Category Archives: The Rundown

When Tony Scott passed away last week at the age of 68, I realized that we didn’t just lose a terrific director. In the late 90′s, Scott put on a new hat; he became a prolific producer of films and TV. Some were solo projects, but most were with his brother Ridley under their banner, Scott Free Productions. Tony was a late bloomer in Hollywood; he worked with Ridley in the advertising business before jumping into film. He directed a handful of short films and commercials in the 60′s and 70′s. It didn’t take too long before he found his calling.

The Hunger (1983)… Director
Scott’s debut motion picture was not critically adored, but it caught the eye of some influential producers (more specifically, Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer). It’s one of the two Scott-directed films I did not see, and honestly, I’m not jumping at the chance to do so.

Top Gun (1986)… Director
A smash hit right out of the park. An enormously successful film for everyone involved, including Tom Cruise, Simpson/Bruckheimer, and Scott himself. For all of them, it was the beginning of a beautiful relationship with lady Hollywood. B

Beverly Hills Cop 2 (1987)… Director
In a world of lame, money-grubbing sequels, this one was surprisingly not bad. It doesn’t match the fire of the original, but Scott infused this one with energy and humor. And at the time, there was no one bigger than Eddie Murphy. B-

Revenge (1990)… Director
I can honestly say I do not remember much of this film and I don’t think I’m alone in this one. I remember the cast, I remember some of the sex scenes, the gratuitous violence, the stylish filmmaking, but it all feels like a fuzzy dream. C

Days of Thunder (1990)… Director
Back to Top Gun territory with his old friends Cruise, Simpson and Bruckheimer and the result is slick, fun and yet completely unmemorable. It’s well-cut and Scott has made a name for himself with his jittery, kinetic style. And for me, Robert Duvall always adds class to any project. B-

The Last Boy Scout (1991)… Director
The first great feature from Scott, a blistering thriller with an edge and doses of unexpected humor (courtesy of maverick screenwriter, Shane Black). Bruce Willis was at the peak of his action career. This was so much fun. A-

True Romance (1993)… Director
The peak of Tony Scott’s directing career. His best film, hands down. He combined everything that was great about his previous work and made a masterpiece of stylish extravagance, guided by a perfect script from Quentin Tarantino. In the 10 years since his debut motion picture, Tony Scott became a pro. A+

Crimson Tide (1995)… Director
His first of many collaborations with Denzel Washington. Washington squares off with Gene Hackman and these two blistering heavyweights generated so much fire and tension in Crimson Tide that you forget you’re watching a sub-par military thriller. Seriously, I remember nothing about Crimson Tide except for their awesome, bombastic shouting matches. B

The Fan (1996)… Director
His first real misfire and it’s a shame because The Fan has a great idea for a film — a die-hard baseball fan (Robert DeNiro) takes it a little too personally when a player (Wesley Snipes) has his worst season yet. Unfortunately, it’s so numbingly average. Not even DeNiro could muster up something fresh here. C-

The Hunger (TV series) (1997-1999)… Executive Producer
Scott’s first stint as a producer, and it’s a TV spinoff of his first film. It ran for two seasons, starring David Bowie and Terrence Stamp. I think it has a bit of a cult following, but I’m unfamiliar with The Hunger, in either medium.

Clay Pigeons (1998)… Executive Producer
I remember seeking this out on a rainy day during my stint in college and feeling slightly cold by it. Vince Vaughn was up and coming as an actor and he showed some grit and restraint in this intriguing crime/comedy/thriller. Joaquin Phoenix and Janeane Garofalo also starred in David Dobkin’s middling debut. C+

RKO 281 (1999)…Executive Producer
Where the Money Is (2000)… Executive Producer
The Last Debate (2000)… Executive Producer
The Big Time (2001)… Executive Producer
AFP: American Fighter Pilot (2002)… Executive Producer
The Gathering Storm (2002)… Executive Producer
During this period, Scott produced a wide swath of TV films and pilots, most to middling acclaim and all unseen by me.

Spy Game (2001)… Director
This one left me cold, despite the pedigree involved. It’s a jittery, deeply convoluted action thriller involving government politics and espionage. Love the River Runs Through It reunion of Pitt and Redford, but Spy Game did very little to race my pulse. I have heard, however, that repeat viewings are essential. C

Ticker (2002)… Executive Producer
Beat the Devil (2002)… Executive Producer/Director
Hostage (2002)… Executive Producer
Agent Orange (2004)… Director
It looks like Scott revisited his roots and produced/directed a few short films. Not sure where to access these but have heard that Beat the Devil is certainly worth a look if you’re a Scott fan.

Man on Fire (2004)… Producer/Director
The last Tony Scott movie I have watched and it was viewed posthumously just last week. Looking at his work chronologically, it’s clearly a return to form, his best work since the mid 90′s. It felt fresh and urgent, and Scott was in complete control of his story, the tone and his characters. A terrific, pulpy thriller. B+

In Her Shoes (2005)… Executive Producer
One of the best films of 2005, Curtis Hanson directed this beautiful story about two sisters whose passive-aggressive relationship begins to take its toll. Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette have really never been better. It’s surprising that Scott had any involvement in this, as it’s unlike anything he had ever done. A must-see, especially if you have a sibling. A

Numbers (TV Show) (2005-2009)… Executive Producer
Scott’s first real television success, this mystery has a cult following and has produced pretty decent ratings for CBS. Five seasons ain’t a run to be ashamed about.

Domino (2005)… Producer/Director
After The Hunger, Domino is the other Scott-directed film I have yet to see. It was critically savaged, a box office bomb and the buzz is unsurprisingly mute. My distaste for Keira Knightly drives me even further from this one.

Deja Vu (2006)… Director
A low-key thriller (for Scott, anyway) about a cop (Washington again) who travels back in time to prevent a murder. I’m a sucker for time travel flicks, so I rated this one a bit higher than I should have. Still, a fun ride, despite being nothing new. B

Orpheus (2006)… Executive Producer
Tristan & Isolde (2007)… Executive Producer
Law Dogs (2007)… Executive Producer
The Company (2007)… Executive Producer
The Andromeda Strain (2008)… Executive Producer
More work behind the scenes of indies, pilots and TV movies that I haven’t seen. Nothing seems to jump out.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)… Executive Producer
This commanding feature film debut from Andrew Dominik has striking visuals, languid pacing, and a sterling cast in top form. I don’t think it warranted the excessive run-time, but there’s a lot to like about this one. B

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (2009)… Producer/Director
A fun thriller that builds up its tension very nicely. Washington, Gandolfini, and Guzman are old pros here. Travolta is a weak link (his bad guy shtick is stale), but Scott has crafted a very solid rainy day rental. B

The Good Wife (TV Show) (2009-)… Executive Producer
Another hit for CBS, though this one has a much higher profile than Numbers. I was one of many who had no idea Scott was a producer of this show. I don’t watch it, but I know some folks who say that it’s quite entertaining. Like In Her Shoes, this seems like an unlikely project for Scott to be involved with.

Tell Tale (2009)… Producer
Into the Storm (2009)… Executive Producer
Cracks (2009)… Executive Producer
Nomads (2010)… Executive Producer
Yet another round of producing gigs for small indies and made for TV films. I’ve only heard of one — Into the Storm – which was a successful HBO docudrama in the vein of his previous HBO efforts (RKO 281 and The Gathering Storm).

Welcome to the Rileys (2010)… Executive Producer
A quiet little film that I actually enjoyed renting one day last year. James Gandolfini and Melissa Leo are a married couple mourning the loss of their only child. Kristen Stewart comes along and shakes things up. It’s a familiar, predictable tale, but the performances by everyone (including the always needlessly maligned Stewart) deliver very potent performances. The film directing debut of Ridley Scott’s son, Jake. B

Cyrus (2010)… Executive Producer
Another successful independent dramedy featuring Jonah Hill in a refreshing change-of-pace role as a needy kid who has a tough time getting along with his mother’s new boyfriend, played by the great John C. Reilly. It’s a little dark but its emotions run deep. B+

The A-Team (2010)… Producer
An incoherent mess. I wanted to like it — I love the cast, the premise, and I sometimes dig Joe Carnahan’s style — but it didn’t come together for me at all. It wasn’t even trashy fun. It was just plain trash. D

Unstoppable (2010)… Producer/Director
Scott’s final film as a director, and what a great one at that. It’s the best action film of 2010, a white knuckle thriller helmed with superb craftsmanship. It was his fifth pairing with Washington, and the two of them fit like a glove. As a film director, Tony Scott went out on top with Unstoppable. A

The Real Robin Hood (2010)… Executive Producer
Life in a Day (2011)… Executive Producer
Gettysburg (2011)… Executive Producer
Towards the end of his career, Tony Scott put together of a series of feature-length documentaries. I’m only familiar with one. Life in a Day was a gorgeous tapestry of everyday life, helmed by myriads of random people across the world armed with a camera. It was a clever time capsule documenting just that — life in a single day. Life in a Day: B+

Pillars of the Earth (TV show) (2010)… Executive Producer
Call of Duty Elite (TV show) (2011-)… Executive Producer
World Without End (TV show) (2012-)… Producer
Scott also managed to put together a few TV pilots, the last two actually being picked up to series. I’ve never heard of any of them, quite honestly. It amazes me how Scott has become so prolific at this stage in his life. He was really picking up his producing career.

The Grey (2011)… Executive Producer
I haven’t seen this one yet, but it’s in the pipeline. I’ve heard mostly positive buzz on this thriller featuring Liam Neeson as a huntsman fending off a pack of wolves. After the debacle that was The A-Team, it’s good to see Scott, Neeson and Carnahan involved in something a little more palatable.

Prometheus (2012)… Producer
His final, completed project was a bit of a mess, directed by his brother Ridley. It didn’t quite work as either a monster movie or a parable on human existence, but I commend the effort of trying to do a mash-up of both. Worth a look for Noomi Rapace’s blistering performance as a woman Ellen Ripley would be proud of. C+

Tony Scott had a lot of projects in various stages of production when he passed away. Some of his producing projects have been completed (mostly TV movies, like Coma, which airs this month). It was rumored that he was talking with Tom Cruise about ideas for Top Gun 2. Sadly, that reunion just wasn’t meant to be.

Fincher. Spielberg. Minghella. Raimi. Scorsese. Scott. Soderbergh. Jarmusch. Anderson.

One thing you may notice when looking at Cate Blanchett’s eclectic filmography is her penchant for choosing some amazing directors. A generous mix of mainstream and offbeat. Clearly, not many of these movies are hits or even very good. But Blanchett stretches and experiments unlike any actress I can think of. She’s a chameleon. I’m always in awe of her efforts.

And if I may say so, is there any actress sexier than Cate Blanchett?

Here’s a rundown of her career so far.

Heartland (1994) … Elizabeth
Bordertown (1995) … Bianca
Who knew? Our darling Cate started out in TV! She appeared in these relatively low profile Australian miniseries where she flexed her acting muscles alongside fellow Aussie Hugo Weaving.

Parklands (1996) … Rosie
Thank God He Met Lizzie (1997) … Lizzie
After those TV appearances, she scored the lead roles in these small Aussie films.

Paradise Road (1997) … Susan
Bruce Beresford, a respected Australian director, plucked Blanchett out of obscurity and cast her alongside Glenn Glose, Frances McDormand, Jennifer Ehle and Julianna Margulies in this Japanese/Australian drama about women prisoners in WWII. It wasn’t a hit, but the film paved the way for bigger and better things.

Oscar and Lucinda (1997) … Lucinda
Her highest-profile role to date. She played Lucinda to Ralph Fiennes’ Oscar in this delightful culture-clash romantic drama. I remember simply adoring all of the performances in this film, especially from Blanchett who I had never seen before. A delightful discovery. B

Elizabeth (1998) … Elizabeth I
And there it is. Her breakout role, an Oscar-nominated performance where she dazzled the world with her acting prowess and gorgeous physique. She embodied the role of a young and inexperienced new queen fighting to keep her throne. I’m not a fan of stuffy period dramas, but this one was anything but. And it’s all because of Cate Blanchett. Welcome to Hollywood, my dear. B+

An Ideal Husband (1999) … Lady Gertrude Chiltern
A modest hit from Oliver Parker, this one features Rupert Everett as a philanderer who helps his friend (Jeremy Northam) shush away a scheming blackmailer (Julianne Moore). Blanchett plays Northam’s wife, Gertrude.

Pushing Tin (1999) … Connie Falzone
A flop from Mike Newell that features the unique casting of John Cusack and Billy Bob Thornton playing cocky air traffic controllers. Blanchett and Angelina Jolie play the women in their lives. It’s certainly not boring, but it was an uneasy mix of Hollywood clichés and smart character beats. C+

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) … Meredith Logue
I didn’t like this film when I first saw it in theaters, but when I revisited it on DVD not long after, I was enamored with it. Anthony Minghella crafted a very subtle, harrowing study of obsession in high society. Damon is breathtaking here. Blanchett has a brief bit that doesn’t quite pop, but she blends in well with this high-caliber cast. A

The Man Who Cried (2000) … Lola
Sally Potter helmed this bizarre story of a Russian immigrant (Christina Ricci) who falls for a gypsy horseman (Johnny Depp). Blanchett plays her dancing friend, Lola. Can’t say I have much of a desire to catch this one.

The Gift (2000) … Annabelle “Annie” Wilson
A crazy little thriller from Sam Raimi (and co-written by Billy Bob Thornton). It wasn’t a hit by any means, but I know some folks who really dug it. I kind of fell somewhere in the middle. It has some credibility issues, but it certainly contained some pretty explosive twists. I really loved this cast (including Reeves, Holmes, Swank, Kinnear). B-

Bandits (2001) … Kate Wheeler
Blanchett concluded her offbeat Billy Bob period by starring alongside him and the great Bruce Willis in Barry Levinson’s misfire about two bank robbers who fall in love with the girl they’ve kidnapped. Clumsy and poorly paced, I couldn’t get into Bandits at all. I was tremendously disappointed with it considering how much I adore these actors. D+

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003) … Galadriel
In Peter Jackson’s glorious, extravagant epic, Blanchett has the pivotal role of Lady Galadriel, an ethereal guardian elf who casts a watchful eye over our beloved group. These movies are cinematic achievements of the highest order. A

Charlotte Gray (2001) … Charlotte Gray
I love that Blanchett works with such talented directors. I haven’t seen this one, but she re-teams with Gillian Armstrong (Oscar and Lucinda) to play a young Scottish woman who joins the French Resistance in WWII to look for her boyfriend, who is MIA in France. I hear the movie is just OK, but that Blanchett is, no surprise, pretty damned good.

The Shipping News (2001) … Petal
A hugely underrated drama from Lasse Hallstrom. This one has a fantastic performance from Kevin Spacey as a timid, down-beaten man living a sad, quiet life in icy Newfoundland. Blanchett, Judi Dench and Julianne Moore play the women in his life who eventually turn him around. I discovered this on DVD long after it was released and was pleasantly surprised on all levels. A sweet, soft-spoken movie with lots of real human emotions on full display. A-

Heaven (2002) … Philippa
A Tom Tykwer venture in which she plays a widow hellbent on killing the drug dealer that helped claim her husband’s life. Amidst her descent into crime, she falls for the police officer (Giovanni Ribisi) on her trail. A little artsy, a little twisted, but it’s an absorbing, well-acted drama. B

Veronica Guerin (2003) … Veronica Guerin
Coffee and Cigarettes (2003) … Cate/Shelly
The Missing (2003) … Magdelena Gilkeson
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004) … Jane Winslet-Richardson
Four wildly different directors – Joel Schumacher, Jim Jarmusch, Ron Howard and Wes Anderson – helmed these dramas that were unseen by me. Her performance as Veronica Guerin was well-received by critics, though the film was not quite embraced by many. (Neither of these films were hits, actually.) One could argue that this was a rare “low period” in Blanchett’s career.

The Aviator (2004) … Katherine Hepburn
She escaped from that string of flops and disappeared in an Oscar-winning performance as Katherine Hepburn in Martin Scorsese’s masterful biopic. Blanchett stole my heart in this film doing an utterly convincing turn as one of the most beloved movie actresses in the world. Blanchett clearly did her homework. DiCaprio is spectacularly good here as the titular Howard Hughes. A stunning film all around. A

Little Fish (2005) … Tracy
I’m sad to say that I never even heard of this one. Cate returned to her native Australia to film this low-budget indie where she plays an ex-druggie who has been trying to live a clean and sober life while building a new business. Of course, it doesn’t exactly go as planned. Her famous Aussie co-stars include Hugo Weaving and Sam Neill.

Babel (2006) … Susan Jones
In Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s gorgeous tapestry of interlocking stories set in far ends of the world, we watch in horror as a married couple (Brad Pitt and Blanchett, a divine pairing) are tragically stricken in the desert. It’s richly layered and truly heartbreaking. The cast is brilliant from top to bottom, especially the divine Rinko Kikuchi. A-

The Good German (2006) … Lena Brandt
I skipped this one on the basis of negative buzz and overall disinterest in the story, but part of me regrets it. I so love this cast. I always say I’ll see anything Clooney does, so I have to back that up, don’t I? And one can’t usually go wrong with including Blanchett and Maguire in the cast as well. I should just suck it up and watch it already. Buzz be damned!

Notes on a Scandal (2006) … Sheba Hart
A fantastic little potboiler in which Blanchett plays a teacher carrying on a dangerous affair with a 15-year-old student. Judi Dench is the veteran colleague who does some serious finger-wagging. It’s a bit melodramatic, of course, but Blanchett sold it for me, 100%. It’s a very sexy thriller. B+

Hot Fuzz (2007) … Janine (uncredited)
I’d much prefer Hot Fuzz over Shaun of the Dead, and I know I’m not alone in that thought. In Edgar Wright’s silly, thunderous action comedy, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have truly never been better. Blanchett is virtually unrecognizable as Pegg’s masked ex-girlfriend. A

I’m Not There (2007) … Jude
I’ve heard many wonderful things about Blanchett’s performance as a variation of Bob Dylan’s persona. The buzz for the rest of the film is polarizing, as expected from auteur/experimentalist Todd Haynes. But I may take the jump and rent this one someday…

Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) … Queen Elizabeth I
Negative reviews and lack of interest in revisiting the character kept me away from this sequel to the movie that made Blanchett a star. I feel like this one came and went, and no one even noticed.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) … Irina Spalko
Sigh. Where can I begin? I have very mixed feelings about this whole affair. In context, it doesn’t deserve to be called an Indiana Jones movie. It’s not even close to being as good as the previous three. But… as a standalone action blockbuster? It’s not that bad. Spielberg does know how to spin an action yarn. However, Spalko is a poorly conceived cartoon and arguably Blanchett’s worst role. B-

Ponyo (2008) … Granmamare (voice)
I have yet to dip my toe in the waters of Japanese animation, including this very well-received adventure from the revered animator Hayao Miyazaki. Blanchett is one of many Americans voicing the English dubbed version.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) … Daisy
A huge disappointment considering that it was my most eagerly anticipated film of 2008. I certainly didn’t hate it; I found a lot to admire about David Fincher’s fantastical story about a man who ages backwards. But glacial pacing and dull supporting characters prevented me from getting under its skin. B-

Robin Hood (2010) … Marion Loxley
Another one I skipped, despite being such a big fan of Russell Crowe and director Ridley Scott. It’s one of those films I mean to get around to someday but never did (yet). Pairing Crowe with fellow Aussie Blanchett seems just right.

Hanna (2011) … Marissa
One of the best films of 2011. Blanchett has a steely, ice-cold reserve as an agent hell-bent on stopping a 15-year-old assassin (the brilliant Saoirse Ronan). This is electrifying filmmaking from Joe Wright, also starring Eric Bana as Ronan’s father. All of the elements worked here — from the action to the pulsating music, from the depth of the performances to the resonant themes of belonging and vengeance. A

Family Guy (2012) … Penelope (voice)
Cate made a rare foray in television, albeit behind the microphone. I don’t watch the show, but I can’t judge the appearance. But Blanchett is a dazzling voice actress. I can see her doing a career in voice work for many years to come.

The Hobbit: An Expected Journey/There and Back Again (2012/2013) … Galadriel
Galadriel, the fanboy’s wet dream from the LOTR trilogy, will be returning to Middle Earth in Peter Jackson’s hugely anticipated epic adventure later this year. This is going to be a big one.

Lawless (2013)
Blanchett joins Ryan Gosling, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale and Rooney Mara in Terence Malick’s upcoming tale of sexual obsession.

Ahem… Is it hot in here, or is it just me?

The Rundown is a new feature on Flickers where I take a look at the complete body of work of an actor, writer, director, etc. Typically it’s a person I have great fondness of, a long-standing appreciation of their skill and body of work. Jeff Daniels is the perfect actor to launch The Rundown. He is an actor I never tire of when I see him. I always want more of him.

When it was announced recently that he was taking the lead in a new show from Aaron Sorkin, I was thrilled beyond belief. It was about time we started seeing Daniels on the small screen, appearing in our homes week after week. The fact that Daniels will be uttering Sorkinisms for 10 weeks this summer makes me feel a little giddy inside. A dynamic pairing if there ever was one.

One thing I’ve grown to admire about Jeff Daniels is his ability to keep working. He has appeared in at least one film per year since his break out in The Purple Rose of Cairo in 1985. He has been a consistent presence in the motion picture industry since I began watching movies. He has appeared in 73 titles to date, according to IMDb, and yet, how much do you really know about Jeff Daniels? Nothing, and that’s part of his charm.

Nothing is beneath him. He is an actor without ego and appreciates the art of the ensemble. Look at his filmography and you’ll see he is never pigeonholed into one genre or a type of role. He’ll be a leading man in a drama or a sidekick in a comedy or a partner in a thriller. He’ll work for big name directors or no-name rookies.

I’m not interested in his personal life, so this isn’t a biography. The Rundown is a reflection on the storied career of a consummate professional.

Ragtime (1980) … P.C. O’Donnell
After a small crop of appearances in TV movies and series (Hawaii Five-0, A Rumor of War), he made his first motion picture appearance in Ragtime, alongside James Cagney and Elizabeth McGovern.

Terms of Endearment (1983) … Flap Horton
Daniels’ major breakthrough, playing Debra Winger’s husband. The film was a huge success for everyone involved and gave the world their first look at a fresh young talent. I haven’t seen the film in at least 20 years, so I can’t give it a fair grade. I remember admiring it, but it’s definitely worth a revisit.

The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) … Tom Baxter/Gil Shepard
He followed up that successful role with an even bigger one in Woody Allen’s charming, winsome dramedy. Daniels’ stardom rose quickly when he was nominated for his first Golden Globe. B+

Marie (1985) … Eddie Sisk
A tepidly received political thriller starring Sissy Spacek, directed by Roger Donaldson. Regardless of its poor reception, this sounds like an interesting film and I’m surprised I had never heard of it. Daniels’ role as Sisk appeared to have been a major one and was probably a big disappointment for him when this tanked.

Heartburn (1986) … Richard
One year after working with Woody Allen, Daniels got the opportunity to work with the revered director Mike Nichols. I still have this one in my queue. I know it tanked critically and with audiences, but I’m such a fan of everyone involved (including acting stalwarts Nicholson and Streep) that I owe it to myself to catch this one soon.

Something Wild (1986) … Charles Driggs
Later that year, Daniels struck gold with this darkly funny comedy from Jonathan Demme. He earned his second Golden globe nomination in as many years. I adored this movie and was awestruck by the firecracker performance by Melanie Griffith. B+

Radio Days (1987) … Biff Baxter
Another Woody Allen period piece though not nearly as successful as Purple Rose. Despite the huge cast, I’m not looking to catch this one anytime soon. Just doesn’t seem all that interesting to me.

The House on Carroll Street (1988) … Cochran
Daniels was tackling a lot of period pieces back then, wasn’t he? I did see this one but I barely remember it. A blip in everyone’s career.

Sweet Hearts Dance (1988) … Sam Manners
Now this one looks charming. I had heard of it but never knew anything about it. It’s a midlife comedy that also stars Don Johnson, Elizabeth Perkins and Susan Sarandon. It looks cozy. May have to give it a shot sometime.

Checking Out (1989) … Ray Macklin
This one is interesting to note because it was written by Joe Eszterhas and showed us for the first time that Daniels had a knack for physical comedy. This film appeared on cable many times and I never caught a minute of it. It just looks awful.

Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990) … Denton Webb
Now I know I saw this one on cable many times. I don’t remember a lick of it except drooling over a sexy, young Winona Ryder. Come on, I was 13. What 80′s kid didn’t have a crush on her?

Arachnophobia (1990) … Dr. Ross Jennings
This one scared the hell out of me. I was 13 when I saw it in the theaters and a fear of spiders was born. John Goodman played an exterminator with an impressive arsenal. Fun, cheeky, and scary as all hell. A-

Love Hurts (1990) … Paul Weaver
The Butcher’s Wife (1991) … Dr. Alex Tremor
I avoided these romantic comedies (his genre of choice lately) when they came out. So did the rest of the world, apparently.

Timescape (1992) … Ben Wilson
Also known as Grand Tour: Disaster in Time. Also known as a time travel thriller from David Twohy (The Arrival, Pitch Black). How did I miss this? Twohy, time travel, Jeff Daniels? That sound you hear is the film being added to my queue.

Teamster Boss: The Jackie Presser Story (1992) … Tom Noonan
Rain Without Thunder (1992) … Jonathan Garson

There Goes the Neighborhood (1992) … Willis Embry
I caught this on cable several years ago when I was home sick and ended up really enjoying it. This zany, wonderfully offbeat comedy features Catherine O’Hara, Dabney Coleman, Chazz Palminteri, and Rhea Perlman, among others. Hmmm… Maybe it was the drugs? Perhaps, but the way I remember it is that it’s a solid B.

Gettysburg (1993) … Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
The first of his two performances as Chamberlain, which he has noted is his favorite role. It flopped on the big screen, but was a huge hit on VHS and in TNT reruns, bringing in record ratings for a cable network.

Speed (1994) … Det. Harry Temple
The best action film of the ’90s and it made stars out of Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. Daniels didn’t do too badly either. This was the best year of his film career, starring in two massive hits with performances that couldn’t be any different from one another. Speed finally put him back on the map. A+

Dumb and Dumber (1994) … Harry Dunne
Dumb and Dumber further solidified his status as actor who never failed to surprise you. Prior to seeing this, never in a million years did I think Daniels was the right guy to play Jim Carrey’s best friend. And when you watch the film, you can’t imagine a better actor playing Harry Dunne. His versatility became a huge playing card. A+

Redwood Curtain (1995) … Lyman Fellers
A Hallmark Hall of Fame movie (also starring John Lithgow) that screamed for Emmy acceptance when it aired. It got recognized, all right. For sound mixing.

Fly Away Home (1996) … Tom Alden
I adored this sweet family drama about a young girl (Anna Paquin) who is forced to live with her father (Daniels) on a farm in Canada. Together, they adopt a family of geese that need to be migrated in order to survive. Gorgeous, heartfelt and superbly acted. A hit with audiences and critics. A

2 Days in the Valley (1996) … Alvin Strayer
This was a time when Pulp Fiction knockoffs were all too common. Reception to this all-star film was middling at best but I actually dug it. Among other things, it gave us the breathtaking debut of a young Charlize Theron. B+

101 Dalmations (1996) … Roger
It was a blast to see Glenn Close let loose as a hammy, deliciously evil Cruella de Ville in this harmless, though average, family film written by John Hughes. It was a big enough hit to inspire a sequel, though, alas, without the involvement of Daniels. B-

Trial and Error (1997) … Charles Tuttle
With Seinfeld being a huge hit at the time and Daniels hot off the success of Dumb and Dumber, the pairing of Daniels and Michael Richards seemed like a decent idea. It was a flop in every aspect. Director Jonathan Lynn had better success with the similarly themed ’92 comedy My Cousin Vinny. However, I got a few mild laughs from this little comedy and Charlize Theron continued to the charm the hell out of me. B-

Pleasantville (1998) … Bill Johnson
One of the very best films of 1998, Pleasantville is a critically acclaimed allegory from writer/director Gary Ross. Daniels took a smallish role as a timid restaurant owner, Bill Johnson, whose passion for painting is awakened when the world all around him begins to turn into color. I cannot express enough how much I love this film. A+

My Favorite Martian (1999) … Tim O’Hara
A huge misfire that marked Jeff Daniels’ disappearance from mainstream Hollywood for many years. He focused mostly on theater work and independent films throughout the next decade.

All the Rage (1999) … Warren Harding
The Crossing (2000) … Gen. George Washington
Chasing Sleep (2000) … Ed Saxon
Direct-to-video is not an avenue Jeff Daniels isn’t willing to explore. Like I said earlier, the man never stopped working.

Cheaters (2000) … Dr. Gerard Plecki
A fantastic HBO original film about a group of students who cheated at the Academic Decathlon and got called out for it. Daniels played their conflicted teacher. John Stockwell directed this intense true story that also stars Jena Malone and Paul Sorvino. One of the year’s best. A

Escanaba in da Moonlight (2001) … Rueben Soady
Super Sucker (2002) … Fred Barlow
Daniels went home to Michigan and wrote/directed these two comedies that were barely distributed. Reviews weren’t kind. Daniels has not since returned behind the camera.

Blood Work (2002) … Jasper “Buddy” Noone
A major departure for Daniels, which I’m sure he grabbed for the experience of working with Clint Eastwood and tackling a different kind of role. Unfortunately for him, it tanked, and rightfully so. It was sluggish, routine and nothing very special. C

The Hours (2002) … Louis Waters
I hated this film. A pretentious, dreary literary adaptation of a Pulitzer winning novel. The pedigree is astounding, but I couldn’t bring myself to care about any of these women. Daniels had a bit part as Ed Harris’ lover, Louis. D

Gods and Generals (2003) … Lt. Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
Daniels revisited this role 10 years after Gettysburg, and it debuted poorly. Critics and viewers mostly stayed away, and fans of the original much-loved book from which this was based cried foul.

I Witness (2003) … James Rhodes
The Goodbye Girl (2004) … Elliot Garfield
Imaginary Heroes (2004) … Ben Travis
The Five People You Meet In Heaven (2004) … Blue Man
More TV movies and independent films that made very little impressions on critics and audiences alike.

The Squid and the Whale (2005) … Bernard Berkman
One thing I remember about this film is that Anna Paquin played his lover. I couldn’t get it out of my mind that he played her father in Fly Away Home nine years earlier. That aside, Berkman is one of Daniels’ most explosive performances. I didn’t love the film, but I really loved Daniels here. B

Because of Winn-Dixie (2005) … Preacher
Another family drama, this time from Wayne Wang, notable because of Dave Matthews in a rare acting appearance. Otherwise, not nearly as successful as Fly Away Home or 101 Dalmatians.

Good Night, and Good Luck (2005) … Sig Mickelson
George Clooney’s fascinating drama highlights the strenuous early days of television broadcast journalism. The cast is brilliant, from David Strathairn to Robert Downey, Jr to Frank Langella. Daniels has a brief, lively bit as news executive Sig Mickelson. B+

RV (2006) … Travis Gornicke
Barry Sonnenfeld directed this critically lambasted Robin Williams vehicle that made a surprising dent in the box office at the tune of $85 million. There is so much negativity behind this film that I cannot bring myself to view it.

Infamous (2006) … Alvin Dewey
The second Truman Capote film to be released in as many years and received some surprisingly positive buzz. But it never escaped the shadow of the award-winning Capote. Jeff Daniels disappeared in another bit part among a huge star-studded ensemble.

The Lookout (2007) … Lewis
A fantastic directorial debut for acclaimed screenwriter Scott Frank. This is a twisty crime thriller in which Joseph Gordon-Levitt (great as always) suffers from short term memory loss and gets involved in some shady dealings. Daniels has an awesome, showy supporting role as Gordon-Levitt’s blind roommate. Great taut stuff. A-

A Plumm Summer (2007) … Narrator
Mama’s Boy (2007) … Mert Rosenbloom
Sweet Nothing in My Ear (2008) … Dan Miller
Space Chimps (2008) … Zartog
Another string of indies and family films that no one has ever heard of.

Traitor (2008) … Carter
An effective, though at times confusing, spy thriller starring Don Cheadle and Guy Pearce. Daniels has a brief but pivotal role as an intelligence contractor who finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. B-

The Answer Man (2009) … Arlen Faber
This indie had a lot going for it but it ultimately did not work thanks to a lackluster script and uninspired direction. This is not the fault of the fine actors in the film, including the great Lauren Graham, Kat Dennings, and Lou Taylor Pucci. C

State of Play (2009) … George Fergus
An exciting political thriller with a slick cast (Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren and Ben Affleck), tight script (from a bevy of talented writers) and assured direction. Another bit part for Daniels but, as per usual, he blended right in with this high-wattage ensemble. B+

Away We Go (2009) … Jerry Farlander
One of my favorite films of 2009, Away We Go is a spiritual dramedy about a young expectant couple who travels around the country in search for a home to put down their roots. John Krasinski is terrific and Maya Rudolph is nothing short of a revelation. Daniels and Catherine O’Hara play husband and wife again (after doing the same 17 years ago in There Goes the Neighborhood). Well worth a look. A

Paper Man (2009) … Richard Dunn
Ryan Reynolds (in dyed blond hair, no less!), Emma Stone and Lisa Kudrow star in this seemingly bizarre comedy about a novelist (Daniels) with writer’s block who chats with his imaginary superhero friend, Mr. Excellent. I’ve been meaning to catch this indie but never got around to it, mostly due to negative buzz.

Howl (2010) … David Kirk
This one came and went with very little fanfare, and I had no idea Daniels was even in it. I’m actually surprised by the pedigree of this cast (includes Strathairn, Jon Hamm, Mary Louise-Parker, et al). Despite that, this experimental drama about Allen Ginsberg doesn’t interest me one bit.

The Newsroom (2012)
The most eagerly anticipated series of the summer. When Aaron Sorkin headlines a new show, I take notice. Throw in Daniels, Emily Mortimer (also a welcome addition to the weekly series format), Dev Patel, Jane Fonda (!) and Sam Waterson, and you’ve got appointment television.

Looper (2012)
I couldn’t be more excited for Rian Johnson’s latest thriller about an assassin who kills people from the future. We all know very little about it, but if it’s anything like Brick and The Brothers Bloom, it’s bound to be original and compelling. And with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis headlining it, I’m completely sold on it.

Untitled Dumb and Dumber Sequel (2014) … Harry Dunne
Naysayers can complain all they want. The idea of seeing Carrey and Daniels together again as Harry and Lloyd 20 years later is enough to make this fanboy happy. I doubt it’ll touch the magic of the original but these guys are a natural pair. I’ll watch anything they do together! I really hope they get this off the ground.

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So for the best of Jeff Daniels, you should not miss:

Speed
Dumb and Dumber
Pleasantville
Fly Away Home
Cheaters
Away We Go
Arachnophobia
The Lookout
Something Wild
The Purple Rose of Cairo

And though the film is pretty good but not great, his performance in The Squid and the Whale is one of his best.