She’s catapulted to stardom with roles in such hits asSoul Food, Independence Day and Set It Off,but what Vivica A. Fox really wants to do is kick some butt.
“(My) favorite genre of films is action films, that's whatI would like to do next,” said Fox, in an online interviewyesterday. “I'd love to kick some butt carrying a gun. I thinkthat's real sexy. My favorite film this summer has been RushHour 2.”
Fox’s latest movie — Two Can Play That Game,which opens Friday — doesn’t find her armed anddangerous, but it does allow her to use a different kind of power:feminine wiles.
Fox stars as Shante Smith, a feisty twenty-something whowon’t stand for being duped. When she discovers that hersignificant other (Morris Chestnut) has been cheating on her,Shante decides to get even by teaching him a little lesson.
Fox said she was drawn to the role of Shante Smith because ofthe toughness of the character.
“It was a strong African- American female leadingcharacter, and the other characters were positive portrayals ofAfrican-Americans,” she said. “And it was funny. ShanteSmith is a classy, confident, professional woman who thinks she haslife and love figured out. I would say that 75 to 80 percent of thecharacter Shante is a lot like Vivica.”
According to Fox, there are a lot more quality roles availablefor African-American actresses these days.
“I can remember five years ago we were competing for thatone role, and now I am doing films with all of the other women whoused to compete against me for that one role. It's a greatthing,” she said.
Fox said Two Can Play That Game presents both sides ofthe dating wars.
“Strategies for both men and women are equallyrepresented,” she said. “Morris has a buddy played byAnthony Anderson who gives him just as much advice as Shante'sgirls give her.”
Fox, who has been happily married for three years, drew on herpast experiences to help her get into character.
“I pulled out all my old player book rules!” shesaid.
She admitted she could relate to many of the games Shante playsin the film.
“Oh my gosh, 50 percent of it! I remember the not callingfirst, going out trying to look good, reminding him of what he has,and leaving, being a bit of a tease, all of that. I totally canrelate,” Fox said.
Ultimately, she said men are the biggest players.
“I think women are worse (at) playing than men are. Womenwant to have more relationships, and aren't as good at playingthings at all,” she said. “The ladies aren't as big (of)players as the fellas are.”
And while the film finds her character at odds with Chestnut,Fox only had the nicest things to say about her costar.
“(He was) just an absolute dream. We hadn't worked togetherin 10 years since Out All Night, and he has matured into awonderful leading man,” she said.
The same can be said of Fox, whose talent and good looks havemade her a very in-demand actress.
However, sometimes being beautiful can be a hindrance.
“My biggest challenge has to have been to overcome mylooks,” she said. “When I first started, people thoughtthat I was too good looking to play certain roles. It took people awhile to get over that, and to give me quality roles based not onmy looks but on my acting ability.”
She called all the admiration she gets from men “veryfulfilling.”
“I work hard at my looks and it’s good to know theyare appreciated,” she said.
Next up for Fox will be Juwannna Man, due out next year.“It's a comedy basketball movie, and I play a basketballplayer,” she said.
She’ll follow that up with Boat Trip, which also starsOscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. and Roger Moore.
She’s still hoping to get into more action-packedfilms.
“I'd like to play (someone) like a Foxy Brown. I haven'tgot to do any action since Independence Day or Set ItOff, so I would like to do a remake of Foxy Brown orCleopatra Jones,” she said. “Also, I'd like to dosome more drama like a remake of A Love Story.”
For her female fans, Fox offered up some advice on how to land agood man, and keep him:
“To remember to be a lady and remember that men like achallenge, and if a guy treats you like crap, let him go. Kick himto the curb!”
