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CNN Live Today

Interview with Jill Bernstein, "Premier" Magazine

Aired May 31, 2002 - 10:51   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Tired of TV? Grab your popcorn. Let's go to the movies instead. We've got a preview of the new flicks out this weekend on the big screen. Actress Denise Richards and hubby-to-be Charlie Sheen attended the premiere of her new movie, "Undercover Brother." "Premier" magazine has a preview of that movie, and others in its latest issue.

And joining us live now from New York is "Premier" Senior Editor Jill Bernstein.

JILL BERNSTEIN, SENIOR EDITOR, "PREMIER": Hello.

WHITFIELD: Hi. Good to see you this Friday.

BERNSTEIN: Thanks, good to see you too.

WHITFIELD: All right. Well, we have got a few new movies on the block this weekend. Let's see if they can knock off "Star Wars" and perhaps "Spider-Man" from the top charts. Let's begin with "Sum of All Fears." That has been somewhat controversial because some are saying it is just too early to be talking about nuclear wars, particularly after 9/11.

How do you suppose it is going to do?

BERNSTEIN: I think it will do relatively well, and I think it is too early for some, but it is not too early for others. I think it shows what really might happen, and it's harrowing and horrifying, but it sort of adds an interesting level of reality to what's really going on in the world.

(CROSSTALK)

WHITFIELD: And of course, the big stars the draw there. Morgan Freeman and Ben Affleck.

BERNSTEIN: Yes, and they are re-creating this line of the Jack Ryan character that was also played by Alec Baldwin and Harrison Ford. Now it's Ben's turn.

WHITFIELD: All right. Now, how about "Undercover Brother"? It seems like an Austin Powers meets 007 meets Superfly.

BERNSTEIN: Sort of, but it has got another layer to it too. It based on this Flash animated web series, and there was this whole bidding war to make it into a movie. Brian Grazer, who did "A Beautiful Mind," won this war, and it's directed by Malcolm Lee, who is Spike Lee's cousin.

It's not made by dummies or for dummies. It is a funny movie, but it has got some -- you know, it pokes fun at stereotypes of both black and white culture. It is an equal opportunity offender.

WHITFIELD: And that is Eddie Griffin and Denise Richards there.

BERNSTEIN: Yes.

WHITFIELD: And then "The Importance of Being Earnest."

BERNSTEIN: Well, this is a funny, funny, funny film. I really enjoyed it. It is based on Oscar Wilde's most famous comedy. It is very witty, and it stars Rupert Everett and Colin Firth, and Reese Witherspoon, and Frances O'Connor. Judy Dench has a nice, fun role. Directed by Oliver Parker, who did "The Ideal Husband," which was another Wilde play, also starring Rupert Everett.

WHITFIELD: All right. Lots to choose from at the movies this weekend. Always a good thing to do on the weekend, going to the movies.

Thanks very much, Jill Bernstein of "Premier" magazine.

BERNSTEIN: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Appreciate it.

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