Iconic Roles: Best Ryan Reynolds Movies

As a huge fan of Ryan Reynolds‘ acting prowess, I can confidently say that he’s one of the most entertaining and charismatic actors working today. His ability to bring wit, sarcasm, and charm to every role he takes on is truly remarkable. And when it comes to Deadpool, he embodies the character in a way that makes you believe he was born to play him.

Among self-satisfied performers, Ryan Reynolds stands out as the exceptional one, and I use this term positively. He excels at portraying sarcastic jerks, a skill that makes him an ideal fit for the role of Deadpool in comic books and a key reason why many of his best movies are enjoyable.

I’m thrilled as a fan to share that the man dons the red spandex again in this week’s Deadpool movie, joined by Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. Based on early reports, the film promises to be an exhilarating experience, with our very own Jonathan Sim describing it as “a bloody fun MCU fan service” and commending Reynolds’ exceptional portrayal of the Merc with the Mouth. In a league of self-assured actors, Ryan Reynolds stands out – in a positive way, of course. He has a knack for bringing the snarky, arrogant Deadpool to life on the big screen, making him an ideal fit for the comic book character.

In the usual fashion, this fresh movie serves as an ideal platform to reflect on Reynolds’ past works and showcase his top acting skills. Keep reading!

Just Friends (2005)

I’ve seen a lot of movies in my time, but if you ask me, Just Friends is the one where Ryan Reynolds truly shines. He completely immerses himself into the character of Chris Brander, a former nerd who transforms into a successful musician. But here’s the catch – he returns to his small-town roots to win back the girl of his dreams, Jamie (Amy Smart), who had labeled him as “just friends” years ago.

While I’ll admit that the comedic antics and simple jokes in this film become repetitive by the third act, and the story lacks depth overall, there’s still something about it that draws me back every Christmas. I can’t help but be charmed by the exceptional ensemble cast, particularly Chris Marquette’s performance, and a few genuinely hilarious scenes that make this one of my favorite Ryan Reynolds movies.

Van Wilder (2002)

Disregard the harsh criticisms on Rotten Tomatoes, where only 18% of the reviews were positive; Van Wilder is an entertaining and quotable movie from the early 2000s. This film, filled with clever quips and R-rated mayhem, makes for a great choice for a late-night viewing session. Ryan Reynolds portrays Van Wilder, a college student who tries to keep his carefree lifestyle going even after his parents have stopped providing financial support.

In my perspective as a fan, this film is essentially a collection of humorous moments, some that really hit the mark with Reynolds’ signature dry wit and sarcastic charm. Picture it as Deadpool’s college years, complete with Tara Reid and Kal Penn in supporting roles. I can’t imagine anything not to enjoy about it!

Safe House (2012)

As a huge fan of Daniel Espinosa’s thriller “Safe House,” I have to admit that the movie isn’t perfect. The script has some rough edges, making the dialogue feel unnatural at times. However, the film manages to keep me engaged mostly due to the captivating performances by Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds.

In simpler terms, “Safe House” follows the formula of an action-buddy movie without significantly changing it, but it effectively delivers intense action sequences and strong acting from the main actors.

The Proposal (2009)

After exploring different genres with “The Amityville Horror” and “The Nines,” and experiencing a setback with “X-Men Origins,” Reynolds went back to his comedic foundation and achieved commercial success by acting alongside Sandra Bullock in “The Proposal.” Although not an innovative storyline – a boss forces her employee to marry her to keep her citizenship, resulting in the bickering duo eventually falling in love – the on-screen chemistry between the two leads generates surprisingly amusing outcomes.

I truly enjoy how Reynolds tones down his arrogance in this film, creating a relatable character stuck in a difficult predicament. Together with Bullock, they bring the story to its foreseeable conclusion. It might not be groundbreaking art, but The Proposal manages to accomplish its goal and stands out as one of my favorite Ryan Reynolds performances.

Buried (2010)

In Rodrigo Cortes’ film “Buried,” Ryan Reynolds delivers an impressive performance. The movie is a thrilling experiment where the protagonist, named Paul Conroy, finds himself trapped in a coffin buried deep beneath the ground. With a limited supply of time and only a cell phone as his lifeline, Paul battles to stay alive until rescuers can reach him.

I must admit, Buried may come off as somewhat absurd and overly dramatic at first. Yet, this film manages to keep me on the edge of my seat with its gripping intensity and unexpected plot twists. The simple premise is surprisingly stretched by director Rodrigo Cortes and writer Chris Sparling, leaving me in awe of their creativity. At long last, Reynolds gets a meaty role to sink his teeth into, making this an unmissable experience for any fan.

Deadpool (2016)

In the end, among all of his projects, Deadpool is the one that best highlights Ryan Reynolds’ skills as an actor. He was perfectly cast for this role, and even though it took Hollywood two tries to get the character just right, the final product has been well worth the wait, despite the less-than-ideal portrayal of Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

As a longtime fan of superhero movies, I’ve seen my fair share of blockbusters that leave me feeling underwhelmed. But let me tell you, both Deadpool and Deadpool 2 have been a breath of fresh air in this genre for me. Though the first one still holds a special place in my heart as the superior film, both movies have provided the adrenaline-pumping, side-splitting entertainment that I crave.

Honorable Mentions

Sure thing, possibly: This delightful romantic comedy takes some inspiration from the TV show How I Met Your Mother, showcasing a humorous turn from Reynolds.

The Croods: Reynolds contributes his voice to DreamWorks’ animated production, bringing enjoyable outcomes. In The Croods, he portrays a solitary wanderer named Guy. When this quirky, cave-dwelling clan encounters him, they form an alliance. With the landscape continually shifting and posing great perils, the group must collaborate to overcome the challenges.

2024-07-26 00:41