In a season where movies about black families are all the buzz in Hollywood, along comes the film 'Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins,' which arrives in theaters Feb. 8.

Loaded with a talented ensemble cast, the film takes a funny look at remembering your past and the people that help you attain success... your family.

Comedic veteran, Martin Lawrence plays the lead character, Dr. R.J. Stevens, a successful motivational speaker who has left behind his humble beginnings in the south and when he returns, he has to deal with the family that has always known who he is.

And what a cast of colorful characters he has to deal with.

As previously noted on It's All Reel, the Malcolm Lee-directed movie stars James Earl Jones, Margaret Avery, Mo'Nique, Cedric the Entertainer, Joy Bryant, Mike Epps, and Nicole Ari Parker.

The popular comic actor, who has had success with a string of box-office hits such as the Bad Boys and Big Mama's House franchises, sat down down and talked up his latest movie project with Black Voices' very own Denver C. Louis during a promotion tour of the film in Beverly Hills.

Find out what he said about 'Roscoe,' the importance of family, some of his TV projects and more below.

As a black man, how does it feel to be on top? How does your success feel after doing it for so long?

It's something that I've always wanted. Especially to be a black man, to be successful in this industry; in this game. It's a pure blessing and I'm honored and happy about it.

How much of Martin Lawrence did you put into your lead character Roscoe Jenkins?

Well the only thing I can identify with RJ is going to Hollywood and being successful. I'm real close to my family, so I couldn't imagine being away from my family for nine years or however long, I just can't imagine it. I couldn't do it without them. My family values are definitely there and they're most important. My family is there for me through good times, bad times and ups and downs, whatever, so it's most important to me.

What prompted you to get involved with the film?

For one, for James Earl Jones to play my father, that was exciting to me and something that I really wanted to do and was honored to be able to work with him. This ensemble cast reminds me of the Martin days, getting to work with all these talented people.

You're on a set full of comedians, who was the funniest by far?

Oh I don't know man, we're a team. So nobody was really trying to one-up anyone else. We all tried to deliver our roles and come together as a team. We go out as a team and we win as a team.

I'm sure you guys were cracking each other up on the set though.

Oh without question, Mike Epps was always telling jokes behind the scene. He was very funny, he kept the director and the crew laughing. It was Monique of course, Cedric was always singing. It was some of the most fun that I've had doing a movie in my whole career.

What's your favorite film that you've done?

This one right now, Roscoe Jenkins (laughing).


I get a feeling your favorite film would be whichever one you're working on at the time.

In the film, you competed a lot with Cedric's character, is that part of the true to life Martin Lawrence?

Nah, not at all. You know, when playing ball, I want to win when my brothers and I play. But I'm not competitive to the degree where it overtakes me. I really don't get into all of that. I concentrate on what I'm doing, as far as my career and what I'm doing, and I try to be that best that I can be.

Over your substantial career you've done a lot of comedic films, but have you ever considered taking a serious turn? Perhaps playing a black leader, a civil rights leader, or just a famous black individual in general?

If I thought that I can do justice to it and deliver and I had the right director that could help me to get it there, I would give it a shot. But I would want to do it justice, I wouldn't want to be doing the role just to say that I'm playing so and so. I would want to be really good at it. So if the kind of script came along and it was meant for me to play it, them I would give it a shot. But I am interested in doing some kind of drama.

What did it feel like when your long-running show,' Martin' ended?

When it ended, it was one of those things that was bittersweet. Bittersweet because we had something and that was the beauty of it and the fact that it had to end made it what it was. I don't know if I was ready to go when it did end, but it was time to go, we just had to move on.

What was your favorite episode?

Oh man, one of my favorites was probably the boxing episode which was one that I wrote. It had Thomas Hearns on it and because boxing was part of my real life and to put it in a comedy and to act like this fighter, that was a lot of fun for me.

Have you pursued any other TV projects?

I lent my name to this project on Starz to help young and up and coming comics that might not get a chance elsewhere. I the right thing comes along that I can get behind and produce, I'll be right there. I'll want to do it.

Growing up, who was your favorite black actor?

I'd probably have to say Richard Pryor. He's the reason why I'm here and why I wanted to do this. I knew I wanted to act and so I thought I had to go about it the way prior went about it, by doing stand-up. So that's how I got into stand-up because Prior was the best to ever do it. I felt I had to go that route.

What was your favorite black show growing up?

I would have to say 'Good Times,' I liked 'Sanford & Son,' and 'The Jeffersons' are up there.

Do you still do stand-up?

I haven't done one in a while since 'RunTelDat,' but I'm just trying to build material so that I'll have something to say when I come back out. But I want to do one more concert film and give the people something. You can't follow 'RunTelDat' with just anything.

What are you watching? Do you follow reality television at all?

(laughing) I don't know, 'Flavor of Love,' 'I Love New York,' I enjoy watching those shows.

Would you ever see yourself on a reality show?

No, no, no. No way fougetaboutit, fougetaboutit!!! (laughing) No not Martin, I will not be on dancing with the stars, but I watch the shows but it's not my cup of tea right there.

Are you a TV or movie person?

Well I like them both, but I would have to favor movies. Movies you do two or three months and you're done. You know TV you're working all year round. TV is a day in, day out grind.

Are you following politics? Have you decided a candidate yet?

Not yet, I'm still deciding. I'm just weighing my options. Whoever I decide on, I just want them to make a difference.

When your career is all said and done, what do you want to be defined as?

I want to be known as someone who delivered. Someone who was very funny, who was entertaining and didn't let you down. I want people to remember me as someone who gave them their money's worth. I'd love for people to say that this is the hot comedian today, but boy did you hear about Martin Lawrence back in the day... my goodness. I would love that. I want a positive legacy.