An unlikely duo that we never knew we needed have fused their comedic talents to create the heartwarming comedy, Here Today.
Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish bring all the feels in their new film that tells the story of Charlie Berns [Billy Crystal], a veteran comedy writer who crosses paths with the vivacious New York street singer, Emma Payge [Tiffany Haddish]. The pair quickly develop a touching friendship and deep bond that redefine love and trust all while undergoing some hilarious obstacles.
While most people wouldn’t think of Haddish and Crystal as besties, their chemistry on and off-screen felt real, relatable, and was an absolute pleasure to watch. “We just fell into each other and it was just very real and relatable and honest and her work ethic is so strong,” Crystal shares. The on-screen chemistry was undeniable which is a good thing considering the film required Crystal to stick a needle in Haddish’s rear end among other outrageously comical scenes. The film throws out the idea of a generation gap and finds a way to effortlessly tie these seemingly opposite individuals together.
One would assume filming such scenes would make Haddish think to herself, did I really just do that, however the scene that took the comedic actor by surprise was performing in the middle of one of New York City’s busiest areas. “I’m like, did I really just sing out here in front of all these people, that to me was surreal because I never thought I would do anything like that,” Haddish said. Haddish’s performances throughout the film were fun and refreshing and a new way to look at the talented actor. Next stop, Broadway? Haddish revealed that it is something she is definitely interested in, “I can’t wait to be there and surprise people on a daily basis,” Haddish exclaims.
Although there were multiple moments of downright laughter-inducing scenes, the film also introduced touching moments with a topic that many can, unfortunately, relate to. Crystal’s character Charlie Berns is battling dementia but one of the things that he holds onto is his love for comedy which has never wavered. Crystal can relate to that sentiment regarding acting saying, “the older you get the more you have to work with, the more you have to draw on, the more muscle you have and the more thrilling it is to seize parts and just sort of let it go and be relaxed with it.” Here Today is out in select theaters on May 7.