A Conversation with Laim Aiken and John Robert Hoffman of "Good Boy"
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A Conversation with Liam Aiken and John Hoffman of Good Boy!
By George O. Singleton

In Chicago recently to promote the family oriented film for kids that love dogs, "Good Boy!", actor Liam Aiken and director John Hoffman spoke with me about their new family adventure comedy. The film is about dogs from outer space whose trip to colonize Earth results in them as pets rather than as leaders.

GS: John, tell me about the stunning color photography in this picture.

JH: I'm glad you noticed that. Our technical staff used all the latest techniques to deliver a picture that was realistic yet had a touch of fantasy. We're very pleased with the outcome and really hope people will like it.

GS: Liam, you've been in supporting roles in films such as "I Dreamed of Africa", "Sweet November" and "Road to Perdition". How did they prepare you for your first lead acting role?

LA: Not really that much. Those roles were so different than this one.

GS: John, there are some heavy social undertones about equality. Where did that come from and what message do you want the audiences to receive?

JH: While we wanted the movie to be fun and entertaining, we also were aiming at giving them something to think about. It's a very diverse movie. How we act, how we treat other people and how we are treated matters with respect to our mental well being and overall happiness.

GS: Liam, how difficult is it for a child actor to find roles that fit where you are in real life so you don't get typecasted? For example, Haley Joel Osment in "Secondhand Lions" is very different from his role in "A.I." in that he's a teen versus a kid.

LA: It's not that hard if you have a good agent and I do.

GS: John, this film screened for the press at an art house theater, The Gene Siskel Film Center. Is the plan for it to open in limited release first and then more broadly?

JH: Oh no, this will open very wide, on more than 3,000 screens. We are looking for this to reach a lot of people.

The "Good Boy!" is a film that any kid who either wants or has a dog will enjoy.

George O. Singleton © 2003