THADD'S FAVORITE PERFORMANCES
Below is a list of movie characters/actors/actresses in which I've found to have the best performances overall out of the films that I've seen thus far. I thank the casting directors who decided to pick each of these actors/actresses for their roles.
( * ) is for actors/actresses that are listed more than once
#1 CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW - THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN (SERIES BEGAN IN 2003)
* Played by Johnny Depp
The most creative character on this list, hands down. If you've ever seen a Johnny Depp interview or award speech, it's no surprise as to why his performance as the great Captain Jack Sparrow has landed him this number one spot on my list. Crazy, loopy, witty, creative, and always drunk are all words that describe this character. There is never a dull moment whenever Jack Sparrow begins to speak or start a task in "The Pirates of the Caribbean" movies; anyone who's seen them will agree. Below I have provided an example of a very entertaining Captain Jack Sparrow scene where Elizabeth Swann destroys his stash of rum and he almost shoots her because of it.
PERFORMANCE GRADES
CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL: 10/10
DEAD MAN'S CHEST: 10/10
AT WORLD'S END: 10/10
ON STRANGER TIDES: 9/10
DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES: Release Date - May 26th, 2017
WHY IS ALL THE RUM GONE?
#2 CHUCK NOLAND - CAST AWAY (2000)
Played by Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks performance in "Cast Away" as Chuck Noland was every bit of breath taking. Playing a man who lost everything in a plane crash and washed up on shore of an island in the middle of nowhere isn't the easiest role to take on as you can imagine, but I promise you, TOM HANKS MAKES IT LOOK NATURAL. A must see performance.
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
LOSING WILSON
#3 Holly Golightly - breakfast at tiffany's
Played by Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn's greatest performance hands down. Holly Golightly, the character she plays in "Breakfast at Tiffany's", is a young New York socialite who becomes interested in a man who moves into her building. With such a simple plot, you can already imagine how well Audrey must have played this roll to end up as the number three performance on my list. Not only does Audrey Hepburn do an amazing job at acting in this film, but she also puts on some very good singing performances as well throughout the movie.
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
MOON RIVER
#4 jack dawson - titanic (1997)
* Played by Leonardo DiCaprio
Jack Dawson...where do I begin with this one...? Well, if you haven't already seen this performance then you're either like 5 years old or just don't watch movies at all. Leonardo DiCaprio's role as Jack Dawson is what most might call a "Born to play situation". I can honestly say that I couldn't picture any other actor playing the role of Jack Dawson better than DiCaprio did, which says a lot. He should've received an Oscar for this movie instead of getting honored with his first for playing a man who gets mauled by an angry bear who missed a meal.
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
DANCE OFF WITH ROSE
#5 ray charles - ray (2004)
Played by Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx stellar performance as music legend Ray Charles in the movie "Ray" will forever be one of the best I've seen in my opinion. Having seen many videos of the real Ray Charles singing and playing the piano, it was amazing to see how spot on Jamie Foxx was when playing this role.
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
RAY SINGING "GEORGIA"
#6 TINA TURNER - WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT (1993)
Played by Angela Bassett
Angela...can...ACT!!!!! That is one thing for sure. Playing the role of one of the greatest female artists in her era, Tina Turner, Angela Bassett makes a statement in "What's Love Got to Do With It" by showing off her amazing acting skills, singing ability, and miraculous body. You go Tina, I mean Angela.
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
IKE AND TINA ARGUING ABOUT HER VOICE
#7 ALONZO HARRIS - TRAINING DAY (2001)
Played by Denzel Washington
One of the most intriguing characters on this list with sayings/quotes that are still said today, 16 years later! Alonzo Harris, played by famous actor Denzel Washington, is a crooked cop who's trying to come up with a million dollars to pay off a group of Russian's who are after him for the death of their boss. With only one day left to get the money, Alonzo will practically do anything to get it, and I mean ANYTHING! In "Training Day" he is every bit of ruthless, conniving, and twisted, and a fan favorite for sure. Denzel Washington definitely brought this character to life if you ask me. THADD BOII says...TERRIFIC PERFORMANCE!
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
"DIDN'T KNOW YOU LIKED TO GET WET THOUGH"
#8 TONY MONTANA - SCARFACE (1983)
Played by Al Pacino
"SAY HELLO TO MY LIL' FREN!" Is probably what most of you females' boyfriends say to you in bed huh? Lol I'm just kidding not really, anyways "Tony Montana" played by Al Pacino is one of the greatest roles to have ever made it onto the big screen. People all around the world know scenes, characters, and tag lines from this movie and it's been out for over 30 years, incredible right? The reason I've chosen Tony Montana to be on my top list for greatest performances is because it's always amazing to me to see a character start with nothing and gain everything, although Montana ends up losing it all, you get what I mean though. AMAZING PERFORMANCE!
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
Tony Montana "Say hello to my Li'l Fren!"
#9 HANS LANDA - INGLORIOUS BASTERDS (2009)
Played by Christoph Waltz
My favorite actor of the 21st century...Christoph Watlz. Talented, cunning, and the definition of different, Christoph Waltz does a marvelous job at playing character "Hans Landa" in the movie "Inglorious Basterds". Hans Landa is a Lieutenant in the German Army who is known for killing Jewish people. Below I have provided a video of the first scene of Hans Landa figuring out where a man has hidden his Jewish friends to protect them.
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
HANS LANDA FINDS WHAT HE'S LOOKING FOR
#10 BANE - THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012)
Played by Tom Hardy
The most aggressive character on this list. A Batman enemy for over 30 plus years in comics, cartoons, and films, Tom Hardy's role as "Bane" in "The Dark Knight Rises" will definitely entertain anyone who is a fan of intense action and awesome fighting lines.
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
BANE VS BATMAN
#11 EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990)
* Played by Johnny Depp
Another amazing performance by Johnny Depp. Edward Scissorhands is about a young gentle man, with scissors for hands, who has been brought out into a new community after living in isolation all of his life. Shy, innocent, and mentally vulnerable although he may not look like it, Edward Scissorhands is a magnificent character that I'm sure a lot of actors would've had trouble playing. Props to Mr. Depp!
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
MOVIE CLIP
#12 THE JOKER - THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)
Played by Heath Ledger
Heath Ledger can ACT! Still today when I watch the film "The Dark Knight" I am blown away by how well Heath Ledger brings The Joker's character to life. Because of the long lasting tradition of the Batman movies, many actors have taken their shot at this character and done exceptionally well, but anyone who has seen the 2008 version of the character will surely agree that none have ever, and probably will never, beat out Heath Ledger's performance. Check out the video below to get a dose of what I'm talking about!
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
joker's pencil trick
#13 Anton chigurh - no country for old men (2007)
Played by Javier Bardem
One of the craziest characters I've ever seen. Javier Bardem was a little too good at playing this role if you ask me. I probably wouldn't even say anything to him if I saw him in real life because of this movie...mess around and he might really be a serial killer. But anyway, check out the scene below of character Anton Chigurh deciding on if he'll let an old Texas clerk keep his life depending on a coin flip.
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
COIN FLIP
#14 jordan belfort - the wolf of wallstreet (2013)
* Played by Leonardo DiCaprio
Another Leo performance that should've received an Oscar, but hey, awards don't always define the best in the business. Based on a true story and real character, Leonardo is brought to the big screen as "Jordan Belfort", a crazy stock broker who made a fortune on scamming people and companies out of their money. The most fun character on this list for sure!
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
JORDAN BELFORT "DRUGGED AND DRIVING SCENE"
#15 achilles - troy (2004)
Played by Brad Pitt
ACHILLES! ACHILLES! ACHILLES! The Legend of Achilles comes to life in the movie "Troy" with Brad Pitt showing off his athleticism, acting skills, and wide range of emotions in this film. One of my favorite performances in an Action/Drama film! Check out the scene below of Achilles vs Boagrius, you'll love it!
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
achilles vs boagrius
#16 BURNHAM - PANIC ROOM (2002)
Played by Forest Whitaker
Perfect example of an actor taking a character that normally wouldn't have had much recognition and turning him into a film favorite. Forest Whitaker absolutely brought Burnham to life in the movie "Panic Room". It's one of the main reasons the film is still one of my favorites till this day. A "BETTA SEE" PERFORMANCE IN MY BOOK!
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
HELPFUL CRIMINAL
#17 vincent - collateral (2004)
Played by Tom Cruise
I've never met a contract killer but if I did I'd assume he'd act just like "Vincent" in the movie "Collateral". Tom Cruise (Vincent) did an incredible job at showing his versatility as an actor and making his performance in this movie one of his best. If action characters who are absolutely relentless intrigue you, then you for sure should watch this film.
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
DON'T TOUCH VINCENT'S BRIEFCASE
#18 edmond dantes - the count of monte cristo
Played by Jim Caviezel
A character that you literally watch grow up and become more wise as the movie progresses is always a difficult role to conquer, however Jim Caviezel makes it look like a piece of cake in "The Count of Monte Cristo". From losing everything to gaining it back plus more, Edmond Dantes will forever be one of my favorite characters brought to the big screen because of the hardships that he overcame in this film.
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10
THE COUNT MAKES HIS ENTRANCE
#19 DARTH SIDIOUS / sheev palpatine - star wars
Mainly played by well known actor Ian McDiarmid, Darth Sidious restored the Sith to the galaxy and destroyed the Jedi Order. Before coming out as Darth Sidious, the Sith Lord lived a double life as Chancellor Palpatine, a Naboo Senator who schemed his way into gaining complete control over the Senate and the Courts. In my opinion this performance is without a doubt one of the most amazing and intriguing showcases that I have ever seen. A must see character.
PERFORMANCE GRADE: 10/10