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Disclosure: My son and I were invited to an early screening of the movie, and we were provided access to talent from the film.
This was a particularly fun interview, because I got to bring my 10-year-old son Kyle with me. Relativity media is really excited about reaching kids with this movie, so I was glad that he was able to not only screen the movie with me, but also participate in the interview by asking questions of one of the teen stars, Teo Halm, and the director Dave Green. They were both extra-nice to Kyle, and I think appreciated hearing his take on the movie.
I imagine that nothing is cooler for a child actor than actually seeing your lifelong dreams realized. These young people work hard. In talking to some young actors, you can tell it’s what they were born to do — almost like Olympian athletes — and so there are sacrifices. The mom in me can’t help but feel a little saddened at their loss. I’m thinking of a normal school career with dances and outings and that sort of thing. They do have amazing experiences and the satisfaction of doing something they love, but there is a trade off.
Earth to Echo is a movie about friendship, so when my 10-year-old son Kyle and I interviewed one of the young stars of the movie, Teo Halm (along with the director), IÂ loved hearing his take on friendship and staying together.
JD (me): How do you stay connected with friends?
Teo: All of the cast, we are all good friends, we hang out offset as well, and we still do things together today. It’s tough keeping up with my friends, because I’m so busy. I don’t know what I’d do without the friends I have. It’s good busy, but I don’t always have time to hang out with my friends.
I’ve taken the message from the movie to heart: Don’t let anything come in the way. If moving away to different cities doesn’t break you up, nothing can.
Dave Green: I have some of the same friends since I was 5 years old, we still keep in touch, so I could relate to that message as well.
Actor Teo Halm, my son Kyle, and director Dave GreenKyle: Did the kids actually get to film it? (the film is handheld style)
Teo: We always had to have a hand on the camera like it was a selfie, even when the cinematographer was filming. It was a really heavy camera, even though it looks like a handheld.
JD: I know some parents have expressed concern about the “adventures” these kids have.
Teo: It’s sad because with technology comes not having as many adventures. It was good to channel the old style of movie in feel and tone and also what would happen and bring that back. We’re not trying to encourage kids to disobey their parents but to have adventures. Inspire kids to do something, even though they are kids.
Kyle: For Echo did you have a physical thing there for all your scenes?
Half the time it was a robot thing, other half was CGI and added in later. There were emotional scenes when I was just staring into my hand instead of Echo.
JD: Which character are you most like?
Teo: Tuck, straight up. He’s loud and talkative. Alex(the character he plays) is different — quiet and introverted. Playing him, I wasn’t worried about getting his lines right, but his face, showing what’s going on in his head.
My thoughts on the movie
Kyle and I both liked this movie. It had humor and heart and adventure. There were times that I was on my seat. Tweens and teens are the perfect age to see this movie, and I think that fellow children of the 80’s like me will enjoy the throwback vibe to movies of our childhood like Goonies or E.T.
Find out more
Watch the trailer:
From the studio:
Tuck, Munch and Alex are a closely bonded trio of inseparable friends, but their time together is coming to an end. Their neighborhood is being destroyed by a highway construction project that is forcing their families to move away. But just two days before they must part ways, the boys find a cryptic signal has infected their phones. Convinced something bigger is going on and looking for one final adventure together, they set off to trace the messages to their source and discover something beyond their wildest imaginations: hiding in the darkness is a mysterious being, stranded on Earth, and wanted by the government. This launches the boys on an epic journey full of danger and wonder, one that will test the limits of their friendship and change all of their lives forever.
Starring Teo Halm, Brian “Astro” Bradley, Reese Hartwig and Ella Linnea Wahlestedt
In theaters July 2
Thomas Murphy says
Looks like a great movie! I can’t wait to see it.
CupcakeMOMents2 says
So cool to hear!
Karen Glatt says
How wonderful that you and your son got to meet the stars of this movie and ask them questions. This looks like such a cute movie!
Cassie W. says
So excited to see this movie!! Thanks for the interview and info!
Betsy Barnes says
What a very cool experience for your son! He ask some very good questions and I enjoyed his interview. You must be so proud! 🙂
Jeanna says
Both of my kids are very excited to see this movie! Thanks for the background!
Susan Smith says
It’s very cool that your son got a chance to meet the stars of the movie and ask questions.
angie says
how very cool something to always remember a chance of a life time super cool
Tammy S says
Great interview. You were so lucky you got to bring your son. I really liked how he said they were not trying to encourage kids to disobey their parents. They just want then to have adventures.
Kathy stevenson says
This looks like a great movie!
AM says
looks like a lot of fun!
Erin Ellis says
Lucky you! I can’t wait to see this movie.
Tammy Woodall says
I’ve seen the movie trailer and it looks like it will be a good movie. I know my nephew wants to go see this movie.
Nupur G says
So excited to see this movie with my family. This would be a blockbuster for sure.
Cheryl Free says
Echo is adorable. Can’t wait to see this!
Nupur G says
So excited to see this movie with my family. This would be a blockbuster for sure
Nupur G says
So excited to see this movie with my family
Rob Brydon says
The movie looks almost like a similar yet more modern ET. My boys are 11 and would probably like to take in this movie.
Shari Alligood says
Loved seeing the perspective from the actor’s view! This is on my top list of movies to watch!
Linda F says
Glad you and your son enjoyed the movie!
rika agustini says
thats awesome!! Looks like a great movie
vickie couturier says
my grandsons would love watching this
Jennifer Donovan says
I know my son liked it. Hope your grandkids do too.
mrsshukra says
The trailers have certainly piqued my interest in this film!
Jennifer Donovan says
I think it’s unique as compared to what’s been marketed to tweens and teens lately.
claudia m says
how exciting !! Lucky Kid 🙂
Jennifer Donovan says
Yes, my kids like the blogger perks.
Michael T says
We will be seeing this in theaters, looks like a fun movie.
Jennifer Donovan says
It was a lot of fun. Very old school.
Meagan bs says
very cool that your son got a chance to meet the stars of the movie!!
Jennifer Donovan says
He loved it! He liked the movie a lot too.
Rebecca Parsons says
So cool to hear the background on Teo and the movie with his personal experience. How neat you got to be involved in this interview.
Jennifer Donovan says
It was very fun, and he was very nice.
Amethyst Moon says
Wow! what a cool experience to share with your son!
Jennifer Donovan says
Yes–and especially because Teo and Dave were SO nice to him!