Most Underused Actors and Actresses

I find myself watching many movies that are essentially good but poorly cast. Too many actors are worshiped and highly paid despite sub par skills and often being decidedly one note (yeah I'm talking about you and your ilk, Shia Lebarf).

I want to dedicate a thread to all of those performers out there who should be utilized more often in cinema. As always I welcome the opinions of my peers. Here are some that I champion:

Sam Niel - The guy commands a scene and is perfectly nuanced. Why the hell was Jurassic Park the only blockbuster they entrusted to him for a lead role? He went on to do memorable roles such as Merlin in the TV series of the same name, but I find myself wishing to see him as the wise confidant or complex villain.

Bruce Campbell - Bruce is the most glorious idol to his fans, and he himself has embraced his crown in the B movie circuit, but I've seen him in guest roles on TV shows where he flexes his true acting muscle and its clear that he has the potential to be so much more. His charisma will always be there, but I think its something to build upon, not settle for. There are so many classic comedic horror movies that never happened because somebody's agent isn't paying hardball. Bubba Hotep was a sign!

Patrick Stewart - So what if the guy played captain of the enterprise for the better part of a decade? Typecasting is an illusion! Its a marketed perception! Aside from being the obvious choice for professor Xavier, the man has been virtually ignored by Hollywood. But guess what? He's a profoundly good actor who could easily carry an entire film, same as Ben Kingsley and other distinguished old gentleman. Talk about a waste of talent.

Oliver Platt - I call him the white Forest Whitaker; a hefty man with a genuine delivery. This guy radiates good humor and intelligence, and is always great in a supporting role. They stick him here and there, and when he pops up its to good efect. But he needs to pop up more.

Mary Louise Parker - After all of these years this hot mamma finally gets recognition for her performance on what has become one of my favorite shows, Weeds. I did a little research and found that she's been around for quite some time, but not in anything with any prestige. I asked myself, how is it that a lady who is as gorgeous as she is intensely skilled at acting never been conditioned to lead at the box office? Its a mystery.

Well I have more but I'll open the floor. I'm sure everyone gets the idea.

Chris Cooper.  That dood is a fucking scene-stealer.

Ben Browder comes to mind. He had a pretty flat character in Stargate but in Farscape he was amazing. I want to see him in more stuff.

Sean Bean probably deserved bigger roles.

Nathan fuckin' Fillion

Damn I got beat to Nathan Fillion.

Also Micheal Keaton, he had his day. But he was awesome in more recent stuff like white noise.

I agree with shia though, i think Justin Long would make a better go-to young guy.

" Sean Bean probably deserved bigger roles. "

Has anyone here seen A Guide To Recognising Your Saints? That alone shows that Shia has enough talent deep down to put on an entertaining performance given the right material though, I agree with Justin Long and I would also like to mention Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He's amazing in both Brick and Mysterious Skin so, even though I know it'll be terrible, I'm really looking forward to him as Cobra Commander in GI Joe.

Ryan Gosling is one of the best actors of our generation and needs to become a household name. I can list sooo many. Another is Anne Hathaway.

" Has anyone here seen A Guide To Recognising Your Saints? That alone shows that Shia has enough talent deep down to put on an entertaining performance given the right material though, I agree with Justin Long and I would also like to mention Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He's amazing in both Brick and Mysterious Skin so, even though I know it'll be terrible, I'm really looking forward to him as Cobra Commander in GI Joe. "

I always thought that Sean Bean was great in Sharpe, he should have been given better stuff to do.

" @HandsomeDead said:

" Has anyone here seen A Guide To Recognising Your Saints? That alone shows that Shia has enough talent deep down to put on an entertaining performance given the right material though, I agree with Justin Long and I would also like to mention Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He's amazing in both Brick and Mysterious Skin so, even though I know it'll be terrible, I'm really looking forward to him as Cobra Commander in GI Joe. "

G.I. Joe is going to suck so bad(possible even on a Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen level), which makes me sad to see Joseph Gordon-Levitt in it(as well as Ray Parker as Snake Eyes).  He is a really good actor.  I loved him in Stop Loss. "

" @CitizenKane said:

" @HandsomeDead said:

" Has anyone here seen A Guide To Recognising Your Saints? That alone shows that Shia has enough talent deep down to put on an entertaining performance given the right material though, I agree with Justin Long and I would also like to mention Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He's amazing in both Brick and Mysterious Skin so, even though I know it'll be terrible, I'm really looking forward to him as Cobra Commander in GI Joe. "

G.I. Joe is going to suck so bad(possible even on a Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen level), which makes me sad to see Joseph Gordon-Levitt in it(as well as Ray Parker as Snake Eyes).  He is a really good actor.  I loved him in Stop Loss. "

To be honest, I feel sorry for near enough the entire cast. There's so much talent in there that only a director as terrible as Stephen Sommers could fuck it up. "

" @HandsomeDead said:

" @CitizenKane said:

" @HandsomeDead said:

" Has anyone here seen A Guide To Recognising Your Saints? That alone shows that Shia has enough talent deep down to put on an entertaining performance given the right material though, I agree with Justin Long and I would also like to mention Joseph Gordon-Levitt. He's amazing in both Brick and Mysterious Skin so, even though I know it'll be terrible, I'm really looking forward to him as Cobra Commander in GI Joe. "

G.I. Joe is going to suck so bad(possible even on a Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen level), which makes me sad to see Joseph Gordon-Levitt in it(as well as Ray Parker as Snake Eyes).  He is a really good actor.  I loved him in Stop Loss. "

To be honest, I feel sorry for near enough the entire cast. There's so much talent in there that only a director as terrible as Stephen Sommers could fuck it up. "

Movies like this make you wonder why the big actors that star in them decided to do it anyways.  Did they really think it was going to be good after reading the script?  Are they that desperate for the big paycheck?

These are just a couple of the questions of life.

"

Sam Witwer.

Sam Rockwell is great.

Peter North.

DAMN YOU JAZZY JEFF

Nathan Fillion I fully agree with,

My opinion is Val Kilmer, one of my favorite movies is Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and he is amazing in it. Where did you go Val? Why haven't you come back?

Bruce Campbell, have you been watching him in Burn Notice? He is great! Granted, I love the show but he really adds to it. And is in all the episodes. Definitely check it out if you haven't yet.

The beautiful and fairly talented Gina Phillips.

Wee Man is god dude.

Zach Braff. Though he would rather direct then act in the movie. But he was fantastic in Garden State.

I want more Chris Walken. Even if he's been in a fair bit of stuff.