Q - In your new animated flick, Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas, your character falls in love after meeting Marina (voiced by Catherine Zeta-Jones. Do you believe in love at first sight?

I believe in infatuation at first sight. I think full-blown love takes some time, although it might seem like love in the beginning. And when you're younger, it definitely seems like it. Once you get older, it just keeps getting better. You definitely have something to look forward to...She [the character Marina] has an independent spirit that I admire.

Q - So you like girls with a mind of their own?

I like girls like my wife. She's funny, she's a pain, and she makes me laugh. She's not the greatest at sports, but she still tries, which makes me laugh more. She gets on my nerves and I get on her nerves, and then she makes me laugh again. She's got a lot of personality.

Q - How come bad boys usually get the girl? Does that mean good guys finish last?

The bad guys are actually more honest, believe it or not. The nice guys think they have to be polite all the time instead of saying how they feel. That can be kind of boring, and it's not exactly the truth. At least you know how a bad boy really feels.

Q - What should a girl do about a guy who won’t give her the time of day?

Move on. Remember --- we're the ones who like to do the chasing. But we don't like the games either.

Q - That's where it gets confusing for girls...

Believe me, I understand. Guys are behind girls at that age. I know I wasn't mature enough to understand a real conversation with a girl. One of the best schoolings in life is rejection. Yeah, I know it sucks, but you realize ultimately that it's not life or death, and it does prepare you for the real world. Why waste your time on someone who doesn't see your value?

Q - When you were in high school, how did a girl catch your attention?

It's a misconception that a girl has to do something to catch a guy's attention. It just happens. There are no tricks. In fact, when you have to get tricky, it's not worth it. You know what makes a guy take notice? If you don’t let him disrespect you. If some guy makes a stupid remark and a girl doesn't let it get to her because she knows who she is --- then she's won.

Q - What advice would you give teens about resisting peer pressure?

I'm probably the wrong person to ask. I believe in exploration --- but smart exploration. If you're feeling pressured to try certain things that don't feel right to you, go with your gut instinct. It'll never steer you wrong.

Q - What about drugs? That' a big problem in schools today.

Drugs are just another obstacle in what is already a difficult time. High school is not only about hanging with friends and studying. It prepares you for the real world and where you want to go. Drugs can only get in the way.

Q - What's the best advice your parents ever gave you?

When I was in high school, I was a tennis player. I'd throw my racket and swear and be a pain in the boo-hah. Once, at a tournament, I threw my racket one too many times. I saw my dad walking down from the stands, and I thought, "Oh, no, I'm dead." [He] looks at me and says, "Are you having fun?" and I shout, "No." And he says, "Then don't do it" --- and walks back to his seat. So I finished without the pressure I was putting on myself and enjoyed the rest of the game.

Q - What would you be if you weren't an actor?

I'd be an architect. I designed the chair you're sitting in [a white little chair]. I like a modern look, but one that uses very old-world materials like glass, stone and wood to keep things warm.

Q - What inspires you?

Nature, music, Jennifer.

Q - What's in your CD player right now?

Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes, the Foo Fighters. And I'm a big Chris Cornell fan. Jen's been into Missy Elliott lately, and I like Wilco a lot.

Q - What do you think most defines the teenage years?

It's taking everything you've learned from your parents and school and finding out what works for you and what you have to offer. The important question is, what feels right for you?