It’s not always enough to have the dashing good looks and perfect build in Hollywood. Take a look at James Marsden if you want proof. He’s an impressive actor, still on his way to being great, but he’s been taking leaps and bounds since accepting various roles that have seen him flex and flaunt his obvious talent. He’s the classic, square-jawed actor that’s both handsome and charming, but it’s been his ability to adapt and prove that he’s more than just a pretty face that’s been endearing him to the viewers these past several years. In fact, it can be said that foregoing his looks, he’s been rather impressive in each successive role he’s taken.
Here are our picks for the top five roles of James Marsden’s career
5. Steve Clark – Disturbing Behavior
He was still fairly young when he took this role, but that actually paid off. While the film was a bit underrated considering that it went along with the general feel of the decade in which it debuted, Marsden played his role to a tee. As a disgruntled and disillusioned teenager he actually pulled it off quite well despite the fact that most teenagers in films are in their twenties.
4. David Sumner – Straw Dogs
Eventually everyone has a breaking point. This is proved in this film as Marsden eventually goes on the hunt to protect his home and his wife. When the only cop that makes it out to the scene is shot Marsden has to take matters into his own hands, and he does with a level of violence that is amazingly on par with what many people would do when pressed into such a situation. When the choice is to lay down and die or fight back, a lot of people seem to feel that fighting is the better option.
3. Prince Edward – Enchanted
Let’s put it out there to start with, he’s kind of a buffoon in this film. Granted, he’s the stereotypical prince that Disney touted in its earlier years when the damsel in distress was in need and a hero had to go rescue her. But this is kind of over the top, and that’s why it works so well. This proves that Marsden isn’t just the go-to action type, but can be undeniably silly as well. Straddling the line between serious and ridiculous is a seriously underrated skill in the acting world.
2. Corny Collins – Hairspray
So he didn’t have the biggest part and most people might not even remember he was in this fairly unsuccessful flick. But he had one of the more crucial background roles that helped keep the movie alive, and it was good that it was him. This added yet another layer to Marsden’s capabilities as an actor, being able to stay in the background and still make the movie work, to a degree. If you remember anything about the Corny Collins from the original you’ll recall that he was in fact a presence, but not THE presence.
1. Cyclops/Scott Summers – X-Men
He hadn’t quite made the jump to stardom yet in many people’s eyes, but taking on the role of the leader of the X-Men definitely made that happen. Despite being upstaged by Jackman’s Wolverine, who eventually became the main focus, Marsden still brought a very real depth to the character of Cyclops. There’s been a continual debate between who is a better X-Man, Cyclops or Wolverine, but in truth, the two played off one another quite well in the films, at least until the third installment.
Conclusion
James Marsden’s career is still very much on the rise. Like most actors he’s had to take a few lesser roles as the years have gone by, but his acting skills have only seemed to be strengthened by this. As a star he’s a very dedicated and obviously passionate individual that love what he does and strives to be the best.
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