Happy Birthday Colin Firth!

There are actors or actresses I tend to look for in movies and TV; if I see them I usually know whether it is going to be good or bad. One such actor I have admired for years, whose birthday is today, is Colin Firth. Whether he is wooing hearts, being dramatic or making audiences laugh Firth has always been an actor audiences have loved for many years. Today on his 58th birthday we are going to take a look at some of Firth’s film and TV career and what is worth watching.

Pride and Prejudice miniseries. Firth had been acting in films and television prior for some time, but his career skyrocketed after this 1995 miniseries about the beloved Jane Austin novel. Despite his objections at first Firth was cast as the male lead character Mr. Darcy, a man who becomes the main love interest and annoyance of Elizabeth Bennet. Critics and audiences loved him, particularly the famous scene at the lake, and Firth’s career has never been the same since. In a twist of fate if it wasn’t for this miniseries author Helen Fielding may never have written her famous Bridget Jones books and we wouldn’t have had some of the more memorable performances of Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant and of course Firth.

Shakespeare in Love. It might be odd to see Firth in a villainous like role, but that is exactly what he was in this 1998 romantic drama film. Firth portrays Lord Wessex, an aristocrat who intends to keep his betrothed Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow) close by. However he might be thwarted because Viola, who disguises as a man to participate in a play, has fallen in love with William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes). Firth hasn’t played many villains in his career so it was interesting to see him in this role. I kinda hope he plays more villains in the future.

Bridget Jones Diary franchise. A more modern take on Jane Austin’s Pride & Prejudice, with Firth playing a very similar role. Here he is Mark Darcy (the last name speaks for itself), an old family friend of Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger). In the first film, released in 2001, they at first do not get along, but anyone familiar with the story knows how it goes. Throughout the first film and the two sequels, released in 2004 and in 2016 respectively, Mark and Bridget’s relationship has ups and downs (and other men), but at the end of the day they were meant to be. Firth is spectacular as Mark and had excellent chemistry with Zellweger.

Love Actually. One of the go-to romantic comedies, as well as Christmas movies. This 2003 British film has so many stars and love stories, but Firth still manages to stand out. He stars as Jamie, a writer whose heart is broken when he discovers his girlfriend is sleeping with his brother. Retreating to his French cottage Jamie meets the new housekeeper Aurélia (Lúcia Moniz). Despite not speaking the same language Jamie and Aurélia fall in love. Firth is one of my favorite actors/characters in this movie and watching him overcome heartbreak and fall in love again is just so sweet to watch. Firth would reprise his role for the Red Nose Day special.

What a Girl Wants. If younger generations were not familiar with Firth they may have been after watching this 2004 teen movie. Firth plays Henry Dashwood, a wealthy lord running for the House of Commons with the promise of becoming Prime Minister. However his past comes back when his long lost daughter Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes) arrives in England to finally meet him. Henry must come to terms with what he really wants, and Daphne might just the key to figuring it all out. Firth is downright hysterical in this movie (there is a scene with him in leather pants, enough said there.) He also comes off as a great father figure to Amanda Bynes’s character. This is a great movie for a girl’s night in.

Nanny McPhee. Like in the previous film Firth plays a father trying to do what is right for his children, but this time he gets a little help. This 2005 film stars Firth as Cedric Brown a widowed undertaker with seven nasty and unruly children during Victorian England. Desperate he hires Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson) to help take care of his children; which she does with a little magic. Cedric is told by his late wife’s wealthy aunt if he doesn’t marry soon she will take away the children and their home. Firth is pretty funny in this role as he somehow manages to keep the kids under control (some of the time.) Definitely a great family movie to keep an eye on.

Mamma Mia! Firth isn’t much of a singer, but that did not stop him from being cast in this 2008 guilty pleasure musical. Here Firth is Harry Bright, a banker and one of Sophie’s (Amanda Seyfried) possible dads. He seems to want to do the right thing if Sophie is his, and is probably the funnier of the other dads. Despite not having the greatest singing voice (which most of the cast doesn’t) Firth is still an absolute joy to watch. He would reprise his role in the 2018 sequel, and was still just as entertaining.

A Single Man. This 2009 drama based on the best-selling novel might not be as well-known as some of the other films on this list, but it was a major hit for Firth’s career. Nominated for his first Oscar for his part Firth portrays George Falconer a gay professor in 1962 who is struggling with depression after the death of his lover. The film was mostly well received, but the critics agreed that Firth’s performance stood out.

The King’s Speech. If there is one film with Colin Firth that will probably be viewed for many years it will without a doubt be this 2010 historical drama. Based on a true story Firth brilliantly performs as Prince Albert Duke of York, later named King George VI. With the help of his wife, the queen consort Elisabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), King George sees Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) a speech therapist. Seeing Firth’s character struggle with his stutter and the relationship he builds with Lionel is breathtaking, hence why Firth won the Oscar for Best Actor. Many years from now I believe we will look back on this performance as Firth’s best.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. There have been many versions of the famous 1974 novel by John le Carré, but this 2011 film is regarded as one of the better ones. Firth stars as Bill Haydon, the “Tailor” as he along with a team of spies trade secrets during the Cold War. Firth’s character is charming, but like most of the characters in here has a dark side. As stated in another film Firth doesn’t usually portray guys in bad lights, but he still stands out among a star filled cast including Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch.

The Kingsman franchise. When most think action movie star Colin Firth might not be the first or even fifth to come to mind. Yet in the Kingsman films he is not only funny but can kick butt or kill just as good as some of the best action stars (OK I admit it’s over the top but it is expected.) Firth plays Harry Hart aka Galahad, an agent of the Kingsman, an undercover intelligence service. In the 2014 film he recruits the son of a former student, Eggsy (Taron Egerton) to become a Kingsman. He appears to have been killed, but in the sequel, released in 2017, he makes a surprising comeback. While I don’t think Firth is doing action movies anytime soon, this showed he could not only do it, but do it well. Some of the best scenes are him with a straight face responding to a quip with one of his own (makes the scene that much better.)

Colin Firth is without question one of the best actors today and with films coming including Mary Poppins Returns and The Secret Garden his career is not slowing down anytime soon. Happy birthday Colin Firth!

Is there a Colin Firth performance not on this list but should be? What is your favorite film or TV appearance by Firth? Comment below please.

Photo is courtesy of IMDB. No copyright infringement is intended.

Happy Birthday Adam Sandler!

Adam Sandler is often considered to be one of the funniest actors in Hollywood today. Whether he is in front of the camera, producing or writing Sandler has been involved in a handful of the most hilarious and heartwarming movies in recent memory. A majority of his films might not be the most critically acclaimed, but audiences still loved Sandler’s performance. Today on his birthday we are going to take a look at some of Sandler’s greatest films and (regardless if the critics liked them) if they are worth watching.

Billy Madison. While he had acted for a long time prior to this 1995 film, it is often regarded as Sandler’s first major staring hit. He stars as Billy Madison, an irresponsible young heir to a Fortune 500 hotel company. When it is revealed he didn’t really pass school (any of them) and his father is considering passing him over for a greedy company man, Billy decides to enroll back in school and complete all 12 grades to prove he can take over the company. Much like most of his films on this list (and some that are not) this was not well liked by critics. That being said audiences loved the movie and Sandler’s film career has not slowed down.

Happy Gilmore. Some could almost easily compare this with Billy Madison, but this 1996 film still has its moments. Sandler plays Happy Gilmore, a hockey obsessed man who discovers his talent for golf. When his grandmother’s home is being repossessed Happy joins the Pro Golf Tour to earn enough money to help her; however his anger issues may cost him everything. Critics may have called the film forgettable, and filled with product placement, but it seems audiences remember this movie very well. The fight scene between Sandler and Bob Barker is iconic.

The Wedding Singer. One of the few well liked Sandler films by audiences and critics. In this 1998 romantic comedy Sandler portrays Robbie Hart, a wedding singer who is left on his own wedding day. In order to help him Julia Sullivan (Drew Barrymore) a waitress he befriends at wedding asks him to help her plan her own wedding to the horrible Glenn Gulia (Matthew Glave.) The two fall in love, but become conflicted because of Glenn. The Wedding Singer showcases a more romantic side of Sandler, as well as his musical talents. It was also the first of three films Sandler and Barrymore would do together; their chemistry and friendship is often praised by critics.

The Waterboy. This 1998 film is pretty iconic in Sandler’s career (good or bad depends on one’s interpretation). Here he is Bobby Boucher, a 31 year old man with limited social problems and a stutter. He lives at home with his over-protective mother (Kathy Bates) and works as a water-boy for the University of Louisiana. When he is fired after being bullied, Bobby is hired at a water-boy for the underdog South Central Louisiana State University. When he gets angry and tackles the quarterback for bullying him, the coach puts Bobby on the team. Many thought Sandler’s character was a throwback to one of his old SNL skits, but at the same time it is said unless you are a massive Sandler fan this one might not be worth watching.

50 Firsts Dates. Once again Sandler brings out his romantic side with his friend Drew Barrymore, but not in the way fans expected. This 2004 film has Sandler staring as Henry Roth who falls in love with a woman named Lucy. However because of an accident Lucy has short term memory loss and cannot remember anything from the previous day. Henry is determined to help Lucy fall in love with him every day. This is probably the more memorable films of Sandler and Barrymore’s films, as well as the more romantic. A perfect date night movies.

Click. Many fans of Sandler have said that this 2006 film was his last great hit (not that his films are bad but there are more misses than hits nowadays.) Sandler portrays Michael Newton; a guy who has seems to be stuck in life. He is pushed around at his job and doesn’t spend a lot of time with his family. One day he purchases a universal remote, only to discover it is an ordinary one. Instead of for a TV this remote can control life. Newton uses this for his advantage, but soon realizes it comes with a cost. The film is the only Sandler film to be nominated for an Oscar, and is often regarded as a heartwarming comedy.

Bedtime Stories. Critics may not have liked this 2008 Disney film of Sandler’s, but it is still fun to watch. Sandler stars as Skeeter Bronson who works at a hotel as the maintenance man and longs to one day own it, having been promised one day by the man who bought the hotel from Skeeter’s father. When his sister goes away to look for a job, Skeeter takes care of his niece and nephew along with her friend Jill (Keri Russell) whom Skeeter detests at first. Skeeter makes up bedtime stories, but allows the kids to join in. The next day Skeeter is shocked when the stories he tells actually come true for him, but only the parts the kids tell. It is definitely a cute movie and is nice to know Sandler can do a kids movie without a lot of toilet humor.

Hotel Transylvania series. With three hit animated movies this might be Sandler’s more successful movies in recent memory. He voices Dracula, the famous vampire who runs a monsters only hotel, and goes on some wacky adventures. In the first film, released in 2012, Drac has to cope with his daughter Mavis (Selena Gomez) falling in love with Johnny (Andy Samberg) a human. The second one released in 2015 has Drac and his friends trying to prove that Mavis and Johnny’s son (Drac’s grandson) Dennis is a vampire. The third, released in 2018 has Drac, his family and friends going on a cruise where he falls in love with the daughter of his longtime enemy Van Helsing. Sandler would not reprise Dracula in the fourth installment. The films have been well received by audiences, many praising Sandler’s voice acting as the vampire Count Dracula. Regardless which film it is they are perfect family friendly movies.

With these hits under his belt, Adam Sandler is one of Hollywood’s favorite funny men, and he is not slowing down anytime soon. Happy birthday Adam Sandler!

Is there an Adam Sandler film I missed on here? What is your favorite Adam Sandler movie? Please comment below.

Photo courtesy of IMDB. No copyright infringement is intended.

Happy Birthday to Jack Black!

An actor that can do it all in the entertainment business is hard to find. Very few men have accomplishments quite like Jack Black: acting, singing, comedy, voice over and songwriting. He has not only become a successful singer with his band Tenacious D, but has become one of the most sought after actors for comedic and children’s films. It is Black’s birthday and today we are going to take a look at some of Black’s most memorable roles throughout his career and how his performance helped elevate the film. Photo is courtesy of IMDB no copyright figment is intended.

High Fidelity. While Black had been acting for years many took notice of him after his role as Barry, a sales clerk with hilarious wit and a great musical performance in High Fidelity; some even saying he stole the show away from the main star John Cusack. Black is truly hilarious as a guy passionate about music. If people didn’t know who Black was before High Fidelity they knew him after his iconic performance of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.”

Shallow Hal. One of Black’s first leading roles, he plays Hal Larson a man who at first judges women based on appearances until he meets Rosemary, portrayed by Gwyneth Paltrow, a woman he believes is slender but is actually morbidly obese. The film received mixed reviews when it first released into theaters; many saying while the message is sweet the humor falls into the bland category. Black’s performance showed he had the potential being the lead, nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Favorite Male Comedy Actor; the film itself is great for a girl’s night.

School of Rock. If any film showed Black’s true potential as the male lead it is this one. Black is Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who takes a job as a substitute teacher, taking a job meant for his friend, for money but then meets extraordinary students gifted with music. Together they work to earn a place in the Battle of the Bands contest, but what started off as a lie turns real for Finn. This is Black’s most nominated role in his career so far, including two Teen Choice Awards, and a Golden Globe. This role not only showcased Black’s musical talent, his comedic personality, but it also showed when needed Black can be a serious actor when it comes to kids. It might even be argued that this is Black’s most iconic role to date in his career.

Shark Tale. This wasn’t Black’s first voice-over role, but it did open another door in Black’s career as a voice over actor. Black voices Lenny, a great white shark who is a vegetarian and helps Will Smith’s Oscar in continuing his lie as a shark slayer. Black’s performance as Lenny was one of the film’s more memorable roles, but his most iconic voice over role is yet to come.

King Kong. Black, in one of his few non-comedic or musical roles, brings out his more sinister side in this remake. As Carl Denham, Black portrays a man who is slowly losing his mind over his debts; wanting to make a movie about a dangerous island regardless of the safety of everyone and then bringing the gigantic Kong to the mainland. Black has said he based his performance on Orson Welles as a man who will do what he can to get to the end. Black also gets the most iconic line in the film of “beauty who killed the beast”. It was interesting for audiences to see Black not as a comedic sidekick or lovable lead but as a villain; nonetheless it was a spectacular job.

Nacho Libre. One of Black’s more memorable comedic roles; good or bad depends on the viewer’s interpretation. Black is Ignacio aka Nacho a luchador wrestler fighting to earn money for the monastery where he works as a cook. However wrestling is forbidden so he must keep his identity a secret. The film as well as Black’s performance received very mixed reviews from audiences and critics; many finding it either funny or offensive. Nonetheless Black received nominations from the Kids and Teen Choice Awards showing he can do films for kids.

The Holiday. If you were to hear about Jack Black in a romantic comedy you may not believe it but it is true as the role was written with Black in mind. He plays Miles, a song composer who helps Kate Winslet’s Iris adjust to life in Los Angeles; falling in love with her along the way. Black brought out his more adorable and charming side to the role, but also added in humor and audiences loved him.

Kung Fu Panda franchise. It is hard to imagine anyone else voicing Po, the lovable panda who was hand-picked to be the Dragon Master in the Kung Fu Panda films. As Po Black goes into his child-like humor and brings to life one of DreamWorks most popular (over course of three films and direct to DVD specials) and well-developed characters.

Tropic Thunder. Black was just one of the many critically praised performances of this funny comedy. Here he is Jeff Portnoy aka Fats in the film being filmed an actor fearing he is only famous because he is funny and has a drug problem. Black has so much adult humor in the film as an addict and has some of the weirdest/funniest lines in the movie; it’s hard not to laugh and shake your head at the same time.

Bernie. Black takes on the role of Bernie Tiede, a real life mortician who befriends an unlikable widow and then after having had enough of her manipulation kills her. Much to the dismay of the lawyer trying to put him away the town is on his side. Black once again received massive praise for his role in this black comedy as the nicest guy in town turned killer, earning his second Golden Globe nomination.

Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle. Many were uncertain about the Jumanji sequel when it was first announced, but any doubts were quickly silenced after audiences saw the film. Black stood out as he portrayed Professor Sheldon “Shelly” Oberon the avatar of Bethany Walker, a somewhat self absorbed teenage girl addicted to her phone. As strange as it sounds, Black’s portrayal as a teenage girl was downright hysterical in an already funny movie. The scene where Bethany has to learn to use how guys go to the bathroom had many clutching their sides laughing, along with his/her obvious crush on Nick Jonas’s avatar character Alex.

With these iconic roles under his belt and many more films on their way Jack Black’s career will continue to flourish and grow in the future. His next role will be as Jonathan Barnavelt in the upcoming adaption of the novel The House with a Clock in Its Walls. Happy Birthday to Jack Black!