Interview: Tucker Albrizzi Talks ParaNorman

Interview: Tucker Albrizzi Talks ParaNorman, Written by: Karen Benardello Talking to ghosts, zombies and witches is a plot trait many people would associate with terrifying horror movies. But the anticipated action comedy ‘ParaNorman,’ which is set to hit theaters on Friday, promises family fun with its title character, an 11-year-old who spends most of his days seeing and speaking with the dead. Actor Tucker Albrizzi, who provides the voice of Norman’s best friend, Neil, enthusiastically affirms that ‘ParaNorman’ provides scares and laughs for the entire family. ‘ParaNorman’ is set in the town of Blithe Hollow, whose locals profit from the history of the site, as a famous witch hunt occurred there 300 years ago. Since he doesn’t enjoy the company of his family, Norman (voiced by Kodi Smith-McPhee) confides in the impressionable Neil (Tucker Albrizzi), at their middle school. When Norman is contacted by his Uncle Prenderghast (John Goodman) unexpectedly, he’s surprised to learn that a centuries-old witch’s curse is real and about to come true. Only Norman will be able to stop the curse from harming his town, and calls on his older sister, Courtney (Anna Kendrick); Neil and his older brother, Mitch (Casey Affleck); and bully (Alvin Christopher Mintz-Plasse) to help. Albrizzi graciously took the time to speak with us over the phone recently to discuss what it was like filming ‘ParaNorman.’ Among other things, the 12-year-old actor discussed why he wanted to play Neil; what it was like working with Smith-McPhee and the animated comedy’s directors, Chris Butler and Sam Fell; and why he prefers working on animated films over live action movies. Fans of Albrizzi can find more information about the actor, ‘ParaNorman’ and his upcoming projects on his official Twitter page, @tuckeralbrizzi. ShockYa (SY): You have a lead role as Norman’s eternally optimistic best friend, Neil, in ‘ParaNorman.’ Why did you want to play the role of Neil in the movie? Tucker Albrizzi (TA): I wanted to play the role of Neil in the movie because he’s just like me. He’s happy all the time, nothing gets him down. He kind of looks like me. They made that character before they even saw me. He’s also weird and goofy. SY: Kodi Smit-McPhee voices the role of Norman in the film. Did you get to work with him while you were recording your lines? TA: Yes, I got to work with him once, when Norman was showing Neil that he can talk to dead people. It was fun working with Kodi on that. SY: What was it like working with Kodi when you were recording your lines? Was it easy working with him? TA: Yeah, it was easy and fun. SY: There are several older actors in ‘ParaNorman’ as well, including Anna Kendrick and John Goodman. Did you get to act with any of them while you were shooting? TA: No, mainly I just did solo recordings. The only recording I did with someone else was with Kodi. SY: Did you find it easier to record with Kodi, or did you prefer to record your lines by yourself? TA: I found it a lot easier to record with someone else, so that we could talk to each other and connect in the scene. It was much easier. To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.