melissa joan hart speaks!

The star of "My Fake Fiancé" dishes about co-star Joey Lawrence, "chilling," and the all-important question: gifts or cash?

The first thing you realize about Melissa Joan Hart is that she's one busy person. While chatting with her on the phone about her new movie, "My Fake Fiancé," we heard the happy noises of a bustling family life in the background. (Melissa has two kids.)

The second thing you notice is that she's really easy to talk to. Within a minute, we felt like we'd known her forever. Almost like Melissa's longtime pal Joey Lawrence, her co-star in the film. What was it like to finally work with him?

"Joey and I have known each other since we were four," Melissa confided. "[Our birthdays] are this weekend." (Hers is April 18; Joey's is April 20.) "We have a lot in common. Our families are pretty well acquainted, [but] it was the first time we'd worked together, and it was really nice. Right off the bat, there was instant chemistry. Joey and I worked really well together."

Were there any funny moments during filming?

"Oh, gosh," Melissa said. "Of course you think Atlanta in September [wouldn't be] so [cold], but once [they] put me in that wedding dress, the temperature just dropped to like 40 degrees. Every woman in the background -- you can probably [see] them shivering. [And] the men are all nice and warm in their suits.

"It's funny, because I'm such a tough girl, and [Joey] was being all wimpy about the cold. He's like, 'It's so cold.' And I'm like, 'I am half-naked here, and you're in a suit. Chill out, dude!' You know, [it was] just funny. Joey and I have known each other for so long, and we just had fun. We're like brother and sister."

And now the question on everybody's mind: cash or merchandise?

"I'd go with cash," Melissa said. "You can use it for more practical purposes than just a toaster."

Can't argue with that!

Thanks, Melissa. And happy birthday to you and Joey!

So what would you prefer for your wedding gifts? Cash or stuff?