When I sat down with Jess Weixler at the press junket for her dark comedy, "Teeth", I was intimidated for two reasons: First off, this up and coming talent won a Special Jury Prize for Acting at Sundance last year, which is a really big deal. And then there's the fact that she scored those accolades for her portrayal of a conservative Christian high school student who has teeth growing in her vajayjay. Would she be a diva? Or even worse, would our conversation prove totally awkward?

It turns out, I had nothing to fear. Weixler is one seriously down to earth Brooklyn girl. She spends the majority of her free time hanging out in the local cafe where her boyfriend works. She loves playing Big Buck Hunter. She enjoyed "Superbad" almost as much as I did, and giggles at the prospect of starring in an Apatow comedy herself one day. We even traded tips about what time of the week you can score the best stuff at Forever 21.

At 26, Weixler is completely convincing and sympathetic in the role of Dawn, an innocent, saving herself for marriage teen. After spending time with her, I think that a lot of that has to do with the natural vulnerability this wide-eyed beauty radiates. Superpowered vag or no, Weixler is the kind of girl you want to hang with and make your best friend. That's what keeps the audience rooting for Dawn, even as the bodies (or body parts, to be more accurate) start to pile up.

Can you say date movie? Ok, maybe not, but check out Weixler when "Teeth" plays the Music Box Theatre at midnight this weekend; click here for tickets and additional showtimes.

- Caroline Stanley

Similar Topics:film, horror

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