Keri: Hard times call for drastic measures

Like Adam Sandler, Keri Russell is a parent who easily identifies with her role in Bedtime Stories as Jill, the friend who takes care of Adam’s niece and nephew while he’s at work. She first caught the attention of the public when she starred in the hit TV series Felicity (in the title role). Her other film credits include The Girl in the Park, August Rush, Mission: Impossible III, The Upside of Anger, We Were Soldiers, Mad About Mambo, The Curve and Eight Days a Week. She will be seen next in Leave of Grass with Edward Norton and Susan Sarandon.

Bedtime Stories marks your return to your Disney roots, doesn’t it?

“I was a part of the Mickey Mouse Club when I was growing up, from 1991 to 1994. So I’m thrilled to be doing Bedtime Stories.”

The movie is good for hard times like this.

“Yes, it is. This is the right season for the movie to come out because it’s about having hope and dreaming big. It’s a stress-free movie.”

How do you deal with the recession, the hard times?

“Hard times call for drastic measures. My grandmother reminds me, give the kid just one gift, please! Like everybody else, I do some-cost-cutting.”

You look comfortable in your role as Jill.

“In real life, I have lots of nieces and nephews. I love being with kids. And now, I have a child, one-and-a-half-year old. Kids are so much fun to be with. They are so funny, so pleasant, so nice.”

In the movie, you and your co-stars do a lot of crazy things. What’s the craziest thing that you’ve done in real life?

“Oh, being a parent! It’s never boring! It’s the most exciting adventure.”

What is the most challenging thing about being a mother?

“Oh, the stamina of keeping everyone safe and clean. It’s a lot of work, a lot of workout chasing a little boy around.”

What’s your favorite bedtime story?

“There are so many. I love the fairy tales the most.”

How was it working with Adam?

“Great! He’s so lovely and so warm. It’s just pure joy working with him.”

Is he as funny off camera as he is on camera?

“Very! For every joke that he cracks in the movie, he has 10 others off-cam.”