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Ben Affleck is a highly underrated actor. His work in Dazed and Confused, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Shakespeare in Love, and Changing Lanes proves he can handle complex characters. It is unfortunate that his private life has been held against him.

I think his casting as the late George Reeves could be a turning point. If the script is good Affleck could bring real power to a character I suspect he might have some startling insights to. Considering the movie co-stars Adorien Brody I'm pretty sure the movie will be at least interesting.

Billy Bob Thornton is the best American actor working today. I know he's got an Oscar and all but I understand exactly what Angelina Jolie got all freaked out about. He's the last of the cowboy poets.

Jeff Bridges. His performance in "Fearless" was the best of the 90s.

Affleck is weak and he was the one who decided to throw his "private" life in everyone's face.

Does anyone know the background on Dave's Gary Oldman comments? I'd love to know that story...

I was intrigued by that as well lesterg. I had never heard that story before.

I remember the bad stories about his conduct on The Contender, but I never heard anything about him and A Beautiful Mind. I have a hard time imagining Oldman and Howard working well together.

In trashier news: does Katie Holmes get a bonus now? (Sorry)

Nice to seet Nivola and Witherspoon on the list. Overall great article.

Michael Keaton. Someone tell me why there hasn't been a Ray Nicolette movie?

(I do think Jeff Bridges is the undisputed champ of underrated. In fact, every time a movie of his comes out, someone mentions it.)

hurricanes have wiped me out these last few weeks...but must say big Up for the article on the underrateds and add a few more like Emily Watson (who really needs better work), Cillian Murphy, Kate Winslet, and yes I think Will Smith is underrated. Just because everyone likes him doesn't mean he's fluff and can't act.

Speaking of fluff, I wasn't sure Viggo had much chops since he usually ended up on the cutting room floor and LOTR, well, anyway. he was excellent in History of Violence, his time may have come.

Also underestimated is the other Irish pretty boy--I think Mr Farrell is quite good.

and I want Katie Holmes' tadpole to have a paternity test. or is there any way to prove aritificial insemination? Not that I care...but just thought that fish didn't bite.

You guys are hilarious... you make it sound like Katie Holmes is pregnant or something...

hey wait...

sweet dear lord jesus... no no... no no no! MAKE IT STOP PLEASE MAKE IT STOP... OH PLEASE MAKE THE BAD MAN STOP!!!

Yes, it's true... Toshiro Kal-el Apple Pacey Cruise... coming to a uterus near you.

biggest question is: Who is the father?

oh yeah...Jeff Bridges and Gary Oldman are cetainly 2 of the most underrated actors in Hwood.

I clicked on this expecting Dave to be championing true underrated actors and what I get is the standard preaching to the converted. Folks like Morton, Oldman, McDormand, Bridges et all are all celebrated actors who get enormous amount of critical applause and devoted followings from folk the world over. In the scenario you paint it seems you have to be either a total unknowns or at Cruise level. I actually think actors like Morton, Oldman continually get pointed out as solid performers who steal films away from the superstar leads. Underrated??? not at all. Actors like Peter Saarsgard are destined to get this sort of misconceived pigeonholing. They do great work are very admired and have many fans. They won't ever be Tom Cruise. Be happy for that.

Jeff Bridges brings his A game every outing.

Whats a worse name?
Kal El Cage or Toshiro McWeeny?

"Emily Watson (who really needs better work)"

I have faith that she will be excellent in "The Proposition", a new Australian western. It looks fantastic!

Ben Affleck has a lot in common with many of the "big" actors (famous, whatever). In mainstream stuff they don't really do anything noteworthy but when they actually get decent roles that they can sink their teeth into then they're much better. Hell, his ex J.Lo fits that too.

"and I want Katie Holmes' tadpole to have a paternity test. or is there any way to prove aritificial insemination? Not that I care...but just thought that fish didn't bite."

The smart money is on David Crosby.

I think it's legitimate to recognize a huge star like Will Smith as an underrated actor. In Hitch, it's not "Will Smith plays a relationship expert who.."; it's "Will Smith IS a relationship expert who..." The same can be said for his other big hits (ID4, MiB and sequel, etc). His recognized performances (Six Degrees of Seperation, Ali) are also his least popular.

Thanks Cadavra, and I was just about to have Eggs Benedict too for my lunch..."Eggs Katie with a little Crisby on the side". no thanks. i'd send that one back.

geez...i mean Crosby.

David Crosby has like ten kids by ten different lesbians. He's a sperm bank. I wouldn't doubt it.

I doubt Tom would let a non-Scientologist impregnate his fiance. So my money is on John Travolta.

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