The topic itself wasn’t anything novel (it’s about “true love”), but the approach used to broach the subject was pretty unique – the combination of real life interviews with real people and the fictitious storyline of her own blossoming romance with the uber-swoonworthy Michael Cera (armored with his usual awkward charm). “Is Michael like that in real life?” an audience member asked after the screening. According to Charlyne he’s not – he’s actually much more confident and likes to sing Barenaked Ladies songs – good to know!

Honestly, I can’t really trust online resources anymore, because I’ve read everywhere that they were actually dating in real life. See, in the movie she unwittingly ensnares Michael’s interest and they embark on a bond. Then, in the trails of true cinematic fashion they encounter a conflict, which is foreshadowed by Charlyne’s visit to a psychic. I won’t spoil the ending, but after the movie a curious audience member asked “Are you guys still dating?” to which Charlyne replied “No, because we were never dating (in real life).” Huh? But Wikipedia said…  Well, there goes my faith in the Almighty Wiki.

Anyways, onscreen there was some really fun chemistry between the two of them with Michael easily setting hearts aflutter everywhere. He doesn’t induce a Robert Pattinson-type mania, but his appeal seems rooted in something more real – he’s perfected that guy-next-door schtick to a tee and that familiarity does indeed breed liking, if not all-out obssessing.

Airy and uninundated by heavy concepts, this light docu-comedy looks at love through question-marked glasses, inviting both humourous and absurd answers.  Charlyne’s query leads her to several states, from Oklahoma, to Georgia where she talks to highschool seniors about to tie the knot, bikers, divorcees, young kids on a playground, and some of her own friends, like Seth Rogen who ends his sentence with that contagious trademark teddy-bear laugh, which scores points from the crowd.

What I appreciated most about the movie was the genuine humour that arose out of subtle incidents – facial expressions, reactions, Charlyne’s personal oddities – the comedic moments don’t rely on the Sasha Baron Cohen brand of overly-outrageous gags, instead, they are crisp, clever and a tad self-conscious – which is very fitting for someone like Charlyne. Her presence at the screening really illuminated the human side of film stars; she was nervous the whole time but funny all the same, she’s also a bit strange which makes her cool in her own way. This personality quirk smoothly permeates the entire film, creating a charmingly offbeat experience for everyone involved, viewers included.

Below are some pics of my film buddy Jeff with Charlene. She admitted to being nervous about the film’s reception, unsure if anyone would like it. Jeff assured her it was awesome. Good job Jeff!

Is it wrong to liken a Jewish guy to the first pope?
by W.J. Lyng

The first time I saw Reservoir Dogs was a major moment in my life. The film not only introduced me to Quentin Tarantino, it also opened the door to the myriad of pop culture which had inspired the auteur, exposing me to a world of awesome I’m not quite sure would have been otherwise as easily accessible. Obviously, since then, I’ve been an insane QT devotee, taking as gospel not only his own directorial efforts, but the films of his well known entourage as well. If Quentin liked Robert Rodriguez so much, then I probably would too. This turned out to be absolutely true. Later, when his non-sexual man crush turned towards the young cocky horror director / geek Eli Roth, I followed along and have come to develop an admiration for him too. Of course, it helped that I’m kind of a big horror guy and that Roth had seemingly chosen to devote the entirety of his career to bringing us fantastically executed splatter fests.

Try then, just try for the briefest of moments, to imagine my excitement as I sat in Concordia university’s hall theatre at a quarter to ten on the closing night of the Fantasia film festival, awaiting not only a three week early preview screening of Quentin Tarantino’s latest oeuvre Inglorious Basterds, but also an appearance by none other than Eli Roth himself, one of the film’s stars.

At the risk of sounding sacrilegious, it was like getting an audience with the apostle Peter instead of seeing J.C. himself. This right here was THE MAN’S right hand man. My head was gonna pop.

I sat as close as possible to the screen without my eyes getting wet. As they went through the boring motions of naming the winners of the various categories from the festival, I could see Roth standing a few rows behind me against the wall, flanked by some studio heavies. Finally, Roth was called to the stage. I’m pretty sure I came close to restraining-order levels of cheering. At the very least, I’m relatively confident that I was the first to stand up and give the guy a standing O.

Roth proceeded to gush about his overwhelmingly positive relationship with Fantasia over the years, talking about the terrific sensation he felt when a then unknown Cabin Fever screened at the festival back in the day to an amazing crowd reaction. He explained, that Quentin himself had forced the studio’s hand to arrange this special screening, ensuring that Montreal’s fantasia crowd would be the first audience in Canada to see Inglorious Basterds. (Suck it Toronto).
It was almost like my whole life had been leading up this one moment …

The movie came and went in a Nazi-riddled frenzy of blood, guts and snappy dialogue. Just to talk a little about the film itself ( a novel concept), Basterds simultaneously delivers everything you expected out of the film based on the trailers, plus a whole hell of a lot more. It’s ‘guys on a mission’ combined with revenge combined with revisionist history. It’s also a movie about movies and not in the referential way that all of Tarantino’s movies are but in more of a tangible way that film, war and history buffs will likely appreciate. It’s over the top at moments and subdued by QT standards at other moments. It’s pretty freakin’s awesome, all in all.

Then the movie was over and it was Eli time again. He came back on, almost just as psyched as the audience. They opened it up to Q&A and you can bet your ass that I got a question in. Admittedly not a very original question, I got to ask if Eli was the only one considered for his role as the bat wielding “Bear Jew.” Although uninspired, the question drew good anecdotes from Roth about working with Tarantino and the revelation that both Adam Sandler and Seth Rogen had been considered for the role. I was in geek heaven … and then it got better.

The Q&A finished and Eli was quickly ushered out of the theatre. Damn, I thought. So much goes my chance for an autograph … of course I just happened to have copies of Hostel 1 and 2 on me … I exited the theatre and THERE HE WAS! Just standing around!!! I got the autographs first and then quickly went to retrieve my camera and cell phone from security, with whom we’d had to check the items for concerns of piracy.

I went back into the swarm of fans (ok, not THAT big a swarm) and asked Eli, whom I now considered to be a close personal friend, if a picture would be too much to ask for. Of course he obliged. And now I have Facebook profile picture that shall never be changed.

It was just the pinnacle of awesome.

When I created the original 25 actors list, I hadn’t yet seen Twilight. If I did, I wouldn’t have ignorantly excluded Robert Pattinson from the list, because his Edward Cullen character could induce me to watch any movie, no matter how bad it was. I’m a bit ashamed to admit that I have indeed boarded the Pattinson bandwagon but it’s because he plays such a studly vampire – yes, even hotter than Brad Pitt’s take on the nightly creature. Ok, here’s the truth, I kind of created this list, JUST so I could put Robert Pattinson on it. That’s how crazy this whole thing has gotten.

2. Milo Ventimiglia

I first saw him in Gilmore Girls where he didn’t really do anything for me. Then suddenly, his hotness-meter peaked the minute he appeared on Heroes – maybe it was the hair, maybe it was his conflicted personality, maybe it was because he possessed the best power on the show. Whatever it was it sure sparked my attraction for short guys with crooked smiles. For all the dudes, Milo’s living proof that you don’t need to be 6’1 or have the body of a wrestler to win hearts – all you need to do is work those mutant super powers!

3. Michael Rosenbaum

Michael is on the list because after he left Smallville I haven’t seen him since. And that’s a shame because his talent is remarkable, at least when it comes to portraying the legendary villain Lex Luthor, which is more or the less the only role I’ve seen him in. He dressed up as a woman in Sorority Boys, but that was so long ago it no longer counts. He was also in Sweet November, but that movie was so bad I choose to discount it. I’d rather look forward to his future work, where hopefully he won’t have any hair, because he makes the best-looking bald guy ever.

4. Bill Hader

Comics are quite popular on my lists because funny guys are the best guys (though nice guys finish first). Bill Hader is hilarious! I’ve sat through the most inane movies just because he was in them, (ie: Hot Rod) for he never fails to do or say anything un-funny. I just love his zany facial expressions and that absurd high-pitched voice he makes. He’s one of those guys with that unique sense of humour, who’s instantly recognizable but isn’t yet a household name. He’s currently an SNL alum which is pretty much home to the new generation’s crop of cool comedians.

5. Taylor Kitsch

I know there’s a disproportionate amount of hot men on my lists, but I swear it’s just a coincidence – I’m not that superficial! But… but I will readily admit that Taylor Kitsch is on the list precisely for his good looks. He plays Gambit in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which was the first time I’ve seen him and frankly, I look forward to seeing a whole lot more!

But the implicit message is clear: Young Hollywood annoys me! Maybe it’s overexposure (in the tabloids, blogs, and bad movies). Maybe there’s little variation in levels of talent, or (although unlikely) maybe I’m just jealous.

But there are still some famous female faces who don’t trigger the ‘hater!’ alert, who don’t grind my gears and most importantly, who have no effect on my flimsy ego.

Here they are:

1. Kristin Kreuk

I will always love Kristin! Even if she keeps limiting her potential by picking the worst projects, such as Street Fighter which I hated, or Partition, which was so low-key I’m not sure if anyone’s seen it. She’s still the classic A-girl for her work in Edgemont and Smallville – in fact she was my main reason for watching them (this had nothing to do with her being one of the most surreally beautiful people on the planet). Not sure how much longer she’ll stay in the acting game though, as she’s currently devoted to Girls By Design, a project for young female empowerment, as well other humanitarian causes as seen through her youtube vids. That might be good for me, as it would bring her down to the level of “normal” people, and maybe increase my chances of actually meeting her!

2. Kat Dennings

The entries on her blog seem to be self-written, her candor is unexpected, there’s no snobbery of any sort, no entourage or drunken party pics, just the musings of a quirky, imaginative and personable girl who makes Youtube videos and rambles on Twitter – it’s like you kind of know her! (Yeah, riiight…) She’s had some prominent roles (Charlie Bartlett, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist) but none that have thrusted her too starkly into superstardom. But with her talent and appeal, I predict some mightier scripts coming her way – so appreciate her now while she’s still approachable, and low on the ego.

3. Kristen Bell

My boyfriend loves her, but so do I. Because although she is beautiful, she’s not perfect and thus, non-threatening. Apart from that useless tidbit of info, she was first-rate in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, for her comical cuteness which really made her endearing despite playing the antagonist. Guest appearances on Heroes also found her extremely likable for being a bad-ass who was really just vulnerable underneath it all. Plus, she teamed up with Sylar which made her extra cool by association (at least until he… you know).

4. Rosario Dawson

Seeing her in Seven Pounds put her firmly on my radar and I’ve since declared her under-rated. Sure I’ve never really seen any of her other movies, but that doesn’t mean I won’t watch her future films. Wait, actually I have seen Sin City, so there you go, I do have a basis upon which to judge her talent. Interviews and photos demonstrate her down-to-earthness and a natural affinity for being herself – which is always a welcome change in a world of superficial clones.

5. Hayden Panettiere

She plays a beautiful blond cheerleader and she’s dating Heroes superstar Milo Ventimiglia. Logic dictates I should be oozing envy – but I’m not (I’m not like that!) Truth is, she’s  a great actress – when Claire Bennet cries, so do I. Plus, I do give her props for snagging Peter Petrelli – he is the hottest cast member after all! She’s making the big-screen leap later this year in I Love You, Beth Cooper, but this isn’t her first major film role. Go back and watch Remember the Titans and you’ll see why she’s a big timer. (Update: I just found out her and Milo split up 3 months ago. As you can see, I don’t follow celebrity gossip!)

I am a Twilight fan.

There I did it. It’s admitted. But I could feel my rationality receding in embarrassment, along with my band of former supporters. Hmm… my approval ratings have dropped. The applause has stopped. I almost feel like I’m standing alone on an empty stage, under the bright spotlight of scrutiny.

An explanation is required.

Two words: Edward Cullen.

Four words: Edward Cullen – so hot.

I used to see Robert Pattinson in pictures and I just couldn’t get why girls went so ga-ga over him. He was just not that attractive! And what was the deal with Twilight? Why was it invoking such dramatic heights of hysteria? “I would never be one of those girls” I assured myself, “Those are some weird-ass beeches!” I saw it as just another Highschool Musical/Hannah Montana/Jonas Bros craze that afflicted only the young or drug-induced. Those tweens and teeny-boppers of the new-aged Disney generation whose collective obsessions obscured evidence of logic or cognitive maturation, who fled in droves to the objects of their affection  like it was crack cocaine for kids. And it is. I’ve been afflicted.

I’ve finally seen the “light” in Twilight and I’m even kind of ashamed for being so adamantly against it in the first place. And now, it’s an addiction. And by “it” I mean Edward. There’s  just something so magnetically appealing, something that elicits compulsive urges in me to Google his pictures and watch clips of him on Youtube and even to rewind certain parts of the movie. My favorite scene is when he ricochet’s the apple off his foot and it lands squarely in his palms. And then he smiles. Or when he first introduces himself to Bella, apologizes for their initial mishap, and then smiles. Or that part where he peers into the microscope in biology class, says a few nonsensical sentences and then, smiles. Or the iconic cafeteria scene where he walks in, slow-mo, and what do ya know? He flashes that euphoric smile and it’s like suddenly all the doves in the universe have been released into the vast, majestic sky to flutter about in search of their own cosmic bliss. Sigh…

Just hearing myself say these things makes me squirm with disbelief – this is not me? This can’t be. I sound just like those teeny-boppers I so often berate, and that makes my soul shrivel up in shame.  I thought I was done with these youthful infatuations, thought I left them behind in the 8th grade with all my Taylor Hanson posters. Apparently this is not the case.

Apparently I’m just one of them – underneath the stoic façade I’m just a deranged fanatic who swoons over vampires and inaccessible lads. Is there a cure for this Cullen/Pattinson obsession? For the sake of my life’s goals, I hope the answer is yes. I can’t stay this girl forever. Sooner or later, I’ll have to forsake these inclinations and grow up for good.

I’ll have to admonish that part of me who finds fun in such useless time-wasters as Youtube-ing the  “Edward Cullen Smile Tribute” (favorited!)

Sooner or later, yes.

Preferably later, as in after New Moon!

If you read this site regularly (anyone?) you’ll notice that I haven’t been doing many updates these days. I’m not sure exactly what to attribute this to. It could be due to lack of interest, or lack of interesting occurrences in Hollywood. Or an existential crisis.

I usually do quick internet searches for notable stories or movie releases worth mentioning, but lately, I’ve come away empty-handed. I just don’t seem to care anymore. There’s nothing interesting to talk about, nothing important to relay, nothing that sufficiently addresses the underlying uncertainty of “what exactly am I doing this for?”

I’ve been giving a lot of thought to my own life, my own aspirations, trying to figure out the patterns that have prevented me from attaining true happiness – the kind that can weather temporary setbacks, that keeps you afloat amidst oceans of negativity. Having recently reached that quarter-century milestone, I feel a sense of inadequacy, a sense that my ideal and real self are poles apart.

I’m nowhere near the person I had always set out to be, or imagined I would become at 25. I don’t have a best-selling book, and the self-help guru within has yet to emerge. What’s worse, all the goals that once gave way to a secure sense of identity have unraveled like a loosely fastened knot, detaching a boat from its dock. And here I am, stranded without a paddle in a sea of confusion, hit with the realization that dreams are sometimes just illusions, and degrees don’t always come with guarantees.

In short, I am having a Quarter-Life Crisis. It’s kind of like the mid-life crisis, but for us young folk. Apparently it’s a phenomenon – as in, there are tons of others in my age-bracket going through the same thing. It’s even on Wikipedia, which means it’s true. John Mayer sings about it too.

So what exactly does all this have to do with my movie blog?

Well, I was starting to wonder if merely watching and writing about movies was a waste of time, time that could be better allocated towards self-discovery perhaps. But suddenly, by a random hybrid of chance and fate, I came across a movie that happened to address the very issues I’ve been facing.

It’s called How to Be starring Robert Pattinson (who’s no doubt a household name, having starred in two Harry Potters and all). Rob’s character, Art, is a socially maladjusted 20-something who’s determined to overcome his depressive existence by seeking the guidance of a self-help author, whom he invites to live with him in his parents’ home. Comedic developments are sure to ensue on this road to self-actualization.

But it’s more than just a comedy. It’s one of those instances of art imitating reality, and not an overly-stylized MTV reality of airheads and jocks and a backdrop of sprawling mansions, but a reality of actual relevance – a reference to a life its audience actually knows, though one they may not fully understand. This is a movie that speaks to the subset of our generation who still don’t have it all figured out, who harbor fears about the future and who still wonder “What is this really all about?”

Of course, I haven’t seen the movie yet, so I can’t say whether it satisfactorily addresses these issues. Maybe I’ll decide that it’s a weak attempt at exploring the concerns of the undecided young adult, or that I actually can’t relate to it at all. Maybe I’ll hate the movie.  But final verdicts aside, discovering the film at that exact time was the impetus I needed – to continue writing about and watching movies, to see that it isn’t a complete waste of time, and to realize that there is a certain normalcy in being undefined. For now, at least.

Given the current economical climate and the prevalence of piracy, paying for movies probably isn’t at the top of everyone’s expenditures.  I know I’ve been quite selective of the movies I watch these days. (Disclaimer: I do not endorse illegal downloading!) But if any of these actors were featured in the film (all else being equal), there would be a greater likelihood I’d watch it. So in keeping with the “Facebook 25…”  (in no particular order – except for the first one!) here are MY 25:

1. Christian Bale

Of course. As if I’m really gonna create such a list and not include my beloved CB! Personal problems aside, his acting chops are tops, which is why he’s at the top of my list. Claims his one personal regret is that he never enrolled in acting school. Really? Here’s a guy who was nominated for an Oscar at the age of 13 for his performance in Empire of the Sun. Surely he has enough ‘natural’ talent to carry him forth. One thing I would like to see him try perhaps, is comedy, since he’s so accustomed to serious characters. That’s a sight to behold – Christian cracking the comedic whip? I’m already giddy!

2. Michael Cera

Speaking of comedians, he’s one of my favorites. I wish I were friends with Michael. He’s the ultimate best guy friend, with his adorable self-consciousness, quick-wittedness, shy guy sensitivity and a most unexpected funny streak. He’s effortlessly talented,  cute and seems very genuine. I love him. I want to hug him. The only downside with Cera, is that he seems to play the same role in virtually every movie I’ve seen him in. Across the board, from Superbad to Juno to Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist, there’s really been little divergence between each character. As appealing as it is, I hope this won’t limit him for future roles.

3. Will Smith

On the streets he’s known as the Fresh Prince, but in Hollywood, he’s the King of the box office. Starring in one blockbuster after the next, Mr. Independence Day definitely deserves his reign. One of the most charming, versatile actors, Will can pretty much do it all. Rumour has it he’s in the running for People magazine’s sexiest man alive. I think he’s the best guy for it, and not because I think he’s THE sexiest man (people say he looks like my brother!) but his overall multi-layered appeal does make him a worthy candidate for the title. I just love Will Smith. Love him!

4. Cillian Murphy

I won’t lie. I haven’t seen many of his films and I first discovered him in Batman Begins. And that did it for me. Red Eye came next, and although less impressive, it was still worthwhile to see him in a starring role. You might imagine how happy I was to see his one-liner appearance in the Dark Knight. I’m just wondering why I haven’t seen him since. He has a distinct, attractively ambiguous look about him that would make him suitable for many different characters – hero, villain, boyfriend, even a dolled up trans-gender (as seen in Breakfast on Pluto), he seems totally unafraid to embrace the different aspects of acting, and his chameleon-esque capabilities are what continually add to his appeal. That, and those beautiful, spell-binding eyes.

5. Macaulay Culkin

I would certainly love to see Culkin make a big-screen come back. One of the best child actors of his generation, it’s a shame the personal problems overshadowed his fame.  He’s always struck me as an intelligent thespian, a cut above his child-actor peers. I still think he’s cool. And he was good friends with Michael Jackson!

6. Robert Downey Jr.

Oh RDJ, what can I say? He’s been around for a while but manages to stay so charmingly youthful. Granted, his career experienced a major rejuvenation thanks to Iron Man, but he’s had his share of critical acclaim in films like Charlie Chaplin and one of my personal favorites, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, forming one half of the best on-screen duo ever (with Val Kilmer). I can’t wait to see him next in The Soloist with Jamie Foxx. I love hearing him talk.

7. Tom Welling

Right after Batman, Superman is my favorite super hero. I LOVE Tom Welling (aka Smallville’s Clark Kent). Easily one of the best looking men I’ve ever seen in my life. Now, I don’t usually like to apply unrealistic standards of perfection to people, but let’s be superficial for a second: Tom Welling is perfect. He’s the ultimate male specimen, if there were ever such a thing. I’m talking the alpha male-protector with the chiseled body and distinguished, masculine features. I’ll admit that I usually don’t go for these types, but if you’re going to embody the legendary man of steel…then well, Tom’s the real deal. Biggest casting mistake? Brandon Routh as Superman. Seriously folks, Superman is an action figure, not a barbie doll!

8. Ryan Gosling

He is, in my opinion, the better of our two famous  Canadian Ryans. (Ryan Reynolds?) He may have swept us away in the Notebook, but I was more fascinated by his portrayal of the socially-inept loner in Lars and the Real Girl. His depiction of a drug-addict school teacher in Half Nelson amassed widespread praise, as well as an Oscar nomination for best actor. I still can’t believe he was THAT guy from Breaker High.

9. Emile Hirsch

I have a weakness for brunettes (okay that was irrelevant). His overall demeanour is endearing and his looks are sublime, kind of reminds me of Leonardo Di Caprio, but mellower. He gave a riveting performance in Sean Penn’s “Into the Wild”, a true story based on Chris McCandless, a university graduate who forsakes the material world to find solace in Alaska. In Alpha Dog he took on the role of real life drug-dealer Jesse James. He most recently appeared in Milk (another Sean Penn association) as a gay rights activist. Next up? A vietnam vet in the movie Woodstock. There’s great potential here and he seems to already be setting himself apart from other pretty faces. Given the right material, Emile will surely emerge with something quite memorable.

10. Ethan Hawke

My favorite professor at McGill once invited Ethan Hawke as a special guest for a class session to discuss his novel Ash Wednesday.  Sadly, I was not enrolled in the course at that time. Legend has it Hawke was eloquent, humble and genuinely engaging. I immediately went on to rent Reality Bites to make up for the lost years. Haven’t seen him since “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” (which he was great in) but I look forward to seeing more from him in the near future.

11. Leonardo DiCaprio

It’s safe to say his heart-throb status has peaked, (Romeo and Juliet, Titanic) but his skills seem to be on a continual incline. I never quite boarded the crazy fanatic bandwagon, but I always admired him as an actor, even more so in his later years, especially in the Departed. I consider it his come-back film, an indication of his maturation and dedication to his craft. He’s an intensely talented actor, especially when you consider his earlier, less commercial successes (ie: What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, This Boy’s Life).

12. Jonah Hill

I’m a big fan of the Judd Apatow crew, and one of the main reasons is Jonah Hill. He was superb in Superbad, and despite a smaller role he was even more memorable in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. I’m not a huge fan of over the top, slap-stick comedy, so I appreciate Jonah’s more subtle but distinguishable brand of humour. He’s the right mixture of crude and cute, and I really hope he doesn’t change (ie: I hope he doesn’t undergo the Jason Biggs weight-loss transformation and become boring). He’s featured next in another Apatow production, “Funny People” starring fellow alum Seth Rogen and Adam Sandler.

13. Katt Williams

If Katt Williams is in a film, I am definitely in. Though he’s usually relegated to peripheral roles he manages to somehow steal the show. Most memorable moment? Money Mike in Friday After Next. And though First Sunday was a total tanker, his minor role provided enough comic relief. Okay, maybe not enough, because I feel he never gets the screen time he deserves and that’s a shame because Kat is a true comedian.  Being one of my favorite stand up guys,  I feel that he can do no wrong.  With the exception of “Internet Dating” (which thankfully I did not pay to see) Katt is always a laugh and a half.

14. Keanu Reeves

Okay, so he’s not exceedingly talented. But there’s something about Keanu that keeps reeling me in. I can overlook the embarassingly robotic line recitals, the lack of emotion and the feeling that he doesn’t seem to really try…because despite all of that, it’s Keanu Reeves. If I were a Hollywood celeb, he’s the man I’d like to have on my arm at premieres and red carpet events. As corny as it sounds, he captivated me in the Lake House (yes, I actually liked this movie) and he’s been on my radar ever since. Maybe they should try casting him in a non-speaking role, where the only requirements would be to smile and stare longingly…at the camera. Yeah, that would be box office gold!

15. Johnny Depp

Here’s a classic actor who’s always full of surprises and rarely disappoints. Who doesn’t like Johnny Depp? He entertains, he intrigues, and sure is visually pleasing. Even though I’m not a huge Depp-devotee, I can’t deny him the Hollywood top dog distinction, at least when it comes to depicting eccentric characters. From the endearingly bizaare Edward Scissorhands, to the comically mischievious Jack Sparrow, Depp is a master of his craft. The question is, when will the Oscars recognize this and reward him accordingly?

16. Elijah Wood

Elijah paid his dues way before donning the Hobbit suit. And boy, did I ever love that little hobbit. Now 28, Elijah was already garnering critical praise in his early teens. I don’t know why, but he’s another one I’d like to be friends with in real life…dude seems so nice! I’ll admit his cannabilistic turn in Sin City creeped me out, but that’s just a testament to his talent and his acting range. Although I hope he never does anything like that again. Fortunately for me, he totally made up for it by providing the voice of  Mumble, the main penguin in the Oscar-nominated animated Happy Feet – I mean how cute was that? But yeah, Mr. Wood’s got the goods and I think it’s only a matter of time ’til he goes for gold at the Academies.

17. Brad Pitt

I  was debating whether or not to include Brad in the list, because whenever I mention him, people automatically assume I’m doing so for his looks. No, that’s what Keanu Reeves is for. Brad is different. I imbue a certain amount of respect in the films he does, and he’s done some great work in the past. But Brad has become so ubiquitous, he’s no longer a novelty. He’s Brad Pitt. The quintessential GQ-cover-model-married-to-Angelina-Jolie Brad Pitt. Of course, this doesn’t mean his talents have no merit, for they surely do. He’s been nominated for several awards, most recently an Oscar for his work in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which reaffirmed my appreciation for two reasons: his impeccable acting; his eternal good-looks.

18. Denzel Washington

He is fierce. A major force in the film industry, his name alone commands attention and respect. And with multiple award-winning performances, he’s one of Hollywoods’ most renowned actors. This might sound lame, but one of my favorite Denzel films is “Remember the Titans”, even though his Oscar win was for Malcolm X, widely received as one of the best films of the 90′s. I don’t think there’s a cooler name than “Denzel”. I’ll probably name my kid Denzel as well.

19. John Cho

An asian actor who’s not a martial arts master – I love it! I tend to fancy the funny guys and Mr. Cho’s got some serious jokes, most notably with his work in the Harold and Kumar series. Granted, his character was the more sensible of the two, but he’s been known to wild out in other roles, particularly for a small cameo in Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. That was pretty awesome. Now I know what you’re thinking – how could I include John Cho and not Kal Penn, right? I know, I know…trust me, I debated over this for a while. I mean, they’re both cool and there is no Harold without Kumar, and no doubt Kal Penn is extremely funny as well. Twenty-five is an arbitrary number, but that’s the limit I’ve placed on myself. So, after thinking it through, I’ve settled on the one defining factor that places John Cho on this list: His character in American Pie was the first to use the term MILF. Yup!

20. Jack Black

I like comedians, I think that’s pretty evident by now. And Jack Black is a class act! I know he can be a little over the top sometimes, and even a bit annoying and some might even say over-rated. But he always makes me laugh. I think it’s his facial expressions, those goofy exaggerated smiles and eye-brow furls that are so trademark Jack. I also have to mention that Kung Fu Panda is one of my favorite animated movies of all time.

21. Benicio Del Toro

Ok, full disclosure, the only film of his I’ve seen is Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. So why am I including him on this list? Other than to make myself look cooler, I hear he’s quite flawless in the movie Che (playing the revolutionary Che Guevara of course) – and I hope to see that very soon. There, a little honesty never hurt nobody!

22. Santiago Cabrera

I loved him in Heroes. Isaac Mendez was my favorite character, even though his ability was among the least desirable (an artist whose heroin-induced paintings foretold the future) but he was so cool, with his Lower Manhattan loft and his artsy detachment. But because Isaac was so mercilessly killed off from the show with no sign of resurgence despite Hiro Nakamura’s time-travelling abilities, I wasn’t sure when Santiago would ever have any small screen presence again. Well, thanks to that little four-hour film called “Che”, he’s gracing the big screen, and I’m certainly cool with that. With his hot Chilean features, how could anyone deny this man a leading role, or even a supporting role. Heck, I’d watch him if he were just an extra.

23. Zachary Quinto

Well, since we’re on the subject of Heroes, I may as well throw in another alum. As much as he freaks me out, I like Sylar, because Zachary Quinto does such a great job of being so terrifying. I’ve never ever seen any Star Trek in my life, but seeing him play the young Spock gives me enough incentive to check out the movie.

24. James Franco

He’s hot, but not too hot. Seductive yet seemingly approachable. He can simultaneously be the guy next door and the man of your dreams. He can play a romantic Tristan or a rebel James Dean. But most importantly he can even be your stoner homie, replete with all the bromance sensitivity (as seen in the crappily amusing “Pineapple Express”). I first took notice of him in Spiderman, where the attraction was immediate. But it was his cameo in Knocked Up that made me see he was more than just another hot guy – he was actually funny. That’s a killer combo!

25. Heath Ledger

I know, having Heath Ledger on this list doesn’t make any sense…there’s no point.  But to put it cheesily: “Movie tickets: 10$…seeing Heath Ledger perform another cinematic feat: priceless”. What can I say? I was teary-eyed when he won for best supporting actor. It was well-deserved. I think Kevin Kline summed it up best at this year’s Oscars:

“Menacing, mercurial, droll and diabolical, Heath Ledger as The Joker in The Dark Knight kept us all on edge, anxious to see what act of appalling mischief he might commit next… With this … performance, as well as with a wide range of other roles to which he put his unique signature, Heath Ledger has left us an original and enduring legacy.”

So that does it, there’s my list. Anyone in particular I miss?

Thanks for reading!

It conjures up residual memories of Batman fleeing from those ferocious hounds like a shadowy vigilante escaping his fate, vanishing into the darkness. The orchestra wails a commanding masterpiece, like a roaring gust of wind ascending from beneath his cape, lifting him from the murky depths of a dark, despondent city only to have him diminish into the shadows – banished into an oblivion, a fate unfitting for a hero. Because he is, as the narration goes, ” the hero that Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now”, and the music thunders on, tumbling like the stony hedges off a rocky mountain. “And so we’ll hunt him, because he can take it”, the symphony escalates, suspending my heart like a pendulum swaying slowly, heavily to the haunting ambient. “He’s not a hero”, the vibrational forces now pulling me into a gripping entanglement of awe, anticipation and calm excitement, “He’s a silent guardian, a watchful protector… A DARK KNIGHT”. (Oohhh! In your face, Spiderman!) An epic ending befitting a grand tale of destruction and salvation, of a protagonist waging an internal battle between good and evil, condemned to endure in solitude the haunting echoes of a city consumed by crime, continually caught in the crossfires of fear and chaos.

Wow. Quite an extraordinary movie indeed, bolstered by an astounding soundtrack.  And as the last scene demonstrates, the music really is the element that makes it all happen.

According to various sources such as variety.com, the two are set to star in the onscreen adaptation of Brian Burrough’s “Public Enemies”, about the downfall of the notorious depression-era delinquents John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd.  Johnny Depp is slated to play John Dillinger, with Christian Bale on his trail as FBI agent Melvin Purvis.  I’m going to go on record right now and proclaim this the greatest cinematic pairing in Hollywood history. This is to movies what the Moonwalk is to music; it’s history-defining.

Of course, it only begs the question, “Why hadn’t anyone thought of this earlier?” There’s never been a more logical on-screen combination. Both actors are arguably among the more revered of Tinsel-town’s leading men. Both consistently deliver praise-worthy performances, often in edgier, complicated roles; both exude a subdued superstar quality combining cult-hero cool with mainstream magnetism. And both, in their own undefinable manner are just downright desirable. (Although I’m leaning more towards Christian Bale on this one!)

I honestly don’t think it can get any better than this. I mean, this duo alone outdoes the entire Ocean’s ensemble. (Hey, I don’t mind seeing Brad, George et. al onscreen, but that’s been done three times already!) Not to mention, the supporting cast for ‘Enemies’ includes Stephen Dorff (over whom I swooned during the Aerosmith-era), Giovanni Ribisi, Channing Tatum, Jason Clark and the the beautiful best actress Oscar winner, Marion Cotillard to smooth out the ruggedly resplendent roster.

The fate of the film lies at the helm of director Michael Mann, but with such immense talent at his disposal, this ingenius idea is guaranteed to be virtually fail-proof. However, if that doesn’t work, there’s always the batman/scissorhands storyline!