In The Perfect Match, Charlie (Terrence J.) is a playboy who’s convinced that relationships are dead even though his sister (Paula Patton), a therapist, tries to tell him otherwise. His best friends bet him that if he sticks to one woman for one month, he’s bound to fall in love. Charlie takes the bet because he believes that he’s immune to love… until he crosses paths with the beautiful and mysterious Eva (Cassie Ventura). Turning on his irresistible charm, Charlie coaxes Eva into a casual affair but soon finds out that Eva has turned the tables on him. Now Charlie is questioning whether he may actually want more than just a one night stand.
The film is directed by Bille Woodruff and written by Brandon Broussard and Gary Hardwick, based on a screenplay by Dana Verde. The romantic comedy is executive produced by Queen Latifah and stars Terrence J., Cassie Ventura, Paula Patton, Donald Faison, Lauren London, Dascha Polanco, Joe Pantoliano, French
Our reporter Chasity Saunders sat down with the film’s stars Cassie Ventura, Paula Patton and Dascha Polanco exclusively in Los Angeles. Check out the video below:
You started behind the scenes producing documentaries, what made you take the leap into acting?
Paula: Gosh I think that’s it, I always wanted to be an actress and I love filmmaking. I think I got scared and I didn’t believe in myself and I was scared of rejection quite frankly and so I don’t know I guess as I got a bit older and lived life a bit, I realized I had nothing to lose an you should go after your dreams and see what happens.
What attracted you to The Perfect Match?
Paula: Well first it was friends. Queen Latifah was producing it, Terrence was in it, so they were like read this script, it would be great if you played this part. I loved the script, I thought it was so funny and fun and it’s just a good light hearted feel good movie. So I looked at the character and the fun Terrence and I could have and I said of course let’s do this.
Speak about what you did to prepare.
Paula: Well I certainly know a bit about therapy on both ends of it and I know a bit about love and the hurts and the joys. So you do your own preparation I don’t know where to begin, and then you find a way to make the character as honest and real as you can. It was fun because I love love and I really believe in it and I think that people should be vulnerable and open themselves to it and it’s not worth living until you have it.
How do you feel about short term relationships?
Paula: I don’t know, to be honest with you I think I’m one of those people that probably goes into every relationship thinking it would be long term. But then if it turns out to be short term then so be it because it could be really great for that moment and that’s good. Or maybe you know what the best idea is, not to put any limit on it at all. Just go for it and just say I’m enjoying myself right now, it feels good right now, and see what happens. I think that’s what I’ve been doing wrong.
What attracted you to the film?
Dascha: Well as an actor you always want the opportunity to not be typecast, and I think it’s a different role although she is pregnant and I obviously just look pregnant situation. But no it’s exciting to be a part of diversity. And for the most part I’ve been fortunate to work on projects where diversity is the norm. And so in this movie you have diversity in the characters, diversity in the relationships, you have real relationships, real issues you have comedy, you have elements that anybody can relate to when they’re in the dating scene and so forth. Bille Woodruff the director, Queen Latifah bucket list checked off. It’s great. I as a Latina to be a part of an African American ensemble majority — I’m a afro Latina I embrace my roots, so this meant more than just a role.
How was working with Donald?
Dascha: It was surreal. I am a fan of Donald, his timing his professionalism, he’s great, he’s super talented, and as a person he is genuine, this is as real as it’s gonna get and I appreciated that.
Why do you think it’s important to have films with narratives like this — where the women take the power back and have short term relationships?
Dascha: Well it’s important because times are changing and historically we are so conditioned to behave in such a way because of what others think. So then you have the opportunity to use entertainment to portraying that this is what it really is it has been. It just hasn’t been portrayed or exposed. So for the most part it’s motivating, it’s liberating.
What attracted you to the film?
Cassie: I would have to say reading the script and even just auditioning and going in and reading the sides and doing the whole thing, I really just loved the difference that it was compared to other scripts and films that I had read for. It put women in a different powerful position. I love the nonchalantness of her character. She’s a business woman, she listens to Charlie, she listens to his problems but she’s there for what she’s there for and she’s vocal about it.
What are your thoughts on women wanting short term relationships?
Cassie: More power to them, I honestly feel like anybody that comes into a situation where they’re confident and know what they want you can’t be mad at them. You can’t.
Your chemistry with Terrence was amazing. How was working with him?
Cassie: Terrence has been a friend of mine for a long time. He used to interview me on 106 & Park when I would come in and be promoting music, so it was a switch up for us. He has great energy, his character just as a person is really really great, so I was excited to do this project with him and I know it was a first for him being producer, it was big so I was excited and honored that he asked me to be a part of it with him.
Are you working on any new music?
Cassie: Before I started filming I was in the middle of recording and then after that Bille Woodruff had asked me to come film Honey 3 with him in South Africa. So I just got back from there. It’s huge. It was really really fun too and getting away from LA for a little while and doing my own thing was great but I was recording throughout and I’m still recording now and hopefully putting out something within the next couple months!
The film is now playing!
