+++ Jack and Jodi's delicious debut +++

JACK RYDER quit EastEnders five years ago in his quest for Hollywood stardom … and it looks like he may have finally got one foot on the ladder.

The pint-sized star has just debuted in his first feature film, Popcorn, opposite former Hollyoaks babe Jodi Albert.

He plays comic-loving geek Danny, who falls in love with Suki, the girl of his dreams (Albert).

In a bid to win her heart, he nabs a job at the cinema where she works - only to discover his first day is her last day in the job.

The story unravels into a fast-paced chase to catch the girl before she gets away, with plenty of giggles and laughs-a-minute.

The 90-minute teen comedy has oodles of potential, but gratuitous lesbianism, superfluous swearwords and unwarranted sex references zap the humour from this otherwise quirky little number.

Unfortunately for Jack, his performance is overshadowed by Luke de Woolfson’s witty portrayal of Zak the projectionist, while Jodi is almost eclipsed by Ophelia Lovibond’s over-sexed, man-hating character Katerina.

But Jack - who is married to ex-Hearsay singer Kym Marsh - admitted: “My character is a Peter Parker (Spiderman’s alter-ego) type of guy.

"I wasn’t looking to get a laugh every second. I played the role straight and dead-pan … I tend to get more results this way."

Although the film lacked a spark between the two lead characters, no rom-com would be complete without the obligatory final kiss.

Jack said: "Kissing scenes are never comfortable, but it’s good to be professional about it … And no, we don’t practice before shooting!"

Jodi added: "The scenes are always awkward, especially when you know there are 40 eyes watching you. It’s never romantic.

"My boyfriend Kian (from Westlife) is cool with it because he’s seen loads of my on-screen kisses. He knows it’s just a job. When I see screaming girls around him, it’s flattering. Let’s face it, they’re not going to scream at us forever when we’re old."

The vibrant colour and clever editing turn this film into a feel-good summer flick, that's fun, easy-to-watch and entertaining.

Leading-man Jack has his wits about him though and knows how competitive the acting world is. He told The Sun: "I spoke to Natalie (Cassidy, Sonia from EastEnders) a couple of weeks ago. She’s fine, but it’s difficult - that’s what our industry is like. You’ve got to really love what you do and see it as your future."

Meanwhile, down-to-earth Jodi would love to follow in the footsteps of Charlize Theron and take up a challenging role like Monster.

She said: "If I was offered an ugly role, I’d love it. It’s all about the character. I’d do anything if I was excited about the script. Dye my hair purple, anything ... I wouldn't care."

Source: The Sun

 

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