Top Five Favorite Actors

Here are some of my personal favorite actors that never cease to impress.

5) Tim Roth

I wish he wasn't going so mainstream lately with Hulk and Lie to Me. But in general he is a tremendously talented actor with a wide variety of talents. Plus his work with Tarantino is phenomenal (Reservoir Dogs is my favorite).

4) James Franco

This is a recent addition to my list. But Pineapple Express was hilarious and it was mostly thanks to this man. Then I saw Milk and I have to say, there may be nothing Franco can't do as an actor.

3) River Phoenix

One of the most promising actors of the early 90s. At the age of 18 he was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actor in Running on Empty. His role in My Own Private Idaho was equally impressive. Tragically River died at the age of 23 in Los Angeles. But I'm sure if he had been given the opportunity, River would have become one the biggest actors in the world today.

2) Emile Hirsch

Another up and comer, Hirsch has shown a wide range of talents from his films like Lords of Dogtown, to The Girl Next Door, to Milk. Any film Hirsch is in seems to be entertaining. Even some bad movies he is in become bearable with his presence.

1) Kevin Spacey

Possible one of the most versatile actors today. Spacey is in a countless number of countless classics, many of which are classics thanks in large part to his performance. There isn't much more I can say about him besides he is possible my favorite actor. Plus he plays the best villains ever! "Look in the box"

Avatar

Director James Cameron's next film is possibly one of the most secretive projects in recent history. The anticipation for Avatar among film geeks is immeasurable since we've been waiting for years. Avatar will supposedly revolutionize 3D and has as estimated of around $250 million. Cameron hasn't done a major motion picture since Titanic, but this seems to be a huge passion project of his and is a main reason why it has taken so long to get this going. Avatar comes up in December and I'd expect a trailer in the next month or two.

12-18-09

Public Enemies

Michael Mann's new film Public Enemies starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale finally released the movie poster and still images!

Let's Try Something Different

Here are some suggestions for some films that you may never have heard of or given a shot. These are movies that are great and haven't received the praise they deserve, or they're new and still relatively new. Very few people I know have seen them for one reason or another, and if you're looking for something new to see...

Brick

This is a compelling noir style murder/mystery set in a California high school setting. One of the most unique films I've seen with amazing acting and a layered plot. Writer/director Rian Johnson does a fabulous job in his first film, and I hope he gets the chance to direct again in the near future.

Sukiyaki Western Django

This is a spaghetti western Japanese style. Epic action sequences, over-the-top violence, corky characters, and simple, hero driven plot. The movie is an homage piece to Italian western directors, from famous Japanese director Takashi Miike.

Lords of Dogtown

This is a film about the Z-boys of the 1970s, basically the founders of skateboarding as we know it today. It was made shortly after Stacy Peralta's documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys. The script is great and true to Dogtown lifestyle (as the director had Stacy on set through production). The soundtrack is supurb and Heath Ledger gives one of his best performances.

Arlington Road

I'm actually really surprised that this is not a more popular movie. Its stars Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, and Joan Cusack with an incredible script. The movie isn't amazing until the end though. I thought I knew the end of the movie the whole time, and because of that I didn't enjoy it that much until the end simply slapped me across the face. Brilliant writing as well as good acting. I promise you won't be disappointed in this one.

Watchmen

If you have not had the thrill of reading the incredible graphic novel Watchmen you are truly missing out on some great reading. Also if you have not read the book the trailer for the upcoming film Watchmen may seem a little farfetched and over-the-top. But as a fan of the book let me tell you, you could not be further from the truth. From what I've read and seen from the trailer, the movie seems to follow a nearly frame for frame replica of the book. Director Zach Snyder remained as true to the book as he possible could. And why wouldn't you? With such a compelling plot, unique art, and dynamic characters there is no reason to stray from the formula.

In case you are not familiar with the plot of Watchmen, it will be difficult to summarize it for you. But it is not your average superhero story. Watchmen tries to capture the realism of an alternate 1986 reality that includes a victory in Vietnam for America, a popular President Nixon, and a society with superheros. Except these superheros are more vigilantes than heros. They have publicists, personal lives, and dark secrets. In face only one of them actually has superpowers.

I will be in line like every other fan at 12:01AM on March 6 to see this much anticipated homage to the greatest graphic novel of all time (Time Magazine's Top 100 Novels of the 20th Century). I strongly suggest you do the same.