25.

Tim Robbins

Favorite Performance: Jacob’s Ladder, Jacob

He’s quite a simple actor, but he’s in top form when he’s being funny. Honorable mention to his role in High Fidelity

Films seen: 7

24.

Paul Schneider

Favorite Performance: All The Real Girls, Paul

“Do you wanna know a secret that I didn’t tell anybody ever?… You know how ducks fly home in a V? It’s like a v-shape when they get home? I was walking my dog and I looked up and there’s this big V above me, there’s all these ducks flying back to their home. And right when they flew above me, I saw ‘em and, they crashed into a big barn! The whole V! And then, they hit the ground, and they just kinda curled up. You ever fucking see that? Have you ever seen a mistake in nature? Have you ever seen an animal make a mistake?” - All The Real Girls

Need I say more? Yes; he’s just really broken onto the scene, beginning as a favorite of director David Gordon Green’s. He began with DDG’s George Washington and ATRG, breaking out with his roles in The Assassinaton…Robert Ford as Dick Liddel and in Lars In The Real Girl. He was the best part about the pilot of ‘Parks & Recreation,’ but I don’t think I’ll stick with it; unless it gets a renewal over the summer.

Films seen: 3

23.

Peter Stormare

Favorite Performance: Fargo, Gaear Grimsrud

A classic ‘that guy,’ according to Cracked; he’s never really had a lead role, but he’s always that creepy German-ish guy in the background. He made a name for himself with the Fargo/Big Lebowski double punch, settling nicely into a lead role on ‘Prison Break,’ until they gunned him down. Now, he’s just tearing through bad bit parts in crappy movies. Honorable mention for Volkswagen GTI TV spots a few years ago… VeeDub in the house. And don’t forget his role as Slippery Pete in The Frogger from ‘Seinfeld.’

Films seen: 6

22.

Dennis Farina

Favorite Performance: Out Of Sight, Marshall Sisco

A ‘that guy’ created by Michael Mann. He deubted as a cop from Thief, then starred in Manhunter and Mann’s series Crime Story. Before his cush spot on ‘Law & Order,’ he took a great turn as Karen Sisco’s (Jennifer Lopez) father in Soderbergh’s excellent Out Of Sight. Also great in Snatch.

Films seen: 5

21.

Joseph Gordon-Leavitt

Favorite Performance: The Lookout, Chris Pratt

He’ll always be Tommy from ‘3rd Rock,’ but carved out a great indie niche with Brick, Mysterious Skin, The Lookout, and this summer’s (500) Days Of Summer. But, he’s also quite mainstream, taking the wtf role of Cobra Commander in G.I. Joe: Rise Of Cobra. It makes me want to see it this much (not a lot).

Seen: 4 films, Countless ‘3rd Rock’ episodes

20.

Zach Braff

Favorite Performance: ‘Scrubs,’ Dr. John Dorian

The most contemplative and apathetic looking actor ever. He started in 1993 in a blink-and-miss role in Woody Allen’s Manhattan Murder Mystery. From there he’s made on a few films, done a few voices, and played the colossal role of J.D. on the NBC classic/ABC freshman ‘Scrubs.’ He’s done after May, even if the show continues, freeing up more time to make (and possibly direct) more great movies. I’d like to take this opportunity to say that I’d love ‘Scrubs’ to continue as an ‘interns’ spinoff, with butch chick, happy chick, Jett Jackson, and maybe a few regular characters. Just saying.

Seen: 3 Films, Every episode of ‘Scrubs,’ His 2 ‘Arrested Development episodes

19.

James Spader

Favorite Performance: ‘Boston Legal,’ Alan Shore

A true powerhouse. He seems to only pick sick, twisted films, which is the best. He didn’t do anything during the 8 or so years he was on ‘The Practice’ and ‘Boston Legal,’ but I’d like to see what he wants to do with his life now that that’s over. Need all 5 seasons of BL on DVD; he’s just a king.

Seen: 3 Films, Countless ‘Boston Legal’ episodes, That 1 ‘Seinfeld’

18.

Mark Wahlberg

Favorite Performance: Boogie Nights, Eddie ‘Dirk Diggler’ Adams

Not much can be said. Just that he’s the type of guy who all your friends can dress up for Halloween as. You’re a big, bright, shining star.

Films seen: 9

17.

Forest Whitaker

Favorite Performance: Panic Room, Burnham

Sorry; that shot when he looks up at the security camera with the phone and shakes his head is the best. All around, he always plays that teddy bear guy. And I love his sagging eye.

Seen: 6 films, 1 awesome episode of ‘American Dad’ 

16.

John Cazale

Favorite Performance: Dog Day Afternoon, Sal

Par for par, the actor, in terms of consistency, on this list. He passed away from leukemia shortly after The Deer Hunter; at the time he was engaged to Meryl Streep. It’s probably the only instance of me being ‘sad’ about an actor dying. Screen count: 5 (The Godfather (Fredo), The Conversation, The Godfather: Part II, Dog Day Afternoon, and The Deer Hunter). Best quote, from DDA: “Will you tell the TV to stop saying there’s two homosexuals in here?”

Seen: All 5 films

15.

James Stewart

Favorite Performance: Rear Window, L.B. ‘Jeff’ Jeffries

Probably the most classic actor of all time. A Hitchcock staple. He’s always charming. Always a sex symbol. He’s just perfect.

Films seen: 3

14.

Jeremy Irons

Favorite Performance: Dead Ringers, Elliot & Beverly Mantle

Did you know he was the voice of Scar in The Lion King? It makes sense, and it’s awesome. He’s the middle-class man’s Daniel-Day Lewis. In fact, I think him, DDL, and Ian McShane are triplets. Probably the most regally handsome man ever, Irons is a powerhouse. And he got to kiss a 14-year-old girl no questions asked, so, yeah. Also the best part of the pile that was Appaloosa. Can’t wait to see his Oscar-winning turn in Reversal Of Fortune.

Films seen: 4

13.

Alec Baldwin

Favorite Performance: ‘30 Rock,’ Jack Donaghy

He’s got the top two best monologues on film ever, from Malice and Glengarry Glen Ross, respectively. He desperately wants to get of his duties on ‘30 Rock,’ but I hope he can do at least 8 seasons; I have high hopes. He’s the best actor on television right now, and his films ain’t bad either. “I think you are a cop my son (splash).”

Films seen: 11, Every episode of ‘30 Rock’

12.

Al Pacino

Favorite Performance: The Godfather: Parts I, II & III, Don Michael Corleone

In the Bobby D v. Al showdown, Bobby is victorious. Al chooses his roles more carefully, and never does comedy; I’ll give that to ‘im. But, De Niro wasn’t the Godfather. So there.   

Films seen: 12

11.

Matt Damon

Favorite Performance: Good Will Hunting, Will Hunting

Only nominated once for an acting Oscar (supporting for Good Will Hunting), he did win (share) the ‘scar for Best Original Screenplay (with Ben Affleck). He’s unarguably one of the decade’s finest ‘young’ actors, and I hope he enjoys extreme critical acclaim for the next decade as well. So far, he’s got 5 movies (maybe) coming out in 2009. He stays busy, never compromises, and never us down on quality. Let’s hope for an Oscar for The Informant.  

Films seen: 15 (tied with Bobby D for 2nd)

10.

Clive Owen

Favorite Performance: Children Of Men, Theo

He oozes man. He became know with Croupier, a quiet, British casino film and a small role in Bourne, but he really broke out in The Hire, a six or so part short film series they produced for BMW. From there, he was that British action guy. Now, he’s just a tad more than that.

Films seen: 6

9.

Jim Carrey

Favorite Performance: The Truman Show, Truman Burbank

He held his face like that for too long, and it got stuck that way. I hope you enjoyed him while he lasted, because after his foray into drama with The Number 23 (which I think gets a bad rap) and his return to comedy with Yes Man, he seems to be out of luck. Fletcher Reed is in a close second, but you can’t beat the main guy from my fav film. In case you don’t see him, he says good aft… you know.

Films seen: 13

8.

Michael Douglas

Favorite Performance: The King Of California, Charlie

Why not Wall Street? Or even The Game? For KOC, he was able let all the stops out and be crazy, are rare occasion where he’s not playing a dick. Love him in The Game; that tender invitation for coffee at the end is so sweet.

“Beloved Showbiz Legend And National Treasure Michael Douglas Actually None Of These Things” -The Onion

Films seen: 7

7.

Sam Rockwell

Favorite Performance: Matchstick Men, Frank

He’s also a busy one, but he seems to relegated himself to indie flicks (yes!). He’s just one of those guys that’s great in everything, but never goes for the paycheck. Loved his turn of ‘Stella’ as Gary Meadows the fake mustache salesman.

Seen: 10, His episode of ‘Stella’

6.

Jeff Bridges

Favorite Performance: The Big Lebowski, Jeff ‘The Dude’ Lebowski

He’s been around for so long. And he’s still great. Did you know The Dude’s warbrode is his personal clothing? Too bad Stane died. Too bad their making TR2N. He was actually awesome in How To Los. Honorable mentions for The Fisher King and Fearless. And he has such a massive screen presence.

Films seen: 7

5.

Mark Ruffalo

Favorite Performance: Zodiac, Inspector Dave Toschi

He’s one of those ‘really?’ choices, but I just really like him; and I’ve based that off of four movies. He seems like one of those guys that never wanted to act, but got into by accident and accidently started getting roles. To get through it, he just acts like himself, and puts forth beautiful results. This fall, he pairs up one of my faves Cath Keen in WTWTA, and it will be magical. And he shall get an Oscar nod for his brilliant role as Chuck Aule in Shutter Island.

Films seen: 4

4.

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Favorite Performance: Love Liza, Wilson Joel

Wouldn’t it be great if he was your dad? He’s just the most cream-of-the-crop actor ever; but he’s never a snob. After MI:III, he’s reserved himself for the Oscar-caliber fare only, and if a year passes without a PSH nomination, it’s not a year. My life’s mission to see all his work, including his 1990 Law & Order episode, his first role ever. Next?: He’s directing and starring in Jack Goes Boating; he plays a stoner limo driver. ‘nuff said.

Films seen: 19 (Conference leader)

3.

Robert De Niro

Favorite Performance: Jackie Brown, Louis Gara

Why not Vito Corleone? Why not Neil McCauley? Because Louis Gara is one of the best characters in any film ever. From ‘wanna fuck?… yeah’ to shooting Fonda in the mall parking lot; one of De Niro’s best let-out-all-the-stops roles. Though not as selective as Pacino, he’s better at his best stuff. And he does comedy, too. In a word association test, I would associate Robert De Niro with actor with no hesitation; he’s the first one that comes to mind. That and legend. 

Films seen: 15 (tied with Matty D for 2nd)

2.

Fred Willard

Favorite Performance: A Mighty Wind, Mike LaFontaine

He was created by Christopher Guest, and essential plays the same, hilarious role in all four movies. Nothing beats his ‘high-class management’ speech from AMW, or the commentating for BIS. Wha’ Happened? The most effortlessly funny man ever.

Films seen: 6

1.

Ray Liotta

Ray Liotta’s Henry Hill (GoodFellas) is my favorite performance in any film ever. But, he’s done some shitty flicks; none have even come close. But his screen presence is unmatched and he always plays some kind of shithead cop or criminal. Love, love, love him. In anything. And ‘Smith’ was the best thing CBS ever had going.

Seen: 6 films, 2 episodes of ‘Smith’

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The Top 25 Actresses, coming very soon