Bobb’e J. Thompson Talks ‘School Dance‘Posted by Wilson Morales
July 7, 2014
Currently in theaters and on VOD is the high school comedy, School Dance, directed and co-written by Nick Cannon, and starring Bobb’e J. Thompson, Luenell, Mike Epps, George Lopez, Katt Williams, and Wilmer Valderrama, Dashawn Omar Blanks, Langston Alexander Higgins, Julian Alexander Goins, Kristinia DeBarge, Melissa Molinaro, Jasmine Sanders, Amber Rose, Jim Breuer, Jessica Kirson, Efren Ramirez, Lil Duval, Anthony “Scruncho” McKinley, Earl Benjamin, and Dominic Anthony Thomas.
High schooler Jason has found his dream girl—the gorgeous Anastacia. There’s just one problem: she doesn’t know he exists. If he can win a spot on the school’s hottest dance crew, Jason might have a shot. But before he does, he’ll have to overcome his battle-ax of a mother, survive Anastacia’s gangsta brother, and pass the crew’s initiation—in this fresh, sexy, and outrageously funny comedy.
For Thompson, it’s starring role after appearing in so many comedies for over 10 years. From having a main role on The Tracy Morgan Show to featured roles in My Baby’s Daddy, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Knucklehead and Role Models with Paul Rudd, this 18 year-old from Kansas City, Missouri is only starting to reach his stardom. Besides doing films, he currently has a supporting role on Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse.
In speaking with Blackfilm.com, Thompson talks about working on School Dance with Nick Cannon.
How would you relate to the character that you play?
Bobb’e J. Thompson: Jason is an outspoken, young guy that tends to freeze in the spotlight and I’m more of the opposite. I’m outspoken and not really the shy guy. He’s a nerd and I’m not. I was the class clown type of guy. I don’t think we relate at all and that’s why this part was fun to play because it was so different from me.
What else was the attraction to doing the film?
BT: This is a part that I don’t often. I’m always the loud, fouled-mouthed kid and I’ve never been one of the leads carrying the film, especially being the straight man.
How was working with Nick Cannon?
BT: Nick’s a great director. He gives good guidance. He lets you know when you’re getting off track and helps you figure it out before you get back on it.
How was working with the rest of the cast?
BT: The whole cast was great. Everyone was fun to work with. We were all in good spirits and happy to be there. It was a great environment to be in and we all cracked jokes. It was like a big family.
Was there any particular scene you had fun shooting?
BT: The scene I had most fun with was the end scene with the performance, where me and The Rangers performed at the school dance.
Can you talk about being in the business over 10 years and having worked and learned from so many comedians?
BT: I’m blessed and I say it all the time that I don’t take anything for granted. I studied my craft and just stick with it.
As you mentioned earlier, this is rare for you to be one of the leads. Was it challenging?
BT: I didn’t really take it as a challenge. I just went into this with my head high and take this home because Nick gave me the lead role for a reason. Nick believed in me and I believed in myself.
Were you able to ad-lib in any of your scenes?
BT: Yes. We did a bunch of crazy stuff off the top of our heads.
What else are you looking to do?
BT: I’m looking to do an action film where I can run with my shirt off and a gun in my hand; and do like a ‘Taken’ role and get up on one knee and kill the bad guy. Like Mike Lowrey from Bad Boys. That’s my dream role. I also my album dropping in August. The first video is on Youtube right now.
