Everyone has Favorites

The definition of a movie star has changed somewhat over the years. It seems to me that back in the "golden age" of Hollywood, movie stars like Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Doris Day, and Bela Lagousi were bigger-than-life royalty. With the advent of cable television, satellite television, movieplexes with 20 theaters, behind-the-scenes DVD features, and the internet, our culture is super-saturated and overexposed to media.

In the Jackass and reality tv era, where are the true "movie stars"? Even the term "movie star" has all but lost it's glamour in my book. Well, the true movie stars are still there. They're just somewhat overwhelmed with all other media images.

Here are my top five favorite (current) film actors. These are the ones who are the most compelling, most consistently good acting, and have the most "movie star" factor, in my opinion. They're not just "actors", but movie stars.
(These are just the males, I'll save the starlets for a different blog.)

5. Samuel L. Jackson
Okay, so maybe the new Shaft movie was sort of a flop. But, Samuel L. Jackson has proven himself over the years as a man who transcends "actor" status. With a legendary performance in Pulp Fiction, he became instant A-list. I don't think I've ever seen a Sam Jackson performance I didn't like. His aura is bigger than the silver screen. Remember Unbreakable, Coach Carter, Changing Lanes, and The Negotaitor? He also spread his talents to animated features with The Incredibles, and became a new pop culture icon in the new Star Wars films. Samuel L. Jackson is platinum.

4. Johnny Depp
When The Pirates of Caribbean launched Johnny Depp to a new level of platinum, he won critical acclaim and the hearts of so many moviegoers. The character of Captain Jack Sparrow has become something of a pop culture icon in and of itself. However, my love for Depp spans back to the days of Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, and Blow. Depp has earned the label of being the outlaw movie star with the heart of a beatnik. But, those labels are true. Depp is an artist who has become one of the biggest movie stars alive by following his heart. You can't beat that. And, he's probably in the top three film actors of all time, in my book. He is in the same realm as Peter O'Toole, Marlon Brando, or James Dean.

3. Wilem DaFoe
Beginning his career in experimental improvisational groups, Wilem DaFoe developed a work eithic that drives him to do anything for his art. He is also an actor who brings to mind the word "imagination". His characters are distinct, bold, and DaFoe openly takes risks. His performance in Shadow of the Vampire is one of my favorites of all time. He was also born to play the Green Goblin in Spiderman. He continues to choose unique and fascinating films. He strikes me as the modern day Peter O'Toole. Eccentric, unique, and brilliant.

2. Bill Murray
This one is a no-brainer to me. Begining as a funny man in the early years of Saturday Night Live, Murray proved himself an endearing and lovable goofball. In recent years, however, he has gained the credibility he deserves for being a wonderful actor and a compelling screen presence. Ghostbusters, Scrooged, What About Bob?, Groundhog Day, Ed Wood, Charlie's Angels, and Wild Things were only the beginning. He has gained a whole new status in films like Rushmore, Royal Tenanbaums, Hamlet, and of course Lost In Translation. Lost In Translation is one of my favorite films, due in large part to Bill Murray. Want to see a fun-loving goofball? Watch What About Bob? Want to see brilliant and subtle technique? Watch Hamlet. Bill Murray is a platinum movie star.

1. Will Ferrell
This guy is one of the best. Don't be surprised if he earns Oscar recognition one day. How can every single word that comes out of someone's mouth be so honkin' hilarious? Whenever Ferrell is on the screen, I'm captivated and laughing incontrollably. Another Saturday Night Live alumni, he has successfully earned an A-list status. And, he's got the talent to last for many years. I look forward to watching him continue to make teriffic choices. I could list all his upcoming and current films, but you get the idea.

Honorable mentions: Tom Cruise, Al Pacino, and Robert DeNiro. I mean, come on.