Ashley Aufderheide joined me for a one-on-one interview (via Zoom) to discuss her role as "Smash" in Lionsgate's "Four Kids and It", available on Digital, Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand on June 30th.

Note: This posted was written in partnership with Lionsgate for the films home release. However, any personal views expressed are always 100% my own


Much like her character in the film, Ashley is full of smiles and energy. I had a fun time interviewing her about being confident females, getting wishes fulfilled, and how families can enjoy traveling together.

What made you excited to play your character "Smash"

Ashley Aufderheide: What initial drew me to the movie is that it has all genres. It's fantasy, romance, drama. It has everything put together.

My character "Smash" in the beginning seems to be very angry and a harsh person. But throughout the movie you see she becomes very venerable and sweet. So that's what I like her, that the first impression is very different.

I like how the movie has many twists and turns and not everything is what it seems.

Your character "Smash" is a bit of a leader, What's your advice for younger girls who want to be more outspoken?

Ashley Aufderheide: I think confidence is so important. I think that if you believe in something, you should fight for it. Always state your opinion. If you don't agree with what someone said, don't shy from saying how you really feel and what your opinion is.

I think Smash definitely does that. While some people in the beginning might see it as anger, I think it just shows her confidence as well.

Fight for what you believe in. Have your own opinion. That's something that I live by and that others can live by as well.

Acting with "It" (Psammead/Sand Fairy)

Ashley Aufderheide: It was a puppet sort of. It wasn't a stuffed animal. And there was a sound box with Michael Cain voice inside of it. So we all were talking to it and saw an object there.

It was very similar to how it was in the movie, it kinda had the same shape, etc. It wasn't very difficult to act with it.

In the film you experience your wish. If you could have a wish for a day, would it be the same?

Ashley Aufderheide: Literally so cool. That was the coolest experience ever. I've always loved dancing, so when I get to dance on stage, that is insane. I get to wear the cool costume and I just went all out. It was an incredible experience.

If I had a wish in real life, I always said I want to fly. In the movie, my character got to fly as well. There was harness, a robot arm, green screen, all that stuff.

When I saw the movie, it all look very realistic. So I kinda got my wish there.

Part of the film is about families traveling together. What fun travel tips do you have for families?

Ashley Aufderheide: For sure. I feel like we live in a age where a lot of our lives are centered around our phones. I feel that creates sort of a disconnect because everyone is on Instagram, Snapchat, etc.

What was nice about this movie, was that there was no cell service. Everyone had to spend the time together and not be on their phones all the time.

Ashley Aufderheide: So a tip that I have is to put the phone now, leave it in the car or your bag. And just really focus on spending time with the ones you love. Live in the moment because your not going to get those moments back. You just have to be grateful for everything that you have.

So spend time with everyone and don't be distracted with other things.

Such a great advice from Ashley! Make sure to spend time with your family on June 30th, when Four Kids and It releases everywhere.


SYNOPSIS

On a seaside holiday, four kids from a blended family visit the beach, where they discover a floppy-eared creature that grants their wishes.

But there’s a catch: the kids’ adventures in rock-climbing, pop stardom, and flying end promptly at sunset — leaving them in danger each time. Can they learn to control the magic before something dreadful happens?

Four Kids and It is a charming and whimsical story featuring a star-studded cast including Paula Patton (2 Guns, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol) and Matthew Goode (TV’s “Downton Abbey” and “The Crown”), with Russell Brand (TV’s “Ballers,” Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and the voice of Academy Award® winner Michael Caine (1999, Best Supporting Actor, The Cider House Rules; The Dark Knight franchise, The Prestige).

Based on iconic children’s author Jaqueline Wilson’s Four Children and It, the story is a modern twist based on E. Nesbit’s 1902 classic Five Children and It, and also stars Teddie Malleson-Allen, Ashley Aufderheide, Billy Jenkins, and Ellie-Mae Siame.

The film adaptation is directed by Andy De Emmony (TV’s “The Nest” and “Spitting Image”) and written by Simon Lewis.

To learn more, visit - www.lionsgate.com/movies/four-kids-and-it