December 2007 | blackfilm.com | features | THE PERFECT HOLIDAY

ILLEGAL TENDER
An Interview with Rick Gonzalez
By Wilson Morales

December 19, 2007

After appearing in notable films such ‘The Rookie’, ‘Old School’ and ‘Coach Carter’, Rick Gonzalez finally got to play a lead in the film ‘Illegal Tender’, where he plays a student who realizes that his life isn’t so simply that he thought it was when his mom suggest that they move away again and their lives are put in danger. The film was directed by Franc Reyes and produced by John Singleton. Currently, Gonzalez is working on the small screen on the TV series, ‘Reaper’ on CW. While speaking to blackfilm.com on the DVD release of ‘Illegal Tender’, Gonzalez spoke about his experience on that film, having a lead role, and his upcoming film projects.

Let’s talk about the DVD, which hits stores this week, and how much of a joy is was to film that.

Rick Gonzalez: It was great. I’m excited. I had a great time working with everybody. I’m a huge fan of John Singleton so I was honored that he wanted to produce the film.

How much fun was it having a lead role?

RG: It was great for my career. You have to have poise in terms of handling yourself and really staying focus.

When you worked on that film, did you work with Franc Reyes on the story in terms what you thought the Latin community would believe?

RG: No. He came up with the story on his own.

What sort of back story did you give your character, Wilson?

RG: The thing with Wilson was that he didn’t have a father, so his mom was his father. His mom tried to do both, which is an indication on how strong Wanda played her character. The character also had strong qualities and at the same time she did have another man in her life where she gave birth to Randy, my little brother. As my mom tried to move on with certain people, nothing was strong enough to last. I could relate to that because that was the same situation in my family. My mom had someone in her life, but he never became a step-dad, so I never had a father figure in my life. You just sort of adapt certain qualities that you get from your mom growing up. Instead of having a father you adapt the qualities that your mom has and you get the courage from her. That’s pretty much the character Wilson.

How was working with Wanda?

RG: Wanda is very talented and focused on what she wants to do. She’s a very professional lady.

What did you learn from Director Franc Reyes?

RG: I learned that he’s the type of person that likes to take the bull by the horn. I learned that if you really want something, you have to go after it.

Was this the first film that you’ve done that directly speaks towards the Latin community?

RG: Absolutely. I think it is. I think that’s what John and Franc wanted to do. It was their goal. They wanted to put a film out that was commercial and entertaining enough for the Latin community.

DVDs have a way of creating or resurrecting a life for films. What do you think the DVD will do that film wasn’t able to do when it was in theaters?

RG: I don’t know. These days everything is marketing. I think if you put it in people’s faces, they are going to try it. You never know these days. I hope we have a better run on DVD than we did theatrically. I’m sure we will do better than we did on the big screen. In our position, the only way is up.

Have you been able to parlay your role in this film into something else, maybe bigger?

RG: No, I haven’t been able to parlay this. I wish I would have. I wish I could, but that’s fine. You take every role and you do the best you can.

What are you doing now?

RG: I’m on a television show called Reaper for CW.

How’s that going?

RG: It’s exciting. We’re nominated for a People’s Choice Award for Best New Show. We’re one of the top 5 new shows on television right now. We don’t have the ratings because we’re on CW, but we’redoing fine. We’re excited and it’s a great show.

How’s the work schedule compared to doing films?

RG: I like films better because I’m not committed to it for the entire year. With the show, you’re committed to an entire year and you’re playing the same character and it becomes a 9 to 5 sort of speak. It’s a lot of work. I tip my hat to the lead of the show, Bret Harrison, who plays Ben. He’s in every scene, he’s working and it’s a lot of work.

How’s the strike affected you?

RG: We’re finishing episode 13 and then we’ll be on hiatus.

What’s next for you on the big screen?

RG: I have some small roles in films, one in ‘Pride and Glory’ with Colin Farrell. I also have a few scenes with John C. Reilly and Seann William Scott in a film called ‘The Commotion’. Those films should be slated for ’08.

Why should anyone buy or rent the DVD of ‘Illegal Tender’?

RG: It’s cool. It’s not an ignorant film. It’s really a family story that I think people will like.