Someone should tell Common that rappers are supposed to uphold a facade of coolness at all times. Common is more animated than a dancer in his Peace, Love, and Gap ads as he explains his two new movie roles — starring Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington, respectively. Because he’s Common and not, say, one of the Ying Yang Twins, I think it’s kind of cute.

On Wanted:

Calling himself a big fan of comic book movies, Common said he can’t wait to hop on a plane within the next few days and take the long flight to the set of the big-budget flick. “I’m starting to film ‘Wanted’ next week,” he revealed. “I’m filming in Prague, and I’m excited because I ain’t never been to Prague.

“First of all, they’ve got Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman in it,” he continued excitedly. “But then the story is based on this comic book, so it’s all this excitement and action going on. And the director? Man, I ain’t never seen no director like this dude!”

On American Gangster:

Dramatizing the true story of the ’70s drug kingpin, Common said that when he was on the set months ago it was like one giant acting class. “Russell Crowe’s character is this detective who has his conflicts,” he said of the Oscar winner. “[He and Denzel’s character] conflict, but at the same time they connect. … I’m geeked about ‘American Gangster.’ To be a part of it, and then to be there with T.I. and RZA? I seen the RZA with his afro out, and I was like, ‘Man, he look so ’70s!’ “

“Geeked out” sounds about right. I didn’t see Common’s last movie, Smokin’ Aces (did anyone?), so I’m not sure about his acting skills. I’m inclined to think they can’t be terrible, based on the fact that he won roles in two big budget movies, and he doesn’t seem like the type who would drastically misjudge his skill level. Hell, if Beyonce can do it…

[MTV]