Interviewing 'Take Me Home Tonight' star Teresa Palmer, you want to to ask about her one-time romance with co-star Topher Grace. But the point is totally moot -- she's as mum on that relationship as she is on Russell Brand, whom she dated for a minute before he, y'know, married Katy Perry. But our interview was no loss. The 25-year-old Palmer, raised in the blue collar suburbs of Adelaide, Australia, dished with PopEater about her rebellious high school days, working with her ex and the types of roles she's mulling for the future (hint: she's thinking offbeat indie).
You're the hot crush in 'Take Me Home Tonight,' but I read somewhere you were once a dork?
In high school I became a little more popular, but in primary school I was teased as the girl who wore socks with sandals.
What's the wildest thing you did in high school?
I had my rebellious stage at age 14 to 16. I threw a huge party at one of my dad's investment properties and burned down the house. Gate-crashers burned the house down.
Guys everywhere need to know: Your character in this movie knows every time Topher Grace looks at your boobs, no matter how sly he thinks he's being. Do you have this same talent?
Absolutely! We always know when you guys look!
This movie is set in 1988. What's the best thing to come out of the '80s?
All my friends.
Worst legacy of the decade?
The mullet which some people in Australia still unfortunately rock...
I like your Aussie accent. Were you as bummed they didn't make you an exchange student in 'Take Me Home Tonight' like they did with Olivia Newton John in 'Grease'?
When I shot that movie I had only done films with my Australian accent, so it was actually a refreshing challenge to take on the American accent.
Do you remember the first time you saw 'Grease'?
Yes, I do! The only two movies I saw as a kid were 'Labyrinth' and 'Grease.' I watched it at my dad's house because they were the only videos he had. I traded off each movie every other weekend. I've seen 'Grease' hundreds of times. I was probably around 5.
In 'Take Me Home Tonight,' you start out with almost no makeup, then gradually get more and more coiffed. How long does it take you to get ready for a date?
Half an hour for hair, makeup and clothes. I prefer natural and laid-back.
You kicked serious ass in 'I Am Number Four.' Who are the heroines who inspired you?
My mom in my real life. But onscreen, you can't beat Angelina Jolie's badass style.
'Take Me Home Tonight' is your second hot film this year. What's your dream role?
I'd love to play a very quirky role. Something similar to Natalie Portman in 'Closer' or Kate Winslet in 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.' Just something offbeat and complex.
