Kristen Bell At CA Portrait Shoot In NYC

'The first year or so we were dating, we wrestled a lot with, you know, my past,' says Shepard, who also wrote and directed the movie.By Kara Warner Dax Shepard in "Hit and Run" Photo: Open Road Films Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard are putting their love on the line, so to speak, for the sake of their upcoming action-packed R-rated comedy "Hit and Run." The plot revolves around former getaway driver Charlie Bronson (Shepard), who busts out of the Witness Protection Program to drive his girlfriend (Bell) to Los Angeles so she can land her dream job. Their road trip becomes increasingly complicated and dangerous when they are chased by the feds (led by Tom Arnold) and later Charlie's former gang of criminals (led by Bradley Cooper). When MTV News caught up with the fun-loving, real-life couple recently, they provided expert teasery and commentary as to why we'll all be dying to see them onscreen together in the film. "The first year or so we were dating, we wrestled a lot with, you know, my past," said Shepard, who also wrote and directed the movie. "Uncovering details of his sordid lifestyle," Bell added. "The movie became a metaphor for that, for a couple dealing with people's past," Shepard explained. "So we put that in a car-chase movie." "Of course," Bell said with a smile. "Naturally, it's such an easy fit," Shepard agreed. "Where I am in Witness Protection and Kristen's [character] is a professor." "Of course," Bell agreed again with a smile. "Naturally. And, you know, I have an even shadier past than I've really let on, and that kind of becomes obvious over the course of me trying to drive her to L.A.," Shepard said. "The sh-- hits the fan, basically, to sum it all up," Bell offered. And if Shepard and Bell's witty and pretty adorable repartee doesn't entice you to check out "Hit and Run" when it hits theaters August 24, you should also know that there are a lot of fancy and fun cars in the film. "I play one of the supporting characters in the film," Bell said. "The lead lady is played by Lady Lincoln, this 1967 Lincoln that Dax has ... " " ... sunk our savings [into]," Shepard admitted. "Yes, for years, [he] spent every paycheck on and put a lot of heart and soul into," Bell added. "He put race-car bucket seats in, 5-point harnesses ... " " ... 700 horsepower," Shepard cut in. "700 horsepower. I got this," Bell said to Shepard. "It's beautiful. There are a lot of cars in the movie." "If you couldn't bring 500 horsepower to the table, your vehicle was not invited to be in it," Shepard said. It's Summer Movie Preview Week, and MTV News will be bringing you exclusive interviews, clips and photos for the most anticipated summer movies. Get ready to gorge on inside looks at "The Avengers," Robert Pattinson's "Bel Ami," Kristen Stewart's "Snow White," "The Amazing Spider-Man" and more! Related Videos Summer Movie Preview 2012 Related Photos Get Psyched For 2012's Summer Movies!

We can't help but look forward to the next film based on Suzanne Collins' best-sellers.By Kara Warner Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutchenson Photo: WireImage While we'd love to take some more time to bask in the glow of just-released box-office champ "The Hunger Games," it's time to move on to the sequel and start pondering and overanalyzing everything about "Catching Fire". Here are our five burning questions (minor spoilers ahead for those who haven't yet read the book — hurry up and get to it, people!): When Will Gary Ross Officially Sign On to Direct?
By all accounts, this question has already been answered behind closed doors in some fancy studio room somewhere but has not been announced to the general public. As of now, Gary Ross is attached to direct "Catching Fire," which, in "Hollywood speak," means he's still trying to work out the details with his agents and the studio. We're pretty optimistic that he'll return, though, because he's offered up some very specific details about his plans for it. When and Where Will Filming Take Place?
Come on, Lionsgate, you've already announced the release date for "Catching Fire." When will you announce the production start date? Time is ticking! Those of us who've read the book know there are Games afoot but of a completely different nature. Ross told MTV News that he has some specific ideas about how to shoot in/on a tropical location but wouldn't expand upon them beyond teasing the tone of the second film. "It will look and feel slightly different from the first," he said before adding that he can guarantee one thing: "Catching Fire" will not be in 3-D. "I don't think it's appropriate for this film. If we shoot in 3-D, we become the Capitol," he said. Who Will play Finnick Odair?
Much like the hullabaloo that surrounded the casting of Katniss, Peeta and Gale, fans are very invested in who will play hunky-yet-surprisingly-complex victor Finnick Odair. The list of fan hopefuls is all over the place and includes Armie Hammer, Alex Pettyfer, Garrett Hedlund, Hunter Parrish and YouTube star Joey Graceffa. (This writer would very much like for relative unknown Benjamin Stone to be in the mix. See his work on "The Nine Lives of Chloe King" for proof.) Will Kristen Bell's Campaigning Pay Off?
In addition to charming us into total adoration via the release of her slightly embarrassing sloth video, Kristen Bell has not been shy about her love of "The Hunger Games." The admitted superfan has launched her very own campaign of sorts to be cast as kick-ass District 7 champ Johanna Mason. Only time will tell to see if she gets her shot. We think she at least deserves an audition, don't you? Which Scene Will Be the Most Swoon-Worthy?
The greater messages in "The Hunger Games" are about survival and independence and freedom. However, we can't help it if there are also several swoon-worthy scenes that we can't wait to see played out onscreen between Katniss, Peeta and Gale. Speaking to "Catching Fire," what will make us melt in our seats most? That "beach scene" between Katniss and Peeta or Katniss and Gale's emotional exchange after he's severely beaten and recovering at her mother's house? Check out everything we've got on "The Hunger Games." For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com. Related Videos Live From 'The Hunger Games' Red Carpet Premiere Talk Nerdy MTV Rough Cut: Jennifer Lawrence Related Photos Inside 'The Hunger Games' Capitol 'Hunger Games' Cast Hits NYC