Reviews & Dunn – Was there a particular film you saw growing up that made you realize you wanted to make this a career?
Ashley John – Set it off. That film still lights a fire in me today. There were so many emotions to tap into, allowing those women to show true talent. I would have felt so blessed to be a part of that leading four.
Reviews & Dunn – What can you tell us about your character in Connect?
Ashley John – My character’s name is Joy, and for someone to have a name like that, she carries the world’s weight on her shoulders. A very quiet heaviness to her was enjoyable to play. When it finally explodes in the film, you will see why. That is a pain I would not wish on anyone. She and Vincent are forever tied together.
Reviews & Dunn – After reading the script for Connect, were there any other characters that spoke to you besides Joy?
Ashley John – Monroe, played by Ronnie Baker Jr., was fascinating. He is the friend we love but love to hate. That we can only trust to a certain point, he could not see how he was a lousy friend, lol, but that is perspective for you.
Reviews & Dunn – I am a big fan of musical biopics. Is there any singer you would love to portray on screen?
Ashley John – Eartha Kitt, hands down, I am here in another dimension for sure. I would be honored to become her.
Reviews & Dunn – You get a phone call from Forrest Whitaker, who is recreating Waiting to Exhale for a Zoom table read. You are portraying Robin’s role; ideally, whom would you love to see as Savannah, Bernadine, and Gloria?
Ashley John – I am an upcoming actress in the indie world, so I definitely would love to share the screen with some of my beautiful contemporary indie actresses. Article Johnson: Savannah, Bernadine: Deborah Carmichael. Check them out; they are amazing…I don’t have a Gloria in mind right now, lol.
Reviews & Dunn – Is there anything you would like to add? Where can fans find you on social media?
Ashley John – I just want everyone to tap into this film and let their minds wonder. I cannot wait to hear opinions and talk about them. It will definitely be an interesting discussion.
Follow me on IG @theashleyjohn.
Stay Turned to Reviews & Dunn for interviews with Ashely’s co-stars Bryan Earl and Ronnie Baker Jr. in the coming days.
Connect will be available to stream virtually during the 2021 Michaeux Film Festival April 26- May 2. Tickets and additional information will soon be available here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/micheaux-film-festival-2021-tickets-141351049795
Hip Hop Head and author Justin Jones is currently in the final writing stages of his second book ‘Hip Hop Was Dead: The State of the Culture 2003-2007’. That book covers a 5-year era of Hip-Hop and how the culture was affected during that period. Mr. Jones took some time out, though, to chat with me about his debut book Street Dreaming: Reading Nas’ It Was Written.
Virginia-bred artist Mike E got his start in the music industry working with heavyweights like Teddy Riley and The Neptunes. In recent years Mike has moved away from secular and headed more towards Gospel. Mike took some out to chop it up with Reviews & Dunn.
Contrary to popular belief, nineties R&B group and Howard University alums Shai did have more songs besides “If I Ever in Love”. While that song is their signature tune, Nineties R&B fans can attest to the fact that, “Baby I’m Yours”, “The Place Where You Belong” and the fire remix to ”I Don’t Wanna Be Alone” (featuring Jay-Z) were all bops. When it came to the ballads and slow jams “Comforter”.
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