Anthony Hopkins
What can I say? Anthony Hopkins is so inspiring on so many levels. He's intelligent, cultured, versatile, and one hell of an actor. He's an actor with a strong presence. He draws you into the movie before you can even realize that you're unable to take your eyes off of the screen. I have yet to see all of his movies, but the ones that I have seen have been terrific.
Movies to see: Fracture, Meet Joe Black, The Edge.
I discovered this actor with Gladiator (one of my favorite movies, if you ever ask me). Simply fell in love with his character in the movie and ever since then I admire his talents. I don't know what really to say, only that he's not your typical Hollywood actor. He has raw talent that doesn't feed itself only on looks and charm. And I am so glad that "rapper beard dude" was a prank.
Movies to see: Gladiator, Walk the Line.
I could not mention Joaquin Pheonix without mentioning Russel Crowe. Yes, I also came to notice him in Gladiator. (Forgive me!) There's no doubt this actor has talent and presence, but I also can't omit the fact that his voice is divine. The perfect example of how a deep but gentle voice can melt your heart! If you're a gal like me, that is. Anyway, silliness aside ---Russel Crowe has such a stage presence and is a great storyteller as well.
Movies to see: Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, Robin Hood*
*Robin Hood isn't really my favorite at all. But I thought why not mention it since it's.. recent?
This guy is such a sweetheart. Maybe it's because I grew up with his movies since Forrest Gump that I like him so much. 'Don't know. All I can say is that Tom Hanks is almost always good. Not only is he a great actor, but a great producer of movies and mini-series.
Movies to see: Forrest Gump, Catch Me If You Can, Cast Away.
Most know this Texan guy for being the lady charmer of romantic comedies, but there's two sides to every coin! I like him for both, although I admit I've watched quite a few chick flicks because of him. His charm and looks are hard to resist, being so laid back and confident. Movies that I mention here are just my personal favorites.
Movies to see: Contact, Wedding Planner, A Time to Kill* * Haven't seen "A Time to Kill" yet, but according to my dad it's a good movie.
OK, to be honest -- I was itching to put him up first. But I resisted! Anybody who knows me well enough when it comes to actors will know I am crazy about Jude Law. But aside from being a perfect combo of genetics and, in my opinion, a could be royal for being so physically perfect, he is also a wonderful actor.
Movies to see: Alfie, Artificial Intelligence: A.I., Gattaca, The Aviator,
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow*
I think it was when he started doing movies that played in the 40s and 50s that he really won me over. He has such a passion for acting-- you can just see it in his eyes. He's dedicated to his roles and really makes an effort to live in the mind of each. And it all comes out as being effortless. That's true talent right there.
Movies to see: Catch Me If You Can, The Aviator, Revolutionary Road*, Inception.
* A beautiful movie in a sense that it is a piece of art and the actors are amazing in it. But be sure you have something that will definitely cheer you up afterwards, because it's quite the sad story and may catch you off guard.
What's not to like about Will Smith? He's versatile not only in his comedies but also in his more dramatic films. I don't remember when I started as a fan of Will Smith-- it just sneaked in unnoticed, honestly. Though no doubt it has been quite a few years since! For me, he's another talented actor (and musically too!) who has worked very hard to get where he is now and it's a treat to watch.
Movies to see: Hitch, Pursuit to Happiness, Men in Black, I- Robot, Seven Pounds*
*A gut wrenching movie that left me disturbed for a couple days. So I have mixed feelings about this one.
