Exclusive: La La Anthony talks Baggage ClaimBy Wilson Morales
October 4, 2013
Currently in theaters is David E. Talbert’s romantic comedy, ‘Baggage Claim,’ starring Paula Patton, Derek Luke, Taye Diggs, Jill Scott, Boris Kodjoe, Tremaine Neverson, Adam Brody, Jenifer Lewis, Ned Beatty, Lauren London, Tia Mowry, La La Anthony, Christina Milian, Affion Crockett, Terrence J, Rickey Smiley, and Djimon Hounsou.
Determined to get engaged before her youngest sister’s wedding, flight attendant Montana Moore (Paula Patton) finds herself with only 30 days to find Mr. Right. Using her airline connections to “accidentally” meet up with eligible ex-boyfriends and scour for potential candidates, she racks up more than 30,000 miles and countless comedic encounters, all the while searching for the perfect guy.
For La La Anthony, the role gives the former VJ-turned-actress an opportunity to showcase her comedic chops. Featured in last year’s hit film, ‘Think Like a Man,’ the Brooklyn, NY native will be returning in the sequel ‘Think Like a Man Too.’
While promoting ‘Baggage Claim,’ Anthony spoke about her character, working with David and her upcoming projects.
How would you describe your character Tanya?
La La Anthony: Tanya is in a sense La La, always trying to scheme something in a good way. Whether it’s hook someone up, match people together, Tanya was essential to the plan in making sure Montana got to her destination and her love one in time. It was fun and I just love the idea that a lot has to do with airports. My dad is a flight attendant and I know a lot of these airport stories. We’ve all have been at the ticket counter and wondering what is it that is taking so long. “My flight is in 30 minutes,” and they are just lollygagging back there. We never know what they are really doing behind the counter and you saw that Tanya was buying Jimmy Choo shoes and shopping and doing all sorts of other stuff. I thought it was a funny take on airports in general. I feel as if I live at the airport.
At what point were you ever frustrated?
Anthony: For me, I’ve been frustrated with lines and people acting as if they have nowhere to go. When you have a child and my son travels with me everywhere I go, it becomes more difficult because he’s pulling me and we have to rush to the gate. You’re holding him in many different ways and get used to it. Nowadays, I give myself more of a cushion of time just to make ways for anything that can happen at the airport. I get there an hour or two earlier just in case. I have gotten better at it.
What was the attraction to doing the film?
Anthony: David E. Talbert is the attraction. I have followed him for a long time. For the book ‘Baggage Claim’ to become a movie, that was the attraction. My dad has fell in love on the airplane and fell out of love on the airplane; so I know this story in a sense. David gave us the room to work with the character. You don’t always have that relationship with the director that really cares about you and what’s going on. He’s such a great guy.
Can good friends become lover?
Anthony: I definitely do think so. My husband (NY Knicks player Carmelo Anthony) and I started as friends. As Boris mentioned earlier, when friendship is the foundation, you can get through the trials and tribulations and the bumps and the bruises because ultimately you’re still with your friend. So many people are with other people for a while and then you don’t even like them to begin with. It was a spark but you never got to form a friendship. My husband and I have been together for 10 years and there is no way we would have made it this long if we weren’t friends first. I’m definitely an advocate of that.
What is the secret to getting out of the “friend zone“?
Anthony: Not being afraid and knowing when it’s time. You don’t want to get out the friend zone too quick. You want to take your time to possibly make the first move because as friends, everyone is a always scared of being the first one. Somebody has to make the first move, so don’t be afraid and make sure you gave it enough time.
Was there a time when everyone got together?
Anthony: No. That’s why you see us hugging each other and holding hands. David did have a dinner in LA but I wasn’t there because I was in Atlanta filming ‘Single Ladies’ at the time. I did a video on my phone telling everyone how I miss them and love them.
‘Think Like a Man Too’ is coming out next year. Will we expect more from your character?
Anthony: Yes, a lot more camera time and a lot more scenes. I’m excited that my character was received so well in the first film that I was able to come back in a bigger role. I also have an independent film with Hill Harper called ‘1982,’ which I’m so excited about. I also just wrote a book called ‘The Love Playbook,’ which is coming out in January.
What’s ‘1982’ about?
Anthony: The film takes place in the 80s and Hill Harper’s wife, played by Sharon Leal, is strung out on drugs. It’s the reverse story where the husband is trying to keep the family together because the wife is addicted to drugs. I play her best friend. I’m an enabler in a sense before I finally decide to let her go. Usually, you see a story the other way where it’s the husband on drugs. To me, this is Hill’s breakout role and I’m excited for people to see it.
What’s a good reason to see ‘Baggage Claim’?
Anthony: It’s a fun lighthearted laugh. You will have some emotional connection to it and have fun. The real world at times can be so tough and you need an escape. Here’s a 90 minute movie where you can forget about your problems and smile and have fun. Everyone needs a break from the hustle and bustle from their everyday life.
