Miranda Pederson/Daily News A framed poster from the movie “Elizabethtown” signed by director Cameron Crowe hangs in the Steen home along with several other photos and memorabilia from the shooting of the movie.

Max and Reid Steen turned 7 on Thursday.

It was a quieter affair, considering last year the Bowling Green twins celebrated their birthday surrounded by stars.

The boys spent part of last year filming the romantic drama &#8221Elizabethtown,“ directed by Cameron Crowe, the Oscar-nominated director of &#8221Jerry Maguire“ and &#8221Almost Famous.“ They share the role of Samson, a cousin of &#8221Elizabethtown“ star Orlando Bloom’s character. The movie opens in theaters Friday.

The twins got to do some challenging things for scenes on the set. For example, Reid got to &#8221drive“ a car.

&#8221There was a man who really steered, but I acted like I was driving with my feet,“ Reid said.

Max got to sample a soup and chocolate dish, but it wasn’t for eating.

&#8221I got to throw up. (It was hard not to) whine when I had to put the throwup in my mouth,“ Max said. &#8221I only had to do it six times. I got to eat more chocolate later.“

The boys have been going out on auditions since they were 2 years old. Their first was for &#8221Baby Geniuses 2.“ Although they didn’t get a part, it didn’t stop them from trying again. They auditioned in Nashville for a part in &#8221Elizabethtown“ and then were called back months later to audition for Crowe.

&#8221We were surprised,“ said Kellie Steen, the twins’ mother. &#8221They were 5 when they went to audition, and then nine months went by and we never heard anything. We thought they didn’t get the part. Then Cameron Crowe wanted to see them in person.“

When they did get cast, the whole family – which includes father, Kevin Steen, and 10-year-old sister, Parker – was happy.

&#8221We were excited about it,“ Steen said. &#8221We’ve been so excited for the movie to come out, but we’re kind of sad because it’s almost over.“

The family went to Los Angeles for a week and then to Lexington for a week to film last year. Then they went back to California to film for six weeks and again last October for the wrap party, Steen said.

&#8221We spent last Halloween there,“ she said.

Everyone treated them well on the set – especially Crowe, the twins said.

&#8221He was really cool,“ Max said.

&#8221He was really nice,“ Reid added.

They met &#8221Elizabethtown“ producer Tom Cruise and got to hang out with the cast, which, besides Bloom, includes Kirsten Dunst, Susan Sarandon and Alec Baldwin.

&#8221We watched ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ with Orlando Bloom,“ Max said.

The boys also sent a three-minute video to comedian and &#8221Tonight Show“ host Jay Leno and appeared in singer Patty Griffin’s new video for &#8221Long Ride Home,“ a song on the &#8221Elizabethtown“ soundtrack.

The twins agreed that they didn’t know if acting was going to become a career for them.

&#8221We don’t know if we’ll try out for another movie,“ Max said.

If the boys decide to try out for another movie and get another part, the family will be ready to kick into high gear again, Steen said.

&#8221If we were offered something as good as this, we’d love to,“ she said. &#8221Cameron was out for their best interest.“

– For more information about &#8221Elizabethtown,“ visit the movie’s Web site at http://www.elizabethtown.com