Top 13 Favorite Actors

The following is a list of my Top 13 Favorite Actors at this very moment.

NOTE: The list is subject to change. The list is not solely based on acting ability; it is also based on likability and nostalgia. The list is in no particular order with the exception of the number 1 actor; he is the best so he deserves to be placed in the top spot. The list almost included Alan Arkin, Damian Lewis, Dule Hill & Jeff Bridges; however it does not.*

Austin Comic Con (2012)

13. LeVar Burton

First on my radar for: Reading Rainbow (TV)

Most memorable role: Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: TNG (TV)

Additional works of note: Perception (TV), Christy (TV), Roots (TV)

I wasn't much of a reader when I was a wee little one, LeVar Burton changed that. Although he was technically a host and not an actor on Reading Rainbow, he won my heart and made me a fan. Then he had to go and be Geordi on Star Trek: TNG. I have no idea how he was able to act so well with a little girl's plastic headband across his eyes, but man did he ever. It was his time as Georgi that made me a fan for life. It would make my year, if he was able to replace Alex Trebek as the host of Jeopardy. But you don't have to take my word for it...

Fearless Hyena (1979)

12. Jackie Chan

First on my radar for:  Cannonball Run II (1984)

Most memorable role: Shing Lung in Fearless Hyena (1979)

Additional works of note: The Forbidden Kingdom (2008), Rush Hour 2 (2001), Rush Hour (1998), Rumble in the Bronx (1995), Supercop (1992), Operation Condor (1991), The Young Master (1980), Drunken Master (1978), Snake in Eagles Shadow (1978), and Shaolin Wooden Men (1976)

I like to say that Jackie Chan has the biggest fan base in the world as though it's a fact. I'm pretty sure it's not true but I refuse to stop saying it. If I am ever in a funk, I can pop in a Jackie Chan film and feel better in no time. He has charisma and a very flexible body. He's impressive, so much so that I read his biography. It made me even more impressed with him.

A Dangerous Method (2011)

11. Michael Fassbender

First on my radar for: Band of Brothers (TV)

Most memorable role: Lt. Archie Hicox in Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Additional works of note: Prometheus (2012), Haywire (2011), Shame (2011), A Dangerous Method (2011), Hunger (2008), 300 (2006), and Agatha Christie's Poirot: After the Funeral (TV)

Fassbender is more than just a perfect face and a large member. He's a man with natural acting ability. He's got pep. That's right, pep. He is the best part of two sub-par films: Prometheus and X-Men: First Class. I think that says something, something wonderful.

2046 (2004)

10. Tony Leung Chiu Wai

First on my radar for: Hard Boiled (1992)

Most memorable role: Cop 663 in Chungking Express (1994)

Additional works of note: 2046 (2004), Infernal Affairs (2002), Hero (2002), In the Mood for Love (2000), and Happy Together (1997)

Tony Leung can express just about any emotion one can think of and make me feel what he looks like he is feeling. I'm not straight out saying he is a master of mind control or anything, but I wouldn't put it past him. 

Fortysomething (TV)

9. Stephen Fry

First on my radar for: A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

Most memorable role: Reginald Jeeves in Jeeves and Wooster (TV)

Additional works of note: QI (TV), Bones (TV), Kingdom (TV), V for Vendetta (2005), Fortysomething (TV), Bright Young Things (2003), Spice World (1997), A Bit of Fry and Laurie (TV), Cold Comfort Farm (1995), Peter's Friends (1992), and The Young Ones (TV)

Stephen Fry is a masterful entertainer. I'll watch just about anything he is a part of. He's so full of wit, he makes me both jealous and enchanted. He is also a frank and captivating writer. I've read his memoir, Moab is my Washpot. He is so very open in that book, that I feel like I know better than I know most of my friends. Although I'm intimidated by his talent, I would love to meet him and have a long conversation with him. It would be nice to hear his voice in person. It would be even nicer if he would come over to my house at least once a week and read me bedtime stories. But I digress...

The Big Lebowski (1998)

8. John Goodman

First on my radar for: Revenge of the Nerds (1984)

Most memorable role: Dan Conner and Adult D.J. of Roseanne (TV)

Additional works of note: Argo (2012), Red State (2011), The West Wing (TV), The Big Lebowski (1998), Fallen (1998), The Hudsucker Proxy (1994), Barton Fink (1991), and Always (1989)

John Goodman was the reason that I watched Roseanne. I think that's explanation enough.

White Christmas (1954)

7. Danny Kaye

First on my radar for: White Christmas (1954)

Most memorable role: Walter Mitty in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947)

Additional works of note: The Cosby Show (TV), The Court Jester (1955), The Inspector General (1949), and The Kid from Brooklyn (1946)

Danny Kaye has the same birthday as I do, different year but you get the idea. That's not actually the reason he made it to my favorite list. Kevin Costner has the same birthday as I do too, and you won't be seeing him on the list. Kaye was the cream of the crop. He was quirky and at the same time a model of excellence in his field. There aren't many Christmas movies that are actually good out there. And I'm not entirely convinced that White Christmas is that good of a film, but I know that Danny Kaye made it a film I could watch over and over again. The man was gifted. May he rest in peace. 

Miss Potter (2006)

6. Ewan MacGregor

First on my radar for: Trainspotting (1996)

Most memorable role: Curt Wild in Velvet Goldmine (1998)

Additional works of note: Haywire (2011), Beginners (2010), The Ghost Writer (2010), Angels and Demons (2009), I Love you Phillip Morris (2009), Miss Potter (2006), Big Fish (2003), Little Voice (1998), and The Pillow Book (1996)

Ewan McGregor is fun to watch... Before Star Wars: Episode 1 came out, I was pretty happy that he was able to play Obi-Wan Kenobi. After Episode 1 came out, I was just happy that he was a good enough actor to still get work.

Rushmore (1998)

5. Bill Murray

First on my radar for: Ghostbusters (1984)

Most memorable role: Carl Spackler in Caddyshack (1980)

Additional works of note: Moonrise Kingdom (2012), Zombieland (2009), The Darjeeling Limited (2007), Broken Flowers (2005), The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), Lost in Translation (2003), Rushmore (1998), Groundhog Day (1993), Scrooged (1988), Tootsie (1982), and Saturday Night Live (TV)

For a large part of my childhood I thought that I wanted to marry Bill Murray. Turns out, I really wanted to marry Dr. Peter Venkman. It'd be pretty cool to marry a Ghostbuster. Am I right or am I right?
Anyway, I didn't think it was possible but Murray gets better with age. Moonrise Kingdom is proof of that.

Wild Target (2009)

4. Bill Nighy

First on my radar for: Underworld (2003)

Most memorable role: Philip in Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Additional works of note: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), Glorious 39 (2009), Wild Target (2009), Hot Fuzz (2007), Notes on a Scandal (2006), The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (2005), and Love Actually (2003)

Bill Nighy made it onto my favorites list because he is so dang likable. He is an enigmatic actor. I love his voice and the way he moves his body. He is a scene stealer in almost every film he's in and I see that as a good thing. 

Django Unchained (2012)

3. Christoph Waltz

First on my radar for: Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Most memorable role: Dr. King Schultz in Django Unchained (2009)

Additional works of note: Carnage (2011), and The Green Hornet (2011)

Christoph Waltz makes me want to learn to speak German...for real this time. He's an Austrian actor who can actually act, unlike a certain former Governor of California. Waltz has a knack for coming across as both arrogant and endearing. Quentin Tarantino clearly likes him...why shouldn't I? 

Smart People (2008)

2. Thomas Haden Church

First on my radar for: Wings (TV)

Most memorable role: Lowell Mather in Wings (TV)

Additional works of note: We Bought a Zoo (2011), Killer Joe (2011), Easy A (2010), Smart People (2008), Sideways (2004), Rolling Kansas (2003), 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001), and Ned and Stacy (TV)

I feel like Thomas Haden Church is the most underrated actor on my list. He's clever, crafty, and charming. I like him for a lot of the same reasons people don't like him. And I'm fine with that. He is a great actor with a great voice and a sharp mind.  

Batman Begins (2005)

1. Gary Oldman

First on my radar for: Dracula (1992)

Most memorable role: Drexyl Spivey in True Romance (1993)

Additional works of note: Lawless (2012), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), The Dark Knight (2008), Batman Begins (2005), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Hannibal (2001), Nobody's Baby (2001), Lost in Space (1998), Air Force One (1997), The Fifth Element (1997), Murder in the First (1995), Immortal Beloved (1994), Leon: The Professional (1994), JFK (1991), Prick Up Your Ears (1987), and Sid and Nancy (1986)

Gary Oldman is by far the best actor alive today. He is Sid Vicious, Beethoven, Pontius Pilate, Commissioner Gordon, and Dracula. He didn't just play these characters; he is them. It is difficult for me to put into words how extraordinary Oldman truly is. He's the real deal. The fact that he has never won an Oscar is either an absurdity or a badge of honor. I haven't decided which it is yet. One thing I am certain of is that Oldman has a great head of hair. You know that's right.

These are my favorites right now. Who are yours?

*Rupaul did not make it on to this list, but my favoritism and judging is somewhat inspired by Ru yet again.

FLIGHT

It's weird and upsetting to know that Flight was directed by Robert Zemeckis. The man made Back to the Future and Castaway, proof positive he can make films with interesting characters, good pacing, and few wasted moments. Neither of those films could be considered the best ever made, but they were certainly made right. Flight? This film is just made wrong. It is proof positive Zemeckis can also make films with predominately uninteresting characters, horrible pacing, and bucket loads of wasted moments.

Denzel Washington plays Whip Whitaker an alcoholic airline pilot who happens to pull off an impressive in-air maneuver/crash landing that makes him a hero. But this isn't really what the film is about; it's about Whip's crash and burn with his addiction to drugs and alcohol. The breakdown of his character is more important than the plot and that's a pity because the plot is intriguing while Whip Whitaker is not. He is an irksome character who comes across as frustratingly boring. When it came to the acting, Washington was convincing as a pilot. But Washington as an addict? Not so much. Yes, he looked drunk and had dark circles under his eyes for much the movie, but I’m pretty sure my 12 year old nephew could have done just as good a job given the chance. I know, my young nephew would have been a strange casting choice but if it had been him playing the part, I probably would have cared a tad bit more about Whip. And I probably wouldn’t have found myself making imaginary casting changes and hoping his story would quite stalling and end already.

(Paramount Pictures)

Writer John Gatins must have realized Whip was too insipid to carry the whole film, so he sprinkled in a variety of characters to add depth and prop Whip’s story up. This doesn't work out too well with his ex-wife and son. And it certainly doesn’t work with the flight attendant he was sleeping with (I think her name is 'naked chick' or something similar to that). Of course, they aren’t as extraneous as the character Nicole, played by Kelly Reilly. Nicole is a recovering heroine addict who, I'm sure, was in the film solely to help develop Washington's character. She has a substantial amount of screen time in the film, most of which feels wasted. The funny thing is Whip meets her at the same time he meets a cancer patient who seems to do more to affect Whip in three minutes than she does in her exorbitant screen time. But for as much as I don't care for her being a part of Whip's story I would rather watch a movie about Nicole, the addict, than Whip Whitaker, the addict.

The characters who actually do add something of interest to the film are played by Don Cheadle, John Goodman, and Brian Geraghty. They have the best bits, but they are few and far between. Their characters are written well and played superbly. None of them are enough to save the film from being the life-sucking machine that it is though. To be honest, the plane inversion and crash scene isn't enough either. And that scene comes so early in this considerably long, drawn-out film, it gives a false sense of awesome. Flight is a flimflam of a film. That is all.