After text stalking Laz Alonso, I finally grabbed him right before his Jumping the Broom bloggers dinner at Pranna, hosted by 135th St. Agency. Our conversation went something like this, as I popped out on him and Tasha Smith at the bar.

Free: Laz! How are you? Thanks for doing this interview.
Laz Alonso: Girl, hi. You are one woman who gets what she wants. How could I say no? I have 87 damn text messages from you. (Laughs) Good to see you, mama. (OK, he meant only 7…or 17.)

I’m so happy for you. A lot’s been going on and you’re busy making film after film, from Avatar to Jumping the Broom to a TV series, “Breakout Kings,” which by the way you look great in.
Laz: Thanks, Free. That means a lot, especially coming from you. We started out together and once I went to LA in 2001, I never looked back. I thank all the straight-to-DVD films I did for the success I’m experiencing today.

Well, Jumping the Broom seems to be a movie about classism, family ties and love. Have you experienced this issue at weddings before where different backgrounds come together and sometimes clash?
Laz: Yes, I definitely have seen it and it is real.

So when it comes to dating, how much does background play in it?
Laz: It plays a huge role, but as long as you both know who you are and that there will be ups and downs financially and emotionally, you can work it out. It’s all about communication.

Speaking of communication, it’s been communicated to me that you are the “Latin Lover.” What’s that all about?
Laz: (Laughs) That’s because I’m passionate at everything I do. If I’m going touch you? It’s going be passionate. If I’m gonna kiss you? It’s going be passionate. If I’m going to play a role in Miracle at St. Anna, I’m going to be passionate about everything scene that I have. I’m a passionate person which is where that comes from.

OK, it’s getting hot in here.
Laz: you want some water? I already had a drink.

Yes, and a drink please!
Laz: You are funny.

OK, here are my last two questions. You ready?
Laz: Free……I been ready.

Did you wake up alone today?
Laz: Yes, alone, frown on my face, cold and shivering like a baby, I needed someone to warm me up.

Aww, the poor baby! (Laughs. Had to flirt, the guy is just too cute.) OK, now Laz, how important is it that we support this film and why?
Laz: Well for one, it’s great film with an excellent and talented cast of some of your favorite talent, directors, writers and producers! Two, you will enjoy it and laugh and maybe even tear-up. (Laughs) No, seriously, Mike Epps, Tasha Smith Loretta Devine, Paula Patton, this movie is funny.

Three, it’s serious out here right now. The only two movie companies that are making “urban” films are Sony and Lionsgate. So bootlegging the film just stops the movie houses from proving that our films can make money. They can and if we want to continue having our stories told, we have to go see the movie the weekend it comes out and continue. Did you see it yet, Free?

No, I’m going the Saturday (today) on the weekend that it comes out. I like to experience the crowd’s reactions.
Laz: Well, let me know what you think and next time we are gonna do the interview where I suggested and on camera.

You damn right we are. (Laughs)

Go see Jumping the Broom today!