When I saw Fernando’s posts on his top actors and actresses he’d see in just about anything over at his site Committed to Celluloid, I decided I would write a post of my own, paying homage to my favorite actors/actresses that I’d be willing to view almost anything they’re in. *Side note: Later, I learned that Fernando stole the idea from Abbi over at Where the Wild Things Are. So please check her post on her top actresses as well.
Unlike Fernando, I didn’t think I could find ten actors and ten actresses. So I narrowed my list down to five actors and five actresses. And then I realized I had more actors than actresses on this list. So technically with the extra, there are eleven (and probably more, if I thought long enough about it).
*Updated note – I talked with Fernando, and we decided to change this topic idea into a little blogathon to be passed around. So to show the string, first, we started with . . .
Abbi choosing her favorites over at Where the Wild Things Are
Fernando was inspired by Abbi, writing his posts over at Committed to Celluloid
I was inspired by Fernando to write this post
And now I’m going to pass the baton over to Jaina at Time Well Spent.
The Extra: Chris Evans
Why does he almost make the list? In a word, Cellular (2004). The concept would be considered odd today, considering the ease we have with the inception of smart phones in our culture. But only ten years ago, we lacked the technological advances and had to live with just cell phones that lacked a certain smartness. Evans sells the role, plays the hero, and gives what I would consider a remarkable performance. The behind-the-scenes features for the DVD inform viewers that no one else even tried to be as convincing as Evans was for his role in Cellular. Of course, an easy role to thank Evans for playing is Captain America (2011) too. But I (along with my hubby) think Evans was the only good part of the short-lived Fantastic Four (2007) franchise.
Favorite role: Ryan in Cellular
The movie he couldn’t convince me to see: I saw The Losers (2010), but I didn’t enjoy it . . . at all.
Favorite movie quote of his: “Oh, this is much better. Costume’s a bit much . . . so tight. But the confidence, I can feel the righteousness surging. Hey, you wanna have a rousing discussion about truth, honor, patriotism? God bless America . . . ” (As Loki in Thor 2 [2013]).
10) Emily Blunt
Why does she make the list? Until Blunt showed up in The Devil Wears Prada (2006), she was still relatively unknown. But I remember her character in that movie vividly, yet I still didn’t imagine she’d be making the splash she is today. From her little role in Dan in Real Life (2007) to her voice work in Gnomeo and Juliet (2011) to her newfound inner action star in Looper (2012) and Edge of Tomorrow (2014), I think that Blunt has a huge career ahead of her for the taking. Even though Blunt hasn’t necessarily been a part of major Academy-award winning films yet, I think she’s an actress to key an eye on. I’ve enjoyed watching her versatility getting noticed and tapped into for multiple roles, and I can’t wait to see what she’ll be up to next.
Favorite role: Emily in The Devil Wears Prada, and by extension, her small role in 2011’s The Muppets
The movie she couldn’t convince me to see: Gulliver’s Travels (2010), because I can’t think of any other movie she’s in that I would have no interest in.
Favorite movie quote of hers: “I’m on this new diet. Well, I don’t eat anything and when I feel like I’m about to faint I eat a cube of cheese. I’m just one stomach flu away from my goal weight” (Emily in The Devil Wears Prada).
9) Stanley Tucci
Why does he make the list? Oddly enough, one of the roles I think introduced me to the accomplished actor was his role as a fashion editor who worked with Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada. Soon after I saw that movie, I noticed that Tucci appeared in a number of films. While I’ve made only a dent in viewing his massive filmography, I wasn’t able to think of a single performance of his that I haven’t enjoyed, even if I didn’t necessarily care for the movie.
Favorite role: Caesar Flickerman in The Hunger Games (2012), Dill in Easy A (2010), Paul Child in Julie and Julia (2009)
The movie he couldn’t convince me to see: Muppets Most Wanted (2014), because it appeared to be a lame attempt at a sequel for the awesome Jason Segel-starring The Muppets in 2011.
Favorite movie quote of his: “I’m bald and no one in particular” (Jerry Siegel in Maid in Manhattan [2002]).
8) Shailene Woodley
Why does she make the list? Plain and simple, Woodley made this list because I loved her in The Descendants (2011). In addition, she has only added to her film credit with roles in The Spectacular Now (2013) and The Fault in Our Stars (2014) that have convinced viewers and critics that she’s not the idiot teenager from The Secret Life of the American Teenager (TV role, 2008) anymore.
Favorite role: Hazel in The Fault in Our Stars
The movie she couldn’t convince me to see: I have liked all her movies, so the only true title I could add is The Secret Life of the American Teenager, even though it’s a TV show.
Favorite movie quote of hers: “But, Gus, my love, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I’m grateful” (Hazel in The Fault in Our Stars)
7) Tom Hanks
Why does he make the list? Where to start with a classy guy like Tom Hanks? I know many millennials who don’t care for the guy, but I have to credit Hanks for last year’s impressive performance in Captain Phillips (2013). He’s still got it. It being that chill-down-your-spine, award-winning smile, likable, every-day-kinda-guy personality who still has that rare ability to win you over even after a string of unimportant roles, reminding you he’s the one and only actor who won two Best Actor Oscars back-to-back.
Favorite role: Josh in Big (1988) and Joe Fox in You’ve Got Mail (1998)
The movie he couldn’t convince me to see: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011), for the petty reason of hating the title. Truly, I’d actually view it if I had to, and I might even enjoy it.
Favorite movie quote of his: “I couldn’t even kill myself the way I wanted to. I had power over nothing. And that’s when this feeling came over me like a warm blanket. I knew, somehow, that I had to stay alive. Somehow. I had to keep breathing. Even though there was no reason to hope. And all my logic said that I would never see this place again. So that’s what I did. I stayed alive. I kept breathing. And one day my logic was proven all wrong because the tide came in, and gave me a sail. And now, here I am. I’m back. In Memphis, talking to you. I have ice in my glass . . . and I’ve lost her all over again. I’m so sad that I don’t have Kelly. But I’m so grateful that she was with me on that island. And I know what I have to do now. I gotta keep breathing. Because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?” (Chuck Noland in Cast Away [2000]).
6) Jennifer Lawrence
Why does she make the list? If I’m being completely honest, I didn’t want Lawrence on this list. She’s big right now, there’s a lot of hype surrounding her as she’s starring in two major franchises. However, I couldn’t not add her to this list, because out of all the actresses that are “big” right now, Lawrence is one of those whom I do look out for. She has the occasional role that I have no interest in seeing, but often, she seems to really stand out, even in just a small role, in whatever movie she finds herself in.
Favorite role: Tiffany in Silver Linings Playbook (2012) and Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games (2012)
The movie she couldn’t convince me to see: I thought House at the End of the Street (2012) looked positively awful.
Favorite movie quote of hers: “I was a big slut, but I’m not any more. There’s always going to be a part of me that’s sloppy and dirty, but I like that. With all the other parts of myself. Can you say the same about yourself?” (Tiffany in Silver Linings Playbook).
5) Mark Ruffalo
Why does he make the list? The year 2004 was when I discovered Mark Ruffalo in both 13 Going on 30 and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It’s a little hard to believe that was ten years ago, but it was. I’m not sure what it is exactly about Mark Ruffalo that I love, but perhaps it’s that he established himself as a nice, everyday kind of guy in my mind early on. Since his first recognizable movies, he’s gone on to play multiple other roles. But I’ve always thought Ruffalo was highly underrated.
Favorite role: David Toschi in Zodiac (2008) and Chuck Aule in Shutter Island (2010)
The movie he couldn’t convince me to see: I saw Ruffalo in The Brothers Bloom (2008), but I couldn’t get behind the movie. I would never re-watch it.
Favorite movie quote of his: “I was having a nervous breakdown and then I heard your song. I want to make records with you. Come on. Let’s get out of here . . . ” (Dan Mulligan in Begin Again [2014]).
4) Emma Stone
Why does she make the list? Maybe it’s because Emma Stone is so likable in real life. Or maybe it’s because she appears to make only intelligent choices when it comes to the films she’s a part of. Or, maybe she’s one of the best actresses on the rise. Stone has finally found herself in that enviable position to choose which roles she wants, and which movies to lend her skills to.
Favorite role: Natalie in The House Bunny (2008) and Skeeter Phelan in The Help (2011)
The one she couldn’t convince me to see: I would agree to see only the scene in which Stone appears in Movie 43 (2013), and then be done with it. Gangster Squad (2013) didn’t appeal to me.
Favorite movie quote of hers: “Whatever happened to chivalry? Does it only exist in 80’s movies? I want John Cusack holding a boombox outside my window. I wanna ride off on a lawnmower with Patrick Dempsey. I want Jake from Sixteen Candles waiting outside the church for me. I want Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into the air because he knows he got me. Just once I want my life to be like an 80’s movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent reason. But no, no, John Hughes did not direct my life” (Olive Penderghast in Easy A).
3) Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Why does he make the list? Joseph Gordon-Levitt is one-of-a-kind. He’s difficult to dislike. He’s funny, and he has played so many different type of characters. He’s shown up in thrillers, romantic comedies, big-budget action movies, indie projects, and even starred in his directorial debut. Gordon-Levitt prides himself on his company Hit Record, and he values his contacts both inside and outside of Hollywood, noting that he desires to work with name and no-name professionals. He’s cool, he’s geeky, he’s talented. He’s one of my favorites, and he happens to star in my favorite movie.
Favorite role: Tom in (500) Days of Summer (2009)
The movie he couldn’t convince me to see: Don Jon (2013), because I have no interest in seeing a movie about a guy struggling with a porn addiction.
Favorite movie quote of his: “It’s these cards, and the movies and the pop songs, they’re to blame for all the lies and the heartache, everything. We’re responsible. I’m responsible. I think we do a bad thing here. People should be able to say how they feel, how they really feel, not ya know, some words that some stranger put in their mouth. Words like love, that don’t mean anything” (Tom in (500) Days of Summer).
2) Meryl Streep
Why does she make the list? I think the better question is, How could Meryl not make the list? She’s famous for the most Academy Award nominations in history. Even Saturday Night Live did a hilarious segment on how Meryl Streep could do literally anything well. Streep’s reputation precedes her, and her humility in accepting both rewards praise seems to match the insanely talented actress.
Favorite role: Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
The movie she couldn’t convince me to see: I think she might play her character a little too well in August: Osage County (2013), and I don’t have the heart to see it.
Favorite movie quote of hers: “Oh, don’t be ridiculous. Andrea. Everybody wants this. Everybody wants to be us” (Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada).
1) Benedict Cumberbatch
Why does he make the list? I had never heard of the name “Benedict Cumberbatch” until I got swept away with the brilliant BBC show Sherlock (2010), and ever since then, I’ve tried to watch anything and everything that has his name attached to it.
Favorite role: Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock, Ford in 12 Years a Slave (2013), and likely to soon be added, Alan Turing in The Imitation Game (2014)
The movie he couldn’t convince me to see: As of now, I would see just about anything Benedict Cumberbatch is a part of. But I wouldn’t re-watch The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013) just because of how much that movie destroyed the character Smaug.
Favorite movie quote of his: “You can’t go far in this world by relying on people. People are loyal until it seems opportune not to be” (Julian Assange in The Fifth Estate [2013]).
OK, it’s your turn. If you had a top (or ten) actor or actress that you’d see in just about anything, who would it be? What is your favorite role of theirs? Please join the discussion below, because I’d love to know your thoughts.
Kristin! Glad to see you are back to blogging!
1. Daniel Day Lewis
2. Daniel Day Lewis
3. Phillip Seymour Hoffman (RIP)
4. Joaquin Phoenix
5. Michael Cane
LikeLike
Matt! So glad you stopped by the site again to comment. Have you liked my All Eyes On Screen Facebook page? If not, you could get updates there if you’d like!
Anyways, nice picks! Daniel Day Lewis twice, eh? You must really like him! Perhaps I need to see him in more movies.
Aww, so sad that Hoffman died. I liked him in everything I saw him in.
Joaquin Phoenix is an interesting pick. Out of curiosity, what is your favorite role of his?
I’m with you on Michael Caine! So would Miss Congeniality make your list, since he’s in that? Haha.
LikeLike
You already know this but I’m going to say it anyway: THREE CHEERS FOR EMILY BLUNT! Several other interesting names on the list. I know Guy Pearce would be high on mine. Talk about a great actor!
LikeLike
Aww, glad to find another Blunt fan! What is your favorite role of Guy Pearce’s? Personally, I LOVE him in Memento.
LikeLike
Tough to say. He’s been good in a number of roles. I really liked him in The Time Machine remake. It’s a movie generally panned by critics but I was really drawn to it and a big reason is Pearce’s performance. He’s great in LA Confidential, The King’s Speech, The Proposition, and Animal Kingdom. And did you see his over-the-top villainous turn in Lawless? Fantastic!
LikeLike
Hmm . . . I haven’t seen The Time Machine. Ha, I thought he was great in The King’s Speech too! Animal Kingdom is one of those movies I always planned to see and then never did. Lawless was good? I wasn’t sure what to make of it from the trailer. I guess the sight of Shia Labeouf puts me off a little bit and makes me wonder.
LikeLike
LOL! That is a valid fear! Shia scares me away most of the time. But Hardy, Chastain, Pearce, and Oldman were too big of a draw for me.
LikeLike
Haha, thanks for understanding. I do love Chastain though, and it looks like she’s going to be in a good movie coming up. I can see that. Maybe I will have to check it out sometime! Thanks for the recommendation.
LikeLike
Ahh, so sad but happy to see Chris Evans almost make the list. I saw Cellular and thought pretty much the same thing! Have you seen Push? Excellent film. Didn’t mind The Losers that much, but it’s a pretty forgettable affair.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the driving force getting me to even think about watching Sin City 2. Wasn’t a fan of the first one, it was alright, just didn’t see anything special. BUT for the love of JGL! Such a versatile actor, brings a lot to whatever he’s working on.
My list would be very similar to yours lol! JGL, Chris Evans, Emma Stone, Christian Bale, Tom Hanks, Robert Downey Jr. I think the one who would almost make my list is Chris Hemsworth, though I think I’ve pretty much seen all of his films! EEP!
LikeLike
Believe it or not, Chris Evans originally WAS on the list, but that was before I added Jennifer Lawrence. I almost went with six guys and four girls, but I decided to add the extra actress. I just don’t enjoy as many actresses as I do actors. Oh well.
I actually just watched the trailer for Sin City 2. I haven’t seen the first one yet, but it’s on my list to see. I agree – LOVE JGL! Such a great actor. I couldn’t agree more.
Ooo, I love Chris Hemsworth too, and I even considered adding him. I think I have seen just about all of his movies. I loved him in Rush.
Thanks for the comment, Jaina!
LikeLike
I love your list! HUGE fan of everyone here 🙂 Great job!
LikeLike
Aww, thanks, Fernando! And thank you so much for letting me steal (borrow?) your idea. I had a lot of fun writing this post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s actually Abbi’s idea and I just love (she does too) how it’s spreading across the blogosphere!
LikeLike
Perhaps I should try to hand the baton onto someone else? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think Abbi was thinking of turning it into a blogahon. Maybe all of us who did a post will have to pass it on to someone else!
LikeLike
Hey, I can totally pass the baton on . . . I have a good person to hand it too as well! We’ll make sure to keep the line going!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀 That’s great!
LikeLike
Hey Kris! I missed this post somehow but I saw the link from Mettel’s blog. I’m working on this right now, but I’m just gonna focus on the actors. Benedict might make my list, not sure yet, but for sure Toby is my #1. In fact I was contemplating that he’d make my top 5, ahah. LOVE that guy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Ruth! No problem. Glad to hear you are going to be participating in the blogathon too! Hmm, well, I’ll be rooting for Mr. Cumberbatch to get on your list ;-). At risk of sounding like a complete idiot, forgive me, but who is Toby? Wasn’t sure of the last name, and my mind is not working at full capacity today, so I wasn’t sure. Help a girl out? 🙂
LikeLike
Oh man, you haven’t been reading my blog have you? Or you’re just not paying attention? 😉 Toby Stephens is a supremely talented British actor I’ve been crushing on the past 6 months or so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I SWEAR I have been reading your blog since I rejoined the blogosphere near the end of July. 😀 Somehow, I must have missed it! Well, at the very least, I can tell you that I KNEW Toby had to be a Brit, just because I know (and understand) your fondness of British actors. I will have to play catch-up, it looks like!
LikeLike
I just tweeted you a link to my comprehensive appreciation post, but here it is again: http://wp.me/pxXPC-8qR
Most people know his mum tho, it’s Dame Maggie Smith, whom I also adore 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
AHHH! I didn’t know that was his mother . . . ha! I love her. Got the tweet 😉
LikeLike