Premiering tonight is the Disney Channel Original Movie, How To Build a Better Boy. Blackcelebkids.com got the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with the film’s co-star, China McClain, in which we talked about everything from the movie to her music career.
The movie follows nerdy BFFs GabbY (China Anne McClain, “A.N.T. Farm”) and Mae(Kelli Berglund, “Lab Rats”). With Homecoming around the corner, the girls’ attempt to stand up to bullies has Mae talking herself into a corner. Pretending to have a boyfriend is one thing, but having to prove it is the challenge. To help her friend, Gabby suggests they use their super-brains (and Mae’s father’s secret top government equipment) to create the perfect boy. Proving a point has never been so dangerous though – soon the girls learn that perfect Albert is not only sweet, handsome, and athletic, but he is designed to be a super-soldier! As trouble ensues the antics make for some serious entertainment.
China told us that How To Build a Better Boy is “an action-packed family movie that everyone from the parents to your little sister and brother can enjoy!”
Of course, pretending to be someone else for a while is one of the most exciting aspects of acting. We asked China what the similarities and differences between her and Gabby were and she had this to say:
“Gabby isn’t super serious about being in a relationship even though she’s a teenage girl; she’s focused on her future and we are very similar in that way. Gabby also doesn’t believe in anything that hasn’t been scientifically proven so we are very different in that way.” China also pointed out that when it comes to style, the two are polar opposites. “She likes layers, headbands and bright clothing …I don’t really like any of those things. I like darker, more laid-back clothing.”
Keep your ears peeled while watching the film. How to Build a Better Boy will feature McClain’s new single, “Something Real”, which China explained is about Gabby and Mae’s friendship. The group McClain is made up of China and her two sisters, Sierra and Lauryn. It had been formerly known as McClain Sisters, but was eventually shortened to McClain. “We changed the name to just McClain because it’s much cleaner and it represents our evolution as a group,” said China.
“Working with my sisters is always fun,” the 15-year-old added “But the best part is performing with them. It’s so comforting to have your two sisters on stage with you, not to mention the fact that they are super talented so it takes the pressure off of just one person.”
On a final note, we asked the young star if she had any advice to pass on to our readers. “Love yourself,” she said. “And don’t for a single second do anything that doesn’t make you happy.”
The Disney Channel Original Movie “How to Build a Better Boy” premieres Friday, August 15 (8:00 PM – 9:45 PM ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
Photos: DISNEY CHANNEL/John Medland
