Kevin Hart currently stands as the top comic of his generation. In 2014, Hart will be featured in several films starting with the action/comedy Ride Along. During the filming of the movie, Hart took time to discuss the new film, working with Ice Cube and following in the footsteps of other comedic geniuses.
Ride Along is your first foray into action/comedy genre. How have you been inspired by other comedic greats who started with stand-up comedy before moving into action/comedy?
It’s impossible to not think of what’s been done or who has been in the realm of films like this before you. You think of Eddie Murphy in 48 Hours, Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys, and Chris Tucker in Rush Hour. These guys all were able to be themselves and put themselves in that fish-out-the-water environment and be believable. I think that’s what’s most important when you do these films. It’s not about just being funny. It’s about being funny in a real life situation so people will believe you’re actually that person. For me, pulling from Murphy, Rock and all these guys is definitely an aspect of acting.
What is the biggest adjustment from making a small room of people laugh with stand-up comedy to being funny on film?
I don’t think about it. When I do think about it too much, I put pressure on myself. I have fun. I’m working and doing what I enjoy doing is the best feeling in the world. I’m happy when I come to set. I’m happy when I’m on stage. I control my destiny now and that’s the thing about becoming a made man. Stand up comedy is mine. It’s my brand and I own it. I’ll do it when I want to do it. I’ll stop when I want to stop and start when I want to start. When you are doing movies and have projects coming up, you pick and choose. I’m excited about doing these things. I’m a kid in the candy store right now.
Ice Cube has worked with several comedians who eventually became superstars. How is it working with someone who has a legacy of breaking new talent in film?
First of all, I don’t think people understand Ice Cube’s body of work. Ice Cube has done that for so many years. When you look at Chris Tucker, Mike Epps, Katt Williams, Terry Cruz and many more have all had cameos in Ice Cube films. These are all people who literally were able to have careers because of opportunities that Ice Cube gave them. . When you think hip-hop, I associate Ice Cube with such a different level. He’s not just hip-hop, he’s a brand. For me, working with him isn’t even showing how far hip-hop has come. It’s showing that when given the opportunity, people take the time to learn and invest the thought and time that they should, the sky is the limit.
