On July 23rd, Marvel Studios revealed an abundance of first looks from their film slate during San Diego Comic-Con. Many stars of the franchise were in attendance, including Paul Rudd, who surprised fans with an exciting teaser for the MCU’s Phase Five opener, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
In addition to starring as the beloved tiny hero, Rudd has accumulated a remarkable list of credits, from seminal classics like Ghostbusters: Afterlife. With a film career spanning over 20 years, Metacritic has compiled his most acclaimed pieces of work from his impressive filmography.
Ant-Man And The Wasp (2018) – 70
The Ant-Man sequel follows Scott Lang as he works with Hope and Hank to build a quantum tunnel in the hopes of retrieving Janet, Hope’s mother and Hank’s wife, from the quantum realm. When a mysterious villain named Ghost throws a wrench in their plans, the rescue becomes increasingly dangerous.
Ant-Man and the Wasp is a solid sequel that carries over many of the winning elements from the first film that made its predecessor a hit. Dazzling visual effects, a concise script, and an endearing performance by its main cast steered the film to becoming both a financial and critical success.
Casting By (2013) – 70
Casting By is a documentary discussing the significant impact that casting director Marion Dough had on cinematic history. Observing her impressive career, the doc sheds light on the often-overlooked profession.
This in-depth documentary offers a stimulating and informative look at the underappreciated role casting directors have played in shaping the film industry. Featuring interviews from Robert De Niro, John Travolta, and Robert Redford, Casting By is an important examination of Hollywood’s unsung heroes.
The Little Prince (2009) – 70
This children’s film, based on the novella of the same name, follows the unconventional friendship between a little girl and her elderly neighbor, who delights her with stories about the titular Little Prince. As the stories become more detailed the little girl finds herself whisked away on a fantastical journey of self-discovery.
Many critics praised The Little Prince for its unique animation style that featured a mix of both stop-motion and computer animation. The film is able to adapt important elements from the famous French novella and use modern technology to translate it for modern audiences. Paul Rudd, Rachel McAdams, and Jeff Bridges, in one of his best movies, are just some of the hi-caliber voices that make up the cast of this wholesome and engaging movie.
I Love You, Man (2009) – 70
When Peter Klaven proposes to his girlfriend Zooey, he realizes that he has no close male friends to act as his best man. On the search for a close pal, he soon meets Sydney and they instantly bond. However, it doesn’t take long for his new friendship to cause strain on his personal relationship.
Paul Rudd delivers, arguably, one of his funniest performances in I Love You, Man. His incredible comedic chemistry with co-star Jason Segel results in a multitude of sidesplitting scenes that never lose its impact, even with multiple rewatches. Not only is the John Hamburg-directed comedy an absolute riot, it’s also a touching commentary on the importance of friendship.
The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005) – 73
The 40 Year Old Virgin is a raunchy comedy that follows 40-year-old Andy Stitzer who reveals to his group of friends that he is still a virgin. Shocked by this ission, his friends work together to help Andy gain the skills and confidence to lose his virginity.
This movie is most known for being the breakout role for Steve Carell, who delighted critics with his comical and loveable performance as Andy. Filled with gut-busting jokes, gross-out gags, and refreshing commentary on sex positivity, The 40 Year Old Virgin remains to be one of Judd Apatow’s most rewatchable movies.
Prince Avalanche (2013) – 73
In 1988, Alvin and Lance spend their summer repairing traffic lines on an isolated stretch of highway. While the pair has little in common when they first begin work, Alvin and Lance develop a deep friendship that helps them prepare for their unknown futures.
Prince Avalanche is anchored by two magnanimous performances from Rudd and Emile Hirsch. Both actors do a wonderful job in their roles, bolstered by a witty screenplay and proficient direction. While the film was not a financial success, critics praised Prince Avalanche and it’s widely considered to be one of director David Gordon Green’s best movies.
Captain America: Civil War (2016) – 75
Steve Rogers on the run from the law after his open for Bucky aka The Winter Soldier causes a tense divide within the Avenger’s family. Together Steve and Bucky must figure out the true motivation behind a mysterious new villains arrival before they are captured.
The follow up to the revered Captain America: The Winter Soldier followed suit in of its fast-pace script and exhilarating actions scenes. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo brought a level of sophistication to their version of the source material making the third film in the Captain America series of MCU movies one of the most entertaining entries.
The Cider House Rules (1999) – 75
This adaptation of the John Irving novel of the same name follows the life of Homer Wells, an orphan who is trained by the director of the orphanage to become a doctor and care for the young children while also performing abortions for those in need.
Irreverent, poignant, and incredibly heartwarming, The Cider House Rules is a wonderful coming-of-age drama featuring beautiful cinematography, a compelling screenplay, and a tour-de-force performance from Michael Caine. While Rudd’s role as Lt. Wally Worthington is small, his charismatic presence leaves a lasting impression.
Avengers: Endgame (2019) – 78
Serving as a culmination of all the MCU movies before it, Avengers: Engame follows the titular group of superheroes as they set off to reverse the damage caused by Thanos’ infamous snap. Searching though time, the band of protectors make it their mission procure the Infinity stones before all hope is lost.
Avengers: Endgame is a perfect conclusion to the Infinity Saga, satisfying fans with its multiple comic callbacks and trademark charm. The third act battle is filled with awe-inspiring visuals and exhilarating action scenes that would amaze even the most casual of Marvel fans. The nail-biting tension that comes with every Thanos encounter creates a wonderfully compelling film that will remain the most memorable.
Knocked Up (2007) – 85
Knocked Up centers on a career-focused reporter and a lazy Canadian freeloader who end up conceiving a child together after a drunken one-night stand. While the pair bump heads at first, as time goes on and, they find themselves falling in love, much to everyone’s surprise.
This film is a clever and funny commentary on the emotional and physical complexities that accompany a first time pregnancy. Stars Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen are delightful as the unconventional pair proves to have an amazing amount of chemistry. Paul Rudd has a ing role as Heigl’s brother-in-law and his truly hysterical scenes warrant the character’s spin-off film, This Is 40.
