Madeline Carroll is the star of Rob Reiner’s newest film “Flipped” which has been out since the beginning of August.  In addition to “Flipped” she has also starred in “The Spy Next Door” with Jackie Chan and “Swing Vote” with Kevin Costner.  Carroll is as endearing in person as she is on screen, quick with jokes, humor, and kindness.  Below you can read her thoughts on working with Rob Reiner, horror films, and how she is involved in justice related issues.

Christopher Faris: What was it about “Flipped” that drew you to it initially?

Madeline Carroll: Just the script basically. The script kind of spoke for itself. The people who were telling me about it were so excited about it, and I was wondering why they were so excited about it?  Then I read it and I was like, I get why they are so excited about it.  I just loved it, I thought it was so nice.  It was really a breath of fresh air because everything I had been getting was either too dirty, or too this or too that.  It was really cool to be able to play Juli Baker.  I just loved the script!  I went and I auditioned for Rob Reiner and I think I was the first girl that they saw.  Later on that day I had found out that I had gotten it, and it was a dream come true.

CF: It’s interesting that you mention that, because I haven’t thought about it from your perspective – the kind of stuff that you’re getting.  It’s interesting because this movie is really empowering for women – and then to be getting all the other junk.  Who helps you filter through all that stuff – you, your family?

MC: My family.  We’re Christians.  A lot of the stuff that we get is pretty dirty.  But when you think about it, Rob Reiner doesn’t do anything bad.  All of his movies are timeless and perfectly fine without any of that stuff.  It was really cool to play something like that and I was like “Oh my gosh, God please let me get it, this is perfect!” and it was awesome, it was a blessing.

CF: You knew about Rob Reiner’s career before this.  Did you have any favorite films of his?

MC: My favorite films he did were of course “Stand By Me” – everybody loves “Stand by Me.”  But I absolutely loved “Misery.”  I have three brothers and we love scary movies, and I love that movie.

CF: What are some of your favorite scary films?  I think in seeing your portrayal of that character (Juli Baker) in Flipped, I would have never thought, “Oh she’s a scary movie addict.”

MC: I love scary movies, it’s awesome!  I love Misery.  Have you seen that when she knocks on his ankles?  I thought it was so creepy!  I love Disturbia, I love all those freaky, scary movies.  I can’t lie – I like a thriller more than horror.  I think they are so cool and nerve racking.

CF: Do you have any favorite directors or films?  Any directors you’d like to work with?

MC: I wish I could have worked with Hitchcock.  That would have been awesome.

CF: Any modern director who you think makes a great horror film?

MC: I don’t know who directed “Disturbia,” but Rob Reiner hasn’t done a scary movie.  I’d love to work with him on a scary movie.   Just because he’s such a family guy.  I can’t imagine him directing something like that, because he’s just so happy and jolly all the time.  I think that it would be cool to see him do a movie like that.  Actor’s wise, I would love to work with Will Smith.  I love Will Smith so much, I would love to work with him.  Oh!  And Anthony Hopkins.

CF: The thing that I liked most about the film, I loved the family dynamics of the 2 different types of families and the children that come from that.  But I loved yours and Aidan’s work together.  What was it like working with Aidan on and off the set?

MC:  That was awesome – that was so much fun to be able to work with him.  One of my favorite movies of all time is “Legends of the Fall.”  Getting to work with Aidan Quinn it was so cool – it was amazing.  He’s so nice, cool, down to earth – everybody was.  We never had any divas or mean people on the set.  This is probably one of the best times I’ve ever had on a movie. Everything was just perfect.

CF: I read on imdb – which of course is the source of all truth in the world – that you might be involved in a group called Zoe International.  Can you tell me about Zoe International?

MC: Yes! Zoe International is an organization that is a part of my church.  They rescue kids in Thailand and the Philippines from child prostitution and child slavery.  Mutual Faith is another one – they rescue kids and families in different countries.  They’re awesome organizations.  My family and I donate to their organizations.

CF: Any other organizations you work with or do outreach with?

MC: I’m doing a movie right now about an organization with Gerard Butler called “Machine Gun Preacher.” It’s about this man who has this organization who goes to Africa and rescues these kids there who have their arms and lips cut off for no reason and are abused for no reason. 

CF: Thanks for meeting with us to talk today

MC: You’re very welcome!