*If you were a fan of the 1991 cult classic, Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, you’re in for a modern-day twist on this classic film!
The newly reimagined version is directed by actor and writer Wade Allain-Marcus (Insecure, French Dirty, Waist Deep), and boasts a Black cast starring Nicole Richie (The Simple Life, Good Burger 2) and Simone Joy Jones (Bel Air).
Tanya Crandell (played by Jones) is obligated to stay home with her siblings and cancel her summer trip to Spain after her mom (comedian Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams) decides to indulge in a wellness retreat in Thailand.
After the death of their older babysitter (hilariously played by June Squibb), Tanya takes on a position working for Rose (played by Richie). We conversed with some of the cast and the director.
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Allain-Marcus opened up about taking on the remake of Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead and admitted his reservations. To combat that, he decided to adjust his lens on his approach.
“How can we do this in a way that feels really good and lived in? … I started thinking about remixes instead of remaking. You know, like the early days of hip hop and thinking about how Biggie took ‘Juicy Fruit’ (MTume), and then gave us Juicy.”
Allain-Marcus also revealed his thoughts on this classic working “better Black.” He mentioned on a cultural norm that the Black community has discussed for years.
“Young kids are forced to be adults before their time, and that’s just ubiquitous for young Black kids,” he said.
When we spoke to Jones about the nuances of the film, she completed related. She revealed, “I felt so at home.” She went on to describe the cultural connections that is sometimes missing in other films she’s been a part of. We get to feel familiarity with this film. Of course, Black people aren’t a monolith, but many Black people can largely identify with certain cultural aspects. There are references to hip-hop music and other cult classics such as Madea.
Richie felt similarly. Her character in the movie is a staple that the audience will remember well.
“Never in my life did I think I’d get the opportunity to play Rose,” she said. Richie admits that she has always connected with Rose. “I quote her all the time just in my regular life with my gay friends, just like on a Tuesday.”
Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead will open in theaters on April 12.
Check out the full interview above. Stay in the loop of more entertainment news right here on EURweb.com
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