For someone who’s headlined a lot of movies, James Marsden really doesn’t have the standing in Hollywood he deserves. This week he stars in two small movies (“Welcome to Me,” “The D Train”), one of them good, one of them not so good; he’s the best part of the weaker one and does nice, subtle work in a supporting part of the better one. He’s an actor who knows how to lead, but he also knows how to hang back without disappearing.
Look at how many times the 41-year-old has delivered performances you’d think would have turned him into someone who can select any part he wants, or at least be in the conversation. He got on board the “X-Men” franchise from the beginning.
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He played a significant role in “The Notebook.”
He utilized his charm without repeating himself in “Hairspray”
and “Enchanted.”
He proved he could do thrillers with “The Box” (I’m not including 1998’s “Disturbing Behavior,” which is the first time I remember seeing him on screen) and proved a worthy foil for Kirsten Dunst in the under-seen comedy “Bachelorette.”
He was perfect for “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” and was a lot of fun on “30 Rock.”
So what’s the deal? Maybe it’s because over the years Marsden has made enough bad movies to cancel out the good ones? I mean, I don’t imagine that he’s proud of “27 Dresses.” Or “Sex Drive.” Or “Death at a Funeral.” Or “Hop.” Or “The Best of Me.” And “X-Men: The Last Stand” was awful. Though not worse than “Sex Drive” or “Hop.”
But most actors have a mixed bag in their filmography, and Marsden is someone who I can’t recall ever stooping to the material. (I didn’t see the recent “Unfinished Business,” and I can’t say I’m sad about that.) I’m not sure if it’s that he’s not getting the chance to make nothing but good stuff, or if he’s making inconsistent choices. Anyway, he’s starring in the upcoming HBO series “Westworld.” Maybe that will finally tilt the scales and allow the actor to only do projects that deserve him. Until then, see “Welcome to Me” when it opens Friday.
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