When I first heard about Kevin Smith’s movie TUSK, which was born out of a conversation he had on one of his podcasts, I was understandably curious to see what he could do with it. The basic idea revolves around a mysterious older man who captures a young podcaster (played by Justin Long) and literally transforms him into a walrus. Granted, there’s a lot more to it than that, but that’s the basic concept. The end result is about as far removed from what most people would expect to see in a Kevin Smith movie, and it’s also one of the most unusual and unsettling moviegoing experiences of the year. Personally, I appreciated the fact it was so different and shocking, but it’s safe to say the movie is not one everyone will enjoy. The film opened this year’s Fantastic Fest, and I had a chance to chat briefly with Kevin and (even more briefly) with Justin Long just before their screening. It was good seeing Kevin again, as he and I have crossed paths many times through the years, but it’s been several since we last spoke. Check out the short but sweet interview below, and give TUSK a look to see what you think. My thanks to Andrew Conway for shooting, and to the fine folks at Fons PR for putting me on the opening night red carpet.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
