By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
October 22, 1995
Shannen Doherty and Jeremy London (“I’ll Fly Away”) are the two big names in Kevin Smith’s latest movie, “Mallrats.” But Jason Lee is the star.
Jason who?
“That’s OK,” Lee said, dining on a light lunch of chicken and pasta during a recent visit to Chicago. “I haven’t been in anything, so there’s no reason anyone would know who I was. A few people do, though.”
Those people are mostly skateboarders. Though Lee is a film novice, he is an established superstar in the professional skateboarding circuit. He even combined his love for acting and skateboarding by appearing in a Spike Jonze-directed video as – natch – a skateboarder. Lee, 25, has put his skateboarding on hold (professionally) to concentrate on his acting career.
Smith, whose “Clerks” was a sleeper hit of 1994, already has signed Lee to appear in “Chasing Amy.” “Amy” will complete Smith’s New Jersey trilogy, which began with “Clerks” and continues with “Mallrats.”
“Clerks” took place inside video and convenience stores, while “Mallrats” (opening Friday at local theaters) is set inside the teenage mecca – the mall.
The Los Angeles-based actor plays Brodie, who was dumped by Rene (Doherty). His best friend T.S. (London) also has broken up with his girlfriend Brandi (Claire Forlani). The two go off to contemplate life, relationships and the food court at the mall.
“Mallrats” ; is the first post-“90210″ feature Doherty has made. Rumors surfaced during filming that the actress was pulling one of her infamous star trips. Lee said this just isn’t true.
“I have never said anything bad about Shannen Doherty, because there is nothing bad to say,” Lee said. “She’s a great actress and really fun to work with. I had heard those rumors about her (being difficult), too, and I can only say that I saw none of that. She was fun to be around and was a real trouper.
