By Rob Alarcon in New York City

Beauty Emmanuelle Chriqui ("Wrong Turn") joins Usher in "In the Mix," a comedy crime romance about a club DJ named Darrell who saves the life of a mob boss. His reward? To watch over the boss' beautiful daughter. A budding romance sparks between the young couple, but at what cost will Darrell pay to stick with his new love?

Below, Emmanuelle talks to us at a press day in New York City.

Q: What was it like working with Usher?

EMMANUELLE: Question of the day (laughter). Working with usher was fantastic. He is such a good guy. He’s such a sweetheart and really, really talented, Not once did I think, “Yeah, this was your first time starring in a movie. Never. He is such a professional and really playful

Q: Did that have anything to do with you accepting the role?

EMMANUELLE: I auditioned and Usher, Chazz, and Ron Underwood were all attached, so I went to audition because I really liked the script and it was just a bonus

Q: Did you screen test to see if there was any chemistry between the two of you?

EMMANUELLE: Yes we did. The screen test actually has turned into quite a story. Apparently it is going to be on the dvd. The casting director, Barbara Fiorentino, she was just a huge pusher. She said to the producers, “Don’t make your decision until you see this girl.” On the day of the screen test she said to me, “Don’t be afraid to get in his face. Don’t be shy. Try not to be intimidated by him” As fate would have it he dropped one of his lines and in the scene I’m supposed to say good bye to him, so it was kind of this awkward beat, so I kind of leaned in and kissed him and I was like really coy and I was like, “I’ll see you later,” and the room erupted. I mean, they were just like whaaa! That was the closer.

Q: Were you intimidated working with Usher?

EMMANUELLE: Not at all. I wasn’t. We were just really lucky, I think. You know, connection is just one of those things. You either have it with people or you don’t, and we just do. We just genuinely, genuinely get along.

Q: Did you guys do anything outside of the scenes to get to know each other?

EMMANUELLE: We didn’t have time to. It was such a fast shoot and it really happened so fast, but there was always, in between takes, horsing around and laughing. We just had a really good time and to this day, we absolutely keep in touch. His schedule is insane, but if he comes to town, he’ll definitely call and we’ll go to lunch or hang out or something.

Q: Were you an Usher fan prior to this? Did you listen to his music?

EMMANUELLE: I did. I loved him, actually. I didn’t own any of his music, but before starting work, I went and I got his cd’s because I figured I’m going to get to know this person. I want to get know what he’s writing about or singing about. I read the liner notes.

Q: What do you have in common with your character?

EMMANUELLE: We’re both very independent, driven individuals and both daddy’s girls. I’m totally a daddy’s girl. Except my dad isn’t overpowering and controlling. Or a Don.

Q: How was it working with the other actors?

EMMANUELLE: It was great. I mean Chazz was just phenomenal. I felt so lucky to be able to work with Chazz, because he’s been around. He shared so much wisdom and taught me so much. No one, I mean no one has ever made me laugh as much as Kevin Hart. He is just so funny. He’s going to be huge, for sure. Anthony, my brother, he’s fantastic and the director, Ron, he was great. He’s such a collaborator, Ron Underwood. He had a vision and wanted to make good movies that would pull at people’s heart strings

Q: Typically, when you’re at home, what’s a day like for you?

EMMANUELLE: Generally, when I’m in L.A. and I’m not working, I’ll read a script, wake up in the morning, do my excercises, call a friend, go to breakfast, pedicure, manicure. That’s during the down time, which is amazing.

Q: What is it that started you in acting?

EMMANUELLE: You know, I decided at such a young age that I wanted to do this. I mean, I literally was seven years old and I came home and joined a theater company because this kid at school was telling me that his dad ran this little theater company and I should try out for the role of the baby ghost. I got this role and I came home and I was like, “Dad, you’ve gotta drive me to rehearsal.” When it was time for high school, there was a high school for the performing arts in that town. It was just kind of very meant to be.

Q: What was your favorite scene in the movie?

EMMANUELLE: I loved the poker scene. I thought it was so funny. I laugh every time I see it. I love the scene with Chazz and Usher and Chazz is telling him to be my bodyguard. He’s really hoping he’s going to say no and he doesn’t. I really love the scene with Chazz and I in the spa. It was a really great moment to do. I have to say, not being cheesy at all, our love scene moment. I love how it starts. I love where we come from and where we go. I just love the transition in there. It’s a good moment.

"In the Mix" opens in theaters on Wednesday