Actors Dax and Kristen talk 'Hit & Run'

(WPRI) - Relationships can be tough. But, imagine you just found out your partner is being chased by the feds. It's the storyline of the new movie Hit and Run starring real-life couple Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard.

The Rhode Show: Dax, you wrote, directed and produced this movie. How was that?

Dax Shepard: It was an explosion of ego. It was an ego orgy. I can't write my name enough in the credits. You know, it was wonderful, because it was the first time I got to, you know, I got to think up the entire idea and then see its entire execution and act the words I wrote. It was really rewarding. It was -- I loved it, I hope I get to do it again and again and again and I got to, you know, stair at this girl for six weeks, so it was pretty wonderful.

The Rhode Show: Kristen, how was it working for Dax?

Kristen Bell: He was fantastic. Dax, what you see is what you get. He doesn't have multiple personalities. He's pretty confident and kind at all times and it didn't surprise me that that's the kind of director he was.

The Rhode Show: So, what’s the plot line for the movie?

Dax Shepard: I play a guy that's in witness protection. I’ve witnessed a crime, and I’ve testified against somebody and I fall in love with the beautiful Kristen Bell.

Kristen Bell: We’re living in this small town together and I get my dream job opportunity out-of-town and have to make the decision between my love and my dream job. And I choose my love and very much “Gift of the Magi” he says ‘You know what, never mind, it’s been long enough, I’ll take you on a road trip.’

Dax Shepard: And I leave the safety of witness protection and all hell breaks loose.

The Rhode Show: You hired a lot of your friends to take part in the movie, like Bradley Cooper.

Dax Shepard: He’s a great friend of ours. He and I have been best buddies for about six years. He was in the first movie I directed. He’s just a wonderful guy, very generous. Clearly without him, we wouldn't have been able to make the movie, sell the movie, and all those things. We're very grateful to him.

The Rhode Show: You have so much invested in this movie, does it make you nervous?

Dax Shepard: You know, I would like it to do great financially. That would be icing on the cake. You know, all of the good things already happened. We already worked together and had the greatest working experience of our lives. I’m really happy with the product and I’ve proud of that. It's been reviewed nicely and people really love it. All the things that you should care about have happened.

Kristen Bell: This more than any other, it was about the experience. We hired all of our friends, Dax's mom did the catering, this is really a labor of love.

Hit and Run is in theaters August 22.