with a crush on a classmate (Emma Watson), a friend's suicide and his own mental illness. With Paul Rudd, Ezra Miller and Dylan McDermott.
They Call It Myannar: Lifting the Curtain (Unrated) Bamboo Curtain expose' offering a rare peak at Burma via interviews conducted secretly with over a hundred of the repressive regime's political dissidents, including recently-released, Nobel Peace Prize-winner Aung San Suu Kyi.
Three Stars (Unrated) Delightful gourmet documentary delineating the culinary philosophy of nine of the world's greatest chefs. Featuring Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Yannick Alleno and Olivier Roellinger. (In Dutch, English, German, Japanese, Italian and Spanish with subtitles)
Trouble with the Curve (PG-13 for profanity, smoking, mature themes and sexual references) Clint Eastwood stars in this minor league diamond drama about an aging baseball scout with failing eyesight who grudgingly agrees to make one last road trip prior to retiring after his daughter (Amy Adams) agrees to accompany him on the trek. Cast includes Justin Timberlake, John Goodman and Scott Eastwood (Clint's son).
You May Not Kiss the Bride (PG-13 for sexuality, coarse humor and violence) Romantic comedy about a mild-mannered pet photographer (Dave Annable) forced to marry the daughter (Katharina McPhee) of the Croatian mobster (Ken Davitian) who wants his little girl to become an American citizen. With Mena Suvari, Kathy Bates, Rob Schneider, Tia Carrerre and Vinnie Jones.
Selena Gomez
The "Hotel Transylvania" Interview with Kam Williams
Welcome to the Hotel Transylvania!
Born on July 22, 1992 in Grand Prairie, Texas, Selena Gomez got an early start in show business as Gianna on "Barney & Friends." She made her screen debut soon thereafter in "Spy Kids 3-D," and subsequently appeared on such TV shows as "Walker, Texas Ranger," "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody," "Hannah Montana" and "The Suite Life on Deck," before skyrocketing to fame starring as Alex on the Disney Channel's Emmy-winning sitcom, "Wizards of Waverly Place."
In 2008, the versatile entertainer embarked on her musical career when she recorded several songs for the soundtrack of her Disney film, "Another Cinderella Story." She has since had many hit tunes, including duets with Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, as well as with her own group, Selena Gomez and The Scene.
In 2009, Selena became the youngest UNICEF Goodwill ambassador in history at 17. The following year, she launched her very own fashion line, the Dream Out Loud Collection.
In terms of her private life, Selena has long been romantically-linked to pop idol Justin Bieber, and the couple was recently rumored to be building a love nest together in the San Fernando Valley. Here, she talks about her new movie, Hotel Transylvania, an animated adventure where she plays Dracula's daughter Mavis who, over her father's objections, falls in love with a mere mortal.
Kam Williams: Hi Selena, thanks for another interview.
Selena Gomez: Of course, Kam thank you.
KW: I really appreciate that last time you were gracious enough to take a photo afterwards with my intern, Richie. Thanks.
SG: Thank Richie for asking. That was so sweet.
KW: Editor/legist Patricia Turnier asks: What interested you in Hotel Transylvania?
SG: It had a really good script, it's really funny, and has an amazing cast, so it was kind of a no brainer.
KW: How would you describe the movie?
SG: I think it's a really cute father-daughter film that kinda touches on growing up, and on experiencing your daughter wanting to have independence. It's a really sweet story that daughters and dads can relate to.
KW: Richie would like to know what's your favorite type of monster: a zombie, a werewolf, a vampire or something else?
SG: Probably a zombie.
KW: Larry Greenberg says: I really love the place where horror and comedy touch. Did you have a lot of fun working on this film?
SG: Yes, and for that particular reason. I love scary movies, so I really enjoyed being a part of a project that puts a twist on the scary formula.
KW: How did you find it portraying an animated character for the first time?
SG: It was different for me, since I had never done something like that before. So, I enjoyed it. It was new. I would love to do it again. It was great!
KW: Harriet Pakula-Teweles says: You've already been acclaimed for singing and dancing, for acting on TV and film, for fashion, for your charity ambassadorship and you're only 20 years old-- what's left for the rest of your life?
SG: [Giggles] I don't know. I guess I'm just sort of figuring it out. But I do enjoy everything I've been doing, and I feel very, very blessed and lucky.
KW: Patricia also asks: What does it mean to you to be a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and what was the most fulfilling thing you did so far for UNICEF?
SG: Working with Unicef is very, very important to me. Like I said, I've been very blessed, so I feel that it's very important for me to give back as much as I can and to use the platform that I have to kind of spread the word. What's been most fulfilling is being able to travel with them and witness how this organization does what it believes in, which is saving kids' lives.
KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks: How did you become so altruistic at such a young age? Where did you get your inspiration to do so much to help make the world a better place, all the charity work with children, animals and other causes?
SG: It's always been important to my parents, and that's where it came from. I was taught that no matter how little or how much we had, that it was important to give back. They always donated my clothes to shelters, and we'd always volunteer at soup kitchens on Thanksgiving. So, concern for the less fortunate has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember.
KW: Bernadette also asks: Is there another pop icon whose career choices and level of success you're trying to emulate or exceed?
SG: There are a lot of people I look up to. But the person whose story has touched me the most is Katy Perry. She's worked really hard to get to where she is, and it certainly didn't happen overnight for her.
KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read? The last time you told me it was, "13 Reasons Why."
KW: What was the last song you listened to?
SG: I've been listening to Frank Ocean's new album.
KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?
SG: Oh, I love Southern food, so any type of casserole.
KW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes designer?
SG: For high, high-end fashion would have to be Marchesa.
KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
SG: Myself. [Giggles]
KW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for?
SG: For everyone to be nice.
KW: The Kerry Washington question: If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
SG: A monkey.
KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory?
SG: My first concert ever, with Britney Spears.
KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share?
SG: Drive.
KW: The Michael Ealy question: If you could meet anyone who has passed on, who would it be?
SG: Marilyn Monroe.
KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
SG: You have to love what you do. You really have to be passionate about it, and you can't let anyone else get you down.
KW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered?
SG: For my work.
KW: Thanks again for the time, Selena, and best of luck with Hotel Transylvania.
SG: Thank you so much, Kam.
To see a trailer for Hotel Transylvania, visit