The Best John Goodman Performances

Despite missing the last two months, I'm reviving my Movie List of the Month segment (December's list). It's incredible to think that the brilliant character actor, John Goodman, has never been nominated for an Academy Award. And to drive home the point even further, Goodman has only managed to secure a lone Golden Globe Nomination for a motion picture performance. So despite his many omissions from the awards season festivities, March's movie list of the month honors John Goodman's finest roles.

Honorable Mention: Arachnophobia, Inside Llewyn Davis and O Brother, Where Art Thou?

#5. Argo (2012)

Co-star, Alan Arkin, overshadowed Goodman's exceptional work in Ben Affleck's Best Picture winning film, Argo. As Hollywood make-up artist, John Chambers, it's Goodman's character that sets the CIA's outrageous extraction plan into motion in this gripping true story. Goodman creates an endearing character that helps breed life into the Oscar-winning film.

#4. 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

Considering the film reached theaters just last week, some may feel it's a bit premature labeling Goodman's work in the mysterious thriller, 10 Cloverfield Lane, as some of the best in his career. Truth be told, Goodman is given a bulk of the screen time and makes the most of this rare opportunity. He blends together a long list of emotions to develop a complex character that's difficult to truly identify. Perhaps it's because of the major platform he's given to work with, but Goodman's work here is clearly transcendent. 

#3. Flight (2012)

While John Goodman's work in Argo was worthy of admiration, it was even his best role of the year. The biggest letdown of the run-up to the 2013 Academy Awards was the regrettable omission of Goodman's energetic performance in Robert Zemeckis' Flight. Goodman gives an unforgettable turn as airline pilot, Whip Whitaker's (Denzel Washington), trusty drug dealer. Goodman commands every scene he's a part of and, although it was a crowded year in the Best Supporting Actor category, this performance stands toe-to-toe with the most notable ones of 2012.

#2. Barton Fink (1991)

John Goodman has become a staple in the storied filmography of writing and directing siblings, Joel & Ethan Coen. It wasn't Goodman's first collaboration with the brothers, but his role in Barton Fink certainly set the stage for a brilliant industry partnership with these clever filmmaking minds. In what stands as Goodman's only motion picture role to ever get nominated for a Golden Globe, he gives a hilarious performance as Charlie Meadows, an insurance salesman who tries to aid a Hollywood screenwriter suffering from severe writer's block. And believe me, in typical Coen brothers fashion hilarity ensues. 

#1. The Big Lebowski (1998)

Is there even a debate as to John Goodman's most memorable and effective performance? Sadly, the Coen brothers' instant colt classic, The Big Lebowski, never garner the same admiration from the Academy voters, leaving John Goodman as an afterthought during the awards season hoopla. However, we all know just how magnificent he is as Walter Sobchak, a temperamental Vietnam Vet who's always packing heat. Together with his bowling buddies "The Dude" Lebowski (Jeff Bridges) and Donny (Steve Buscemi), the trio embark on a wild journey of compensation for damages to The Dude's rug. The Big Lebowski is another film filled with scene-stealing moments from a largely overlooked acting talent. But no matter what the prestigious voting bodies may think, we all appreciate John Goodman for the wonderful onscreen memories he's provided over the years.

10 Cloverfield Lane

Film: 10 Cloverfield Lane

Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Kill the Messenger), John Goodman (Trumbo) and John Gallagher Jr. (Short Term 12)

Director: Dan Trachtenberg

U.S. Release: March 11, 2016 (Rated PG-13)

Genre: Thriller

Runtime: 105 minutes


There's such a peculiar backstory surrounding Dan Trachtenberg's debut motion picture, 10 Cloverfield Lane. What began as a psychological thriller with the working title, The Cellar, the screenplay went through some minimal changes to link the idea to 2008 release, Cloverfield, as Trachtenberg took control of the film. Then, executive producer, J.J. Abrams, worked diligently to point out that this wasn't a sequel, but rather a new and singular story operating in a similar cinematic universe as its 2008 monster flick namesake. Therefore, anyone expecting a closely tied film is sorely mistaken, because 10 Cloverfield Lane proudly stands as a unique entity.

Running away from a seemingly rocky relationship with her boyfriend, Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) hops in her car to move on from him both literally and figuratively. Yet, a vicious car accident knocks Michelle unconscious and places the young woman in an underground bunker overseen by Howard (John Goodman), a doomsday prepper who informs her that there's been a chemical attack and they can't leave the shelter. Another third survivor, Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.), confirms Howard's unsettling claims, all while Michelle struggles to determine whether she's being held captive in the bunker or if a darker threat lurks outside.

A select amount of praise is in order for local product and debut director, Dan Trachtenberg. The Temple alumnus transforms an unnecessary branding into a skin-crawling and intense motion picture experience. A cloudy element of mystery drifts effortlessly throughout the film and builds beautifully into heart-pounding suspense on the undulating backbone of eerie silence and boiling character outbursts. John Goodman is perfectly cast as a charismatic and unstable gun-wielding authoritarian of the bunker. And Goodman's counterpart, leading lady Mary Elizabeth Winstead, makes the most of her rare starring opportunity. As a supporting actress extraordinaire with a long list of wonderful work, the audience clutches onto Winstead's character and embarks on a Twilight-Zone-esque journey that clearly separates 10 Cloverfield Lane from its 2008 titular film.

Despite the successful execution of this newest entry's tense psychological elements, 10 Cloverfield Lane suffers in a few obvious areas. Less detrimental are the raw dramatics moments shared by shelter dwellers Michelle and Emmett. Their hokey backstories play far too important of a role in the overall scope of the feature. Furthermore, there's a more serious problem with the movie's final 15 minutes. An unwarranted and misguided attempt at linking the 10 Cloverfield Lane to its brand results in a disappointing sci-fi filled finale that doesn't fit to the modus operandi. Such a decision sabotages the tone of the film and deteriorates a well crafted piece of work up until that point.

Considering we've just reached March and Hollywood doesn't have much of a track record when it comes to the quality of early year releases, 10 Cloverfield Lane does a fine job of entertaining audiences. It will win you over with a gripping and unwavering intensity that flows throughout the film. However, a poorly constructed conclusion leaves, what would have been, The Cellar as a great film, and 10 Cloverfield Lane as merely a good one.


Stars: 3 stars out of 4

Grade: B

Captain America: Civil War (NEW) and Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life Trailers

The long awaited climax to the Marvel universe arrives this May with Captain America: Civil War, but the film's second trailer introduces the addition of Spiderman. After a rift revolving around accountability and oversight forms between Captain America and Iron Man, all of the Avengers must choose a side in this epic battle of superhero greats. The latest trailer for Captain America: Civil War reveals even more plot details than the first and offers an impressive look into this destined blockbuster.





For lovers of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, comes the latest adapted film centered around a middle schooler titled Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life. Rafe Katchadorian (Griffin Gluck) is an artistic-loving new kid in school who makes it his mission to break every rule in the creativity-crushing principal's handbook. I sense some charm and certainly some fun in this October release. Catch the debut trailer for Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life below.

Rapid Reviews: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot and Zootopia

Directing duo Glenn Ficarra and John Requa have flown under the radar for quite some time. They launched their collaborative filmmaking careers with 2009's clever con-man comedy, I Love You Phillip Morris, only to follow it up with the well-received 2011 laugher, Crazy, Stupid, Love. and last year's less impressive effort, Focus. With a speedy turnaround, Ficarra and Requa return early in 2016 alongside SNL alumnus, Tina Fey, in the adapted true story, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.

Kim Baker (Fey) struggles accepting the mundanity of her life as a journalist tackling low-profile stories. And when the opportunity arrives to report from the front lines in Afghanistan, she packs her suitcase and tells her boyfriend she'll be back in three months. Initial doubts regarding her reactionary decision quickly fade as Kim forms friendships with a fellow reporter (Margot Robbie), a freelance photographer (Martin Freeman) and her Afghan translator (Christopher Abbott).

Once again Glenn Ficarra and John Requa deliver a winning effort with their wartime dramedy, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Although the film is a slow-crawling and over-extended affair, it really stands as an acting showcase for leading star, Tina Fey. I've been mightily unimpressed by Fey's filmography to date, but she seizes complete control of the movie and takes a big step forward in her career. A powerful connection between Kim Baker and the audience becomes inevitable, but Whiskey Tango Foxtrot succeeds even further thanks to wonderful supporting turns from Christopher Abbott and Martin Freeman. Abbott was a festival darling for last year's James White and backs up the beloved performance with a valuable turn here. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot isn't the most entertaining or clever film, but it's a story about people and its executed very well thanks to a remarkable collection of actors and actresses.


Stars: 2 and a half stars out of 4

Grade: B-





I've never been an animated film enthusiast, but every now and again you come across an absolute gem such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Shrek. Problem being, though, critics generally seem to adore an overabundance of family films, which forces me to sit through many mediocre efforts while I search for the greats. The latest raved about children's film, Zootopia, represents a prime example of the middling films over-hyped by critical acclaim.

In a developed animal world where predators and prey live in harmony, Zootopia is a lavish city where any mammal can grow up to be what it wants. Yet, while most animals settle for their natural life-callings, rabbit Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) possesses grand visions of being the first prey animal to become a police officer in Zootopia. Pushed to the side and ignored by her fellow law enforcement, she must team up with a sly and cunning fox (Jason Bateman) to solve the city's most notorious case.

One compliment that must be given to Zootopia is the valuable message at the film's core. A story centered on open-mindedness and equality for all, there is a bit of charm in the movie's main characters. However, sluggish pacing proves to be punishing as even I witnessed a mother and child leaving the theater long before the closing credits. And as a result, Zootopia feels more like a chore than a valuable movie experience.


Stars: 2 stars out of 4

Grade: C+

Ghostbusters (2016) and Finding Dory (NEW) Trailers

With the sad loss of comedy great Harold Ramis in 2014 and Bill Murray's pronounced pledge to avoid a return to the franchise, a new branding of Ghostbusters seemed completely inevitable. Much to the surprise of everyone, the Ghostbusters were given a gender remake headed by Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and a pair of current Saturday Night Live cast members. Here's a look at the polarizing debut trailer from this summer's fresh new take on a storied franchise.





I've never been a huge fan of the animated family film genre. However, I've always loved the 2003 classic, Finding Nemo. Now, 13 years later, Ellen DeGeneres and Albert Brooks offer up their voices along with a whole new collection of characters in the long-awaited sequel, Finding Dory. We can only hope that this upcoming effort can come close to the brilliance of its predecessor, but I guess we'll find out when it arrives in theaters on June 17th this summer. Can't the brand new trailer for Finding Dory below.

Rapid Reviews: Triple 9 and Eddie the Eagle

Now that the Oscars have come and gone, it's time to officially put 2015 behind us and enjoy what the new year of cinema has to offer. Triple 9 represents a recent theatrical arrival boasting a loaded cast and intriguing premise from Lawless filmmaker, John Hillcoat. With Kate Winslet, Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Casey Affleck and Anthony Mackie all on board in prominent roles, you may start to wonder why Triple 9's an early year release.

A crew of criminals and crooked cops find themselves as pawns for the overseeing wife (Winslet) of an imprisoned Russian mob boss. And with a slew of personal and financial agendas guiding everyone involved in a chaotic direction, a new cop on the beat (Case Affleck) lands in the middle of a maniacal plot.

One of the most infuriating elements surrounding John Hillcoat's new dirty cop flick, Triple 9, is the screenplays disregard for character development. Instead, the film relies on cheap pseudo-emotional scenes and situations to progress its long-winded and surprisingly hollow story. Consequently no real attachment is formed between viewer and film, leaving Triple 9 as yet another disappointing early-year release. Films don't get any more superficial than this substance-free effort which sadly squanders an all-star cast of acting talent.


Stars: 2 stars out of 4

Grade: C





Full disclosure, I passed on an advanced screening of Eddie the Eagle because of my complete lack of interest in the film's trailer. Another hokey sports film was the last thing I was looking forward to at the moment, but impressive critical reviews forced me to reconsider. And honestly, I'm grateful for giving Dexter Fletcher's comedy a chance.

Growing up with physical limitations never stopped Eddie Edwards (Kingsman's Taron Egerton) from believing he'd compete at the Olympic games one day. And well into his lifelong pursuit, he finally discovered an above average ability to ski. Eddie soon discovers that England doesn't have a ski jumper and goes to insane measures to weasel his way into sports history during the 1988 Winter Olympics.

Leading star, Taron Egerton, won me over with a wonderful turn in the 2015 action-comedy, Kingsman, but he takes an even greater step forward with a transformative title role in Eddie the Eagle. With an energetic 80s vibe that goes far beyond the costume design and a fantastic score, courtesy of Matthew Margeson, the film does a remarkable job of drawing you into Eddie's outrageous destiny. Supporting star, Hugh Jackman, has his highs and lows throughout the movie but ultimately wins the audience over by the finale as well. Eddie the Eagle is surprisingly fun and effectively moving with its comedy-laced underdog story. Walking out of the theater will make you want to search for old footage of the 1988 Winter Olympics to relive the journey of this anti-athlete who captured the world's heart. Eddie the Eagle is far from sports movie immortality, but it's a delightful and engaging crowd-pleaser in its own right.


Stars: 3 stars out of 4

Grade: B