South Jersey Magazine - Marlton / Medford

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SJM Jennifer Garner_Pages 12 / 18 / 23 5 : 00 PM Page 3 The Netflix film , which draws inspi - It’s a movie that is poised to add ration from Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s another dimension to Garner’s already 2010 whimsical children’s tale Bedtime robust repertoire , offering audiences a For Mommy , promises a delightful role glimpse into the everyday enchant - Genuine reversal that taps into the heart of fam - ments and chaos of parenthood — a ily dynamics . theme as timeless as Garner’s appeal . Here , the narrative stitches together We spoke with Garner about the laughter with tender introspection , a film , what it’s like raising children in the space where Garner has repeatedly spotlight , and the high - profile role she proven herself to be a natural fit . is returning to in 2024 . Jennifer Garner a more intricate level . Does that mean we get the possibility You’ve got to try and appeal to the of 30 Going On 50 ? variety of people who want to watch Err … let’s see what happens there ! Q & A movies , and I hope we have with this . [ Laughs ] . Is it right to say that Family Switch Just as a light - hearted thing , have you You took time off to have your third should be familiar territory for you ever thought of what Jenna Rink , child Samuel over a decade ago . Now personally after being in the 2004 film your character from 13 Going On 30 , that you’re re - established , is there a 13 Going On 30 ? would be up to now ? sense in you that makes you think you Yeah , I suppose you could say that . The She would certainly retain that playful need to work constantly ? director McG did say that he would be spirit . It’s essential that she carries a [ M ] y heart remains where it always channelling 13 Going On 30 , and obvi - spark of her 13 - year - old self within her was — with my children . The fulfilment I ously that was very helpful for me to go essence . But , oh my , revisiting this film derive from being a mother doesn’t back to that project . is a must for me — it’s such a delightful compare to the ambitions I had before We’ve aimed for a film that’s delight - adventure . in my acting career . fully unexpected , with a brightness and I find myself wondering about the Don’t get me wrong — I love acting and a smartness that may catch you off narrative’s progression . Does Poise con - deeply value the collaborative and cre - guard . It’s nice to be in films that blend tinue to flourish in this digital age ? Has ative process on set . However , sometimes elements for all ages — simple enough it shifted entirely to the digital realm ? in your life your priorities change , and I for a child to follow the storyline with There’s a whole spectrum of possibili - get my greatest joy and contentment from joy , yet layered with complexity so that ties to explore regarding what’s unfol - time spent with my children . Our home is an adult can appreciate the nuances on ded since we last saw her . truly where my heart is the happiest . WITH ED HELMS IN FAMILY SWITCH 2 4 | S O U T H J E R S E Y M A G A Z I N E | V O L U M E 2 0 • I S S U E 9 | S O U T H J E R S E Y M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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SJM Jennifer Garner_Pages 12 / 18 / 23 5 : 00 PM Page 4 J E N N I F E R G A R N E R Has it become more challenging for fortable position of being pursued by a you to decide to work more often , con - convoy of SUVs , hounded by swarms of sidering the time commitment re - paparazzi and even approached by fans quired for your three children ? who , at times , have their own kids in tow . It’s a complex decision and being a single It’s disconcerting at times , and I know mom doesn’t make it any easier . It’s not they’re being introduced to a world that’s solely about the time commitment ; it’s starkly different from my own childhood also about the routine we’ve established . experiences . My early years were charac - My children are accustomed to hav - terized by a nurturing and serene envi - ing me around consistently , so my ab - ronment . We were very much communi - sence during work can feel unsettling ty - centric , where everyone looked out for for them . Thankfully , our mothers have one another , but there was a lot of priva - stepped in to support us , which is a cy also . huge help . That’s not what I’ve passed on to my I do cherish the everyday moments , children , yet every parent will always be like preparing their lunches or baking astonished at the resilience of kids , and cookies for their afternoons . Missing very often it is the elders who are more out on these small daily rituals is hard worried and impacted by events than when I’m on set and it weighs on my de - the kids themselves . cision to accept work . However , I’ve recently found joy in You’ve talked in the past about being a returning to acting , recognizing the im - strong and , at times , stern parent . portance of fulfilling my creative de - for those types of projects , but maybe Does that follow on from your parents ’ sires . It’s a common thread for many there is a natural momentum in that way . approach to discipline ? women balancing motherhood and ca - [ Laughs ] There were times when my sis - reer ; even if a perfect equilibrium seems Do you think society is facing a new ters and I jokingly felt we were like an elusive . kind of problem in terms of parenting Amish family . Obviously , that’s a bit of a when it comes to social media , and the stretch , but there were certain rules — You’ve said you don’t like giving the various elements within it that can no makeup , no bikinis at the beach and impression that you want to be lead - have a harmful effect on children ? no late - night partying . ing a female movement in the movie The landscape of parenting is undoubt - Despite their strict rules , the under - industry . However , you’ve always been edly evolving with the advent of social lying theme of my childhood was the very vocal about the empowerment of media and the array of technological love and support we received from our women in films . Do you still feel the advancements that come with it — and parents . They created a very safe and same ? it’s scary how quick everything is . loving home , and that’s all I’ve looked to Absolutely , my stance on the empower - I think that as a society , we are all recreate . ment of women in film remains unwa - collectively navigating uncharted wa - vering . While I may not see myself as ters , trying to establish norms and Is there anything you handle differ - the spearhead of a movement , I believe guidelines that feel appropriate and safe ently with your own children ? in advocating for women’s voices and for our children , but sometimes even One thing I make a point of doing is stories on screen . for ourselves . actively playing with my children . My It’s crucial that we foster an industry The pace [ at which ] technology mother , while wonderful in every way , that reflects the world’s diversity and of - changes means that often , as parents , didn’t really engage in playtime with us ; fers rich , multifaceted roles for women . we feel like we’re constantly playing perhaps she didn’t have the time or the My focus has always been on contribut - catch - up , trying to stay abreast of the energy . ing to this change through the choices I latest apps and platforms that our kids So , I have often found myself on the make and the projects I take on . might be exposed to . It’s a bit of a learn - floor with my kids , playing with dolls It’s about lifting each other up , en - ing curve , even for us ‘ silly adults , ’ as we and whatnot . I absolutely love it — it’s suring equal opportunities and being a sometimes feel a step behind [ laughs ] . great fun ! m part of the collective effort to inspire I’m personally relieved that my k.coown and enact progress . children seem to have a good grasp on In 2024 , you will reprise your role rstocas things and that’s all I can ask for right the sai - wielding Elektra for Deadpool utte You’ve played a lot of matriarchal roles now . 3 . How exciting is that ? Sh in your career . Is that another thing Jumping back into my role from / two cy that is important to you ? Do you still feel anxiety with the fact decades ago is pretty wild , right ? It’s Agenlike Portraying motherhood on screen has be - that your children have very famous a blast from the past but with a twist . oto come increasingly significant to me . My parents and the negative things that I’ve changed a lot and so has my Ph personal journey of raising three children , come with that ? character . I’m stoked to mix the flashold - coupled with engaging with numerous Certainly , the reality of my children school vibes with who I am now . It’s ture mothers through my advocacy with Save growing up with high - profile parents going to be a fun ride and I’m super Fea the Children , has been important . weighs heavily on my mind . We’ve fre - curious to see what the fans think about by o ? I wouldn’t say I make a beeline just quently found ourselves in the uncom - the grown - up version of her ! Phot S O U T H J E R S E Y M A G A Z I N E | V O L U M E 2 0 • I S S U E 9 | S O U T H J E R S E Y M A G A Z I N E . C O M | 2 5

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