Not many actors have earned the appreciation of James Marsden. Since the 1990’s, Marsden has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s comic-book heroes, princes in dangers or Broadway performers, Marsden has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. X-Men
X-Men is an excellent franchise that my grandfather has always loved dearly. I remember a grandfather that was a huge fan of the X-Men franchise. A huge comic-book nerd, he always adored a film franchise making him feel heard. Every Summer, I would often look forward to visiting the theatre to watch X-Men movies with my grandfather. A huge fan of the Wolverine, he would always praise movies that he firmly believed deserved to be seen on the big-screen. In 2000, James Marsden honoured the excellent franchise about men in his movie “X-Men”. In the greatest role of his career, Marsden portrayed a vision-impaired superhero facing despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Marsden has spent most of his career playing heroes in romantic comedies. With “X-Men”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone by making his first ever comic-book movie. As Cyclops, Marsden did an excellent job of portraying an iconic comic-book character. Working alongside Hugh Jackman who is also outstanding, Marsden honoured a superhero team that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Scott delivers an emotional speech seeking to prepare mutants for warfare is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “X-Men” James Marsden’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most comic-book movies, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the importance of teamwork which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years after the release of a classic comic-book movie about an excellent superhero team achieving goals with commitment, it’s a riveting reminder of a great actor that has manufactured memorable movies in a wide variety of genres being an icon in entertainment.
2. Enchanted
Enchanted princesses are characters that my mother always appreciated. I remember my mother was once a huge fan of princesses whose lives are in danger. She would always speak fondly about classic Disney princesses that shaped her identity. My mother always appreciated enchanted princesses in fairytales that shaped her identity. In 2007, James Marsden honoured enchanted princesses that my mother adored in his movie “Enchanted”. In the most musical role of his career, Marsden portrayed a charming prince seeking to reunite with his long lost lover facing despair. With “Enchanted”, Marsden showcased rare talent for singing melodies that he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Amy Adams who is also amazing, Marsden honoured princesses that are inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Prince Edward becomes aware that Giselle has fallen in love with another man causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Enchanted” a fantasy classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about princesses, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. As strong as Giselle’s desire to become a princess that’s enchanted, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has produced unforgettable movies which deserve to be appreciated.
3. Hairspray
Hairspray is a beloved Broadway musical that my father loves today. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a father that loved a stage musical about women facing damage. He would always speak fondly about a musical that he considered to be special. My father would always marvel at an iconic play about women wearing hairspray facing a price to pay. In 2007, James Marsden honoured the iconic Broadway play in his movie “Hairspray”. In the most theatrical role of his career, Marsden portrayed the host of a musical show where people sing melodies causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a star-studded cast. Working alongside Michelle Pfeiffer who is also outstanding, Marsden honoured a Broadway play that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Corny seeks to prepare his dancers for a big rehearsal is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Hairspray” a musical masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most Broadway adaptations, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about racism which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved Broadway play, it’s a riveting reminder of a celebrated actor that has produced unforgettable movies which definitely deserve to be celebrated today.
4. Lee Daniels’ The Butler
John F. Kennedy is a legendary president that my cousin always loved dearly. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a cousin that adored a president which guided America. He would always speak fondly about a politician that changed the country. My cousin often desired to see the life of the president depicted in entertainment. In 2013, James Marsden honoured the honoured presidential figure in his movie “The Butler”. In the most political role of his career, Marsden portrayed an iconic president seeking to guide his country during a time of despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a legendary American president which is well-known. Working alongside Forest Whitaker who is also amazing, Marsden honoured a president that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Kennedy delivers a rousing speech seeking to prepare his staff for a big lunch is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Butler” a commemorated masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with American history to appreciate it. An astonishing tribute towards a legendary president that guided America, it’s an amazing reminder of a commemorated actor with undeniable charisma that has manufactured unforgettable movies which attract audiences to the Cinema.
5. The Notebook
Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school seeking marriage. However, immigration brought relationships to a closure. When my family moved to Canada, I experienced a dilemma of saying goodbye to a girl that shaped my persona. As someone treasuring memories of a childhood lover that changed my outlook, I adored “The Notebook”. Released in 2004, James Marsden’s movie captured the lives of childhood lovers. In the most romantic role of his career, Marsden portrayed a military officer seeking to reunite with his long lost companion causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing romantic heroes with strong personalities. Working alongside Rachel McAdams who is also amazing, Marsden created a romantic drama that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Lon becomes aware that Allie is having an affair causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “The Notebook” a great romantic drama is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about memory loss that would resonate with everyone. As precious as Ally and Noah’s kiss in the rain, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor that has managed to gain a following by producing unforgettable movies that entertain.
6. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
Few companies have produced animated movies of quality as high as Studio Ghibli. With their compelling characters, stunning animation and strong storytelling, Studio Ghibli’s movies have earned a huge following. In 2013, James Marsden honoured the iconic studio with charisma in his movie “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya”. In the most animated role of his career, Marsden portrayed a Japanese prince facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare opportunity to demonstrate talent for creating compelling animated characters through his powerful voice. Through his commanding voice, Marsden created an animated movie that’s compelling. As precious as Princess Kaguya’s tale, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies with extraordinary detail which rarely fail.
7. Superman Returns
Superman is a soaring superhero that has built a legacy that’s lasting. With his charisma, heroism and charming personality, Superman has gained a huge following. In 2006, James Marsden honoured the iconic hero with high returns in his movie “Superman Returns”. In the most heroic role of his career, Marsden portrayed a journalist that forms a friendship with Clark Kent unaware of his superhero identity causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for stealing the show in a star-studded cast. Working alongside Brandon Routh who is also amazing, Marsden honoured a superhero that’s inspiring. A spectacular tribute towards a superhero with abilities to soar, it’s a superb reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured memorable movies throughout his career which audiences adore.
8. Robot and Frank
Artificial intelligence is a subject that fascinated by brother. I remember my brother was fascinated with artificial intelligence causing disaster. As someone treasuring a brother that adored artificial intelligence that’s frank, I appreciated “Robot and Frank”. Released in 2012, James Marsden’s movie captured relationships between artificial robots facing tragedy. In the most thoughtful role of his career, Marsden portrayed a tech inventor struggling to take care of a robot causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong supporting characters in movies. Working alongside Frank Langella who is also amazing, Marsden created a portrait of A.I. that’s compelling. An amazing depiction of artificial intelligence, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor making great movies attracting an audience.
9. Interstate 60
James Marsden has always excelled at playing anxious characters facing tension. Marsden has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing characters facing emotional damage. Marsden’s strength for playing emotional characters facing adversity is clearly evident in his film “Interstate 60”. Released in 2002, Bob Gale’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most emotional role of his career, Marsden portrayed a lost man embarking on a road trip across America to discover his identity causing despair. It’s the breakthrough role that established Marsden as a leading man with charisma. Working alongside Gary Oldman who is also amazing, Marsden created a drama that’s engaging. As strong as Oliver’s desire to shape his future, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made memorable movies which audiences treasure.
10. 2 Guns
James Marsden hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “2 Guns” falls into the latter category. Released in 2013, Baltasar Kormakur’s blockbuster was a disaster. In the most shallow of his career, Marsden portrayed an FBI agent seeking to resolve crimes causing despair. Marsden brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a disastrous movie. Although “2 Guns” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Marsden’s legacy. As powerful as guns which two gangsters love to use, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to use his charisma to manufacture compelling movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring my passion of writing movie reviews.
The Film Buff 