STANDING UP AS ‘BROTHERS’

INTRODUCING
Garrett Hedlund, 20 Tyrese Gibson, 26You know them from: Hedlund has appeared in Troy, Friday Night Lights. Gibson has starred in Baby Boy, 2 Fast 2 Furious and Flight of the Phoenix.

What they’re hyping: Four Brothers (opens Friday). They play two foster brothers who use any means necessary to solve the murder of their mother.

Did you know: Hedlund was raised in Minnesota, but lived in the Valley and attended Horizon High School during his teen years. Like Gibson, Hedlund got his start in modeling. Gibson conquered modeling, has a thriving acting career and now wants to tackle the world of rap music. He says it’s his biggest challenge yet.

‘Four Brothers’

What it’s about: Four grown-up brothers return home for their adoptive mother’s funeral and decide to take revenge on the gangsters who murdered her.

Who’s in it: Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese Gibson, Andre Benjamin, Garrett Hedlund, Terrence Howard.
Rated: R.
Bonus: Director John Singleton produced the gritty street drama Hustle & Flow.
Between Mark Wahlberg, Andre Benjamin and you, who was the first one to break the ice when you met each other?
Tyrese Gibson: We all did in our own way. We didn’t have a lot of time to spend together. First we had three days of ice-hockey training. We didn’t hang out though, we just kind of laughed at each other. Garrett and Mark got close really fast; they knew how to ice skate. Me and Andre couldn’t, so we ended up hanging out. But by the second day, we all came together. It was fun. I was very sad when the filming ended.

The movie is about standing up for something you hold dear. When is the last time you took a stance?

TG: If you were to listen to my voice mail right now, you’d hear me standing up. I’m going through a weird phase. I’ve been living with this “me” for 26 years. I want to meet a new “me.” With that, you have to tell people to stop calling with all their problems. Stop calling when they’re in the hole and need to get out. Stop calling to get help with bad choices. I want to tell them all to stop calling on Tyrese and start calling on Jesus. That’s what my outgoing message is for everyone who has been calling my phone. It got to be too much for me to hear. I had to finally stand up and say, “Yo, I can’t do it no more. I can’t help myself right now, so I definitely can’t help anyone else.”

Garrett Hedlund: Is it my turn to answer? I’m not following that up!

What is a surprising fact you learned about director John Singleton?

GH: He is a little boy in a man’s body. He’s a very excited person, very passionate and focused. He likes to try new things. The theme of this film is honor thy mother. Who would expect that from him?

TG: I’ve worked with him for three movies. All I can say is that his name should be John Wrinkleton. He needs to iron his clothes before he leaves the house. His clothes are always all wrinkled. People tell him all the time. We definitely told him on this film, but he don’t care.

Garrett, you’re the new guy in the group. Did you pick up any lessons or tips from your big name co-stars?

GH: These guys taught me how to dance. You can take it however you want. Three coordinated dancers taught me a few steps. You know what? I got to be honest. I’m sorry, I’m jetlagged. I was in Germany and Hungary yesterday, I’m so sleepy. I was there filming a movie. It’s hard. I’m sorry I’m so out of it.

Isn’t this what you wished for?

GH: Well, not exactly. I actually don’t wish for much. It’s not exciting during the process of being in three countries in one day or the long plane ride home. But when I look back, I really like it all. And when the movies come out, that’s great.

Tyrese, you got your break at 14. People might say your career came easy. Is that a misconception?

TG: I got a saying: I don’t respect it if it comes easy. There are a lot of things I wish I had done earlier in the game that could have helped me get here even faster. For everyone out there who’s reading this article you have to surround yourself with people who believe in you. That way if you ever lose faith, you have people who will help you stay motivated to keep it going. And when you finally make it, you can thank God for that person coming into your life.

Arizona Republic, The (Phoenix, AZ)
August 11, 2005
Edition: Final Chaser
Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Arizona Republic
Section: The Rep
Page: 10
Record Number: pho117110563
Arizona Republic, The (Phoenix, AZ)
August 11, 2005
Edition: Final Chaser
Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Arizona Republic
Section: The Rep
Page: 10
Record Number: pho117110563