This Week's Break Out!

This week's Break Out is, Kaya Scodelario!

I've been meaning to do this Break Out for a long time. Kaya is the second Skins kid I've claimed as a Break Out, but like I said in my post on Nicholas Hoult, the entire cast is incredible. There is something about Kaya though. To start, she was 15 when Skins started in 2007, and while you could believe her age, it was terrifying just how much older and wiser she came off. You had to wonder, is the actress as interesting as the character? How much of Kaya goes into Effy? Ef is your classic rebellious teen engaging in sex, drugs, and rock and roll, all the while rocking an obscene amount of eyeliner. She has had a huge turnaround throughout the 3 seasons of Skins to date. First season she was practically a mute, speaking no more than 3 lines in the whole series. Then second season, they must have picked up on audience interest in Effy and made her into a full blown character, thereby smoothing out the transition into series 3 where she becomes the lead. Her character prides herself on secrecy and mysteriousness, but when it comes down to brass tacks, she's good at neither. She spends most of the third season playing three guy best friends against each other, claiming she can't be with anyone, but in reality she's desperate for attention. She surrounds herself with people deemed inferior, only to discover that she is actually the lowest of the bunch. She's stunningly beautiful, but every chance they get, they show mascara bleeding down her face to serve as a reminder that she's ugly on the inside (at least for now). She bounces between her wants, and what she can't allow herself to have. Had anyone else played this character, you would have hated her from the start and continued hating her right on through, but Kaya is able to bring subtle reliability and even some likability to the role. Somewhere between Effy hitting rock bottom and working her way back to semi-normal, Kaya moved from being a television star to a full fledged film potential. In fact, you can catch her in the recently released Moon alongside Sam Rockwell. But apart from Effy and the aptly named "Eve," Kaya's resume is empty. She's got the looks and the talent, but does she have the drive? Does Hollywood want her? Who cares about Kaya... do you?

If you do, keep an eye out for Ms. Scodelario, this week's Break Out! For all you Skins fans out there, season 4 starts shooting this July...

This Week's Break Out!

This Week's Break Out is, Scott Michael Foster!

Now Greek fans (if you're out there), I know what you are about to say... Break Out? We've known about Foster for years! True, if you're a Greek watcher (awesome dramedy on ABC Family, and I'm not being sarcastic when I say "awesome"), then Foster is best known to you as the amazing Cappie (full name unknown). BUT, if you don't watch the show, which I suspect many of you don't, then this guy's name is as foreign as Toblerone. What's more, his resume barely exists outside of the illustrious Cappie. So as of right now, this week's Break Out is pretty much a one trick pony, but I know, with all of my heart, that given the opportunity, this pony can become a stallion (and I have officially taken this metaphor way too far). So obviously, endorsing Scott Michael Foster means endorsing Greek, which I wholeheartedly do. I started watching Greek after incessant nagging from my college bestie Aleena, who told me repeatedly in emails, texts and phone calls "you have to watch this show. Seriously, WATCH THIS SHOW!" As I was originally with the Big Bang Theory, I was resistant. I had seen the commercials, I knew the plot followed college greek life, and I thought "nah, not worth my very valuable time." But despite my better judgement I watched the pilot, and about halfway in I started thinking "this is pretty good." By the end of the first ep, I knew I needed to see the second one, and so on and so forth. Well written, well acted, legitimately funny, nostalgic, realistic (surprisingly realistic), and most importantly extremely entertaining. Much of this is of course do to one individual (though the whole cast is phenom). As Cyprus Rhodes Kappa Tau president, Cappie embodies what women, AND men want. He's an excellent schemer, life of the party, has that patented "Chandler Bing" humor without being self-deprecating, gorgeous eyes, always there when you need him, and smarter than he lets on. Plus, at heart he's a romantic, but he's no whipping boy. I'll take two. As hard as it may be to imagine, Foster almost got cast as another character on Greek, Calvin, the preppy gay guy in Sigma Kai... yes it is hard to believe given his incredible charm with the ladies, which means they clearly made the right choice. Foster is undeniably lovable and as much as I adore him on Greek, he needs another role, preferable in an upcoming awesome movie. So someone out there hear my plea, and help this man silver screen it up.

So check out this week's Break Out Scott Michael Foster, Monday nights at 8pm on ABC Family's Greek! Season Finale this Monday! (Full episodes available here)

This Week's Break Out!

This week's Break Out is, Jesse Williams!

It's still unclear to me just how much actual acting talent Jesse Williams has, but the guy who earned the name of "The Hotness Monster" on Greek is pretty damn stunning. One overlooks many things when someone is that gorgeous... As of now, his resume remains pretty short, making "Leo" in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 his biggest credit to date. His character made you question Lena's choice to go back to her Greek man, who doesn't happen to be so bad looking himself. So yes, all in all it's kind of sad that I am choosing this week's Break Out purely on looks, but a girl needs some eye candy every once in awhile. On the upside, he does have a semi big credit coming his way. He's set to star in a film about the Tuskegee Airmen called Red Tails, alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. (who's seen better days) Terrence Howard and Bryan Cranston. I know nothing about the film except that it's written by George Lucas (which doesn't make it very promising) and it will be helmed by veteran television director Anthony Hemingway. I forsee a Gossip Girl cameo as an NYU student maybe... not too far fetched right? So for now William's acting career remains in flux, but obviously he could always fall back on modeling and do just fine.

So stick and around and see if there's anything to this week's fine Break Out, Jesse Williams!

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 Trailer

This Week's Break Out!

This Week's Break Out is, Imogen Poots!

Aside from her wildly ridiculous name, Imogen Poots appears by all means relatively ridiculous-less. The native Londoner is 20 (so it's safe to drool, she's no longer jail bait), and while her resume may still be less than lengthy she's had some memorable roles, most notably as daughter Tammy in 28 Week's Later, a film she co-starred in with last week's Break Out, Jeremy Renner (whose show The Unusuals was just cancelled, tear.). While she has an incredibly striking face, her acting talent is nothing to sneeze at either, and I have every confidence she will only continue to get better. You might have also recognized her as young Valerie during flashback sequences in V for Vendetta. I also caught in the British mini series Miss Austen Regrets as Fanny Knight. So what makes her a Break Out? Cause even if you know her face, you can be pretty damn sure her peculiar name will escape you. I long for the day when all know the name Imogen Poots.

So keep your eyes peeled for this crazy eyed, crazy named starlet and this week's Break Out, Imogen Poots!

28 Weeks Later Trailer

This Week's Break Out!

This week's Break Out is, Jeremy Renner!

Truth is these days, Renner isn't so under the radar, in fact, more likely than not you already know his name. However, my intro to Jeremy was not a pleasant one. Awhile back, on a lazy Saturday I tuned into North Country starring Charlize Theron, an intense drama few remember as it came out so close to her award winning Monster. In it Jeremy starred as Bobby Sharp, a troubled guy with an agenda to rape and humiliate his female co-worker played by Theron. While the film's subject matter and characters were disturbing, Renner made an impact. I was completely repelled by him and yet he felt oddly familiar. That's when it hit who he reminded me of... a little character actor named Fisher Stevens. Stevens never made it crazy big, but he did have a voice and a style all his own. Suddenly years later, in walks Renner with that same voice (almost exactly) and charisma, only cuter (by a lot). Despite my initial deterrence from being introduced to him as a rapist, I followed Renner, eager to see what he came up with next and pulled by his similarity to Stevens. It just so happens that what came next was 28 Weeks Later. While the controversial sequel in no way rivaled the original for popularity, it did develop a following all its own. In 28 Weeks Renner showcased humor, sex appeal, courage and leading man capabilities. In no time at all he went from unknown to sought after, and I was completely on the bandwagon to see more. So next up was The Assassination of Jesse James, followed by giving him a home where you can see him each week called The Unusuals. The guy has now landed the perfect role (as long as the show stays on) as Detective Walsh, a smart, good looking cop with a mysterious past and killer instincts. Paired up with Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants star Amber Tamblyn, 28 Weeks and LOST star Harold Perrineau, and one of my favorite Jews Adam Goldberg, the team seems like they might have a chance at success. Hell, I'm still watching. But even if the show fails, he's got a reportedly "perfect" movie coming out called The Hurt Locker where he gets to play with explosives, and he's proven to the world that he's worth seeing without his shirt on... and beneath that lovely exterior we already know he can play gritty and unlikable. What more do you want?

So readers I urge you to check out ABC's The Unusuals (Wednesday's at 10pm), and find a theater playing The Hurt Locker so you can check out this week's Break Out, Jeremy Renner.

The Hurt Locker Trailer

This Week's Break Out!

This week's Break Out is, Chris Messina!

Chris Messina is a charmer. First I spotted him charming Claire Fisher as young Republican co-worker Ted, in Six Feet Under (which is to date, it is still the most incredible show I have ever seen). Though Ted only came in at the very end of Six Feet Under, his instant chemistry with Claire and honesty made him one of the most real and likeable characters on the show. Next I found Messina charming Jennifer Westfeldt (Kissing Jessica Stein) in Ira and Abby, the story of a hastily married couple whose relationship quickly disintegrates into comedy. He then played charming and reliable, but predictable Doug, Vicky’s fiancée in Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona. And though I haven’t seen any of these yet he’s also recently starred in Towelhead (Nothing is Private), Made of Honor, and Humboldt County, all roles I can only imagine he played full of charm-osity. With his suit wearing ease, but underlying scruff, Messina’s characters often walk the line between smooth talking sleazebag and perfect gentleman. His appeal, like many of the Break Outs I pick, is earthbound relate-ability. His performances feel like those of a theater actor, poignant and often alarmingly truthful. He feels like “one of those guys to watch,” and not because he’ll necessarily ever become a Pitt or a Clooney, but because he can stay consistent and go the distance to becoming one of those people you look for and follow. Case in point, he can be seen alongside last week’s Break Out, Paul Schneider, in Mendes’ Away We Go, in John Krasinski’s Brief Interviews with Hideous Men, with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams in Julie and Julia, and with Jessica Alba in An Invisible Sign of my Own.



So keep tabs on one of Variety’s 2007 10 actors to watch, and this week’s Break Out, Chris Messina!

Julie & Julia Trailer

This Week's Break Out!

This week it's another double dose of Break Out, mainly stemming from a recent re-watch of Lars and the Real Girl.

First up is, Paul Schneider!

As far as I'm concerned, Paul Schneider's been playing the Hollywood game the right way, even if he's a slow mover. He's been loyal to David Gordon Green (made 4 films with him), and he's tiptoed back and forth between comedy and drama, better known as comma. If you're a guy than maybe you sympathized with him in All The Real Girls (as you drooled over Ms. Deschanel). If you're a girl than it's possible you crushed on him as Claire's EMT cherry popper in The Family Stone. If you follow Ryan Gosling than you probably know him as Gus, Lar's older, and considerably more earthbound brother. And finally, if you enjoy The Office, than maybe you've tuned into Amy Poehler's new venture, Parks and Recreation and recognize him as city planner Mark Brendanawicz. In any of these cases, one thing is clear, Schneider has a long term future in this business of Hollywood (even if it's a slow moving one). He's made a name for himself as an indie standby, only further proven by his two upcoming projects, Campion's Bright Star and Mendes' Away We Go. He's got kind of a dark look to him, but is able to counter it by skillfully playing reserved annoyance which, in most cases, is hilarious. In Lars you see him inches away from breaking down into a panicked scream, but he never completely cracks. In Parks, you see him in a similar vein, so close to a breakdown that it's laughable. But it's his uncanny knack for holding back that makes him memorable. It's his restrained emotions and dry humor that draw me back repeatedly. Seeing Lars again reminded me of his subtle appeal, which was only strengthened by watching him take on Brendanawicz. I'm glad to be seeing more of this guy, and I hope the trend continues.

So be sure to check out his upcoming '09 releases and remember the name, Mark Brendanawicz... sorry, Paul Schneider.

Part two of this week's Break Out is another Lars and the Real Girl alum, Kelli Garner!

Garner plays sweet, unassuming, love struck Margo in Lars so well, that it borders on annoying (in fact some of you may disagree and feel she is just plain annoying). But I was impressed with her as Margo, and found myself thinking "if only she were younger and British, she might make for a good Luna Lovegood." Like her Break Out partner Schneider, there's something about Garner that makes me feel like she's a bubble about to pop. And that's when I remembered where I'd seen her before. It was small but memorable role she played in DiCaprio's The Aviator as young wife Faith Domergue. It was there that she played not only the naive and demure actress, but also the out of control jilted wife. She also starred in Thumbsucker, that movie I always get confused with The Chumscrubber, as a sexy co-ed for Justin. I would definitely consider Margo her break out role, but with her part in the upcoming Taking Woodstock, that could all change. I think that Garner is underused, and frequently miscast as the "Lolita" type, a mold she hopefully broke with her church going turn as Margo. She's a girl that I would be genuinely excited to see her next film if only she was given better roles. For now her future looks uncertain, but I for one plan to stick around and watch her get that part that makes people remember her name.

So look for Break Out Kelli Garner alongside Paul Dano and Demetri Martin in Taking Woodstock!

Lars and the Real Girl Trailer

Just wanted to add that I saw Half Nelson for the first time last night. It was wonderful, also incredibly uncomfortable. Every single relationship was tainted by something, and I kept holding my breath waiting for the bomb to go off, but it never did. Gosling was entirely deserving of his Oscar nod for the role. He transformed himself into a drug addict and made you loathe him, but simultaneously kept your hope alive that somehow he would make it back from the dark side. Overall the whole experience left me supremely unsettled, but not unsatisfied. Still working out my thoughts. 

This Week's Break Out!

First off, just want to give myself the slightest pat on the back for choosing Olivia Thirlby as last week's Break Out, and then low and behold she lands on the cover of this month's Nylon. Talented lady!

This week's Break Out is, a double dosage!! So First up is, The Lonely Island Boys!

Andy Samberg may be the "big name" at the moment (what with garnering widespread fame with his variety of funny faces and all), but the other Lonely Island boys deserve some play too (personally I have a soft spot for Jorma)! The dudes have been friends ever since junior high, and somehow they all came back together to team force it up on a quest to make hilarious videos for Mr. Lorne Michaels. Big hits include "Jizz in my Pants," and "On a Boat." How did they make it to the top selling album on iTunes? How did they take over "Digital Shorts?" Simple. They're awesome, just ask them. Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone and Samberg make up the group, and their bond of childhood humor comes through in everything they produce. This leaves scarf wearing indie boys and Jenny wannabes wishing they could cozy up to the trio, and you know... be their friend, making them lonely no more. Sure some people find them annoying and un-funny, but those people are probably just jealous that they aren't currently rocking a nautical themed pashmina afghan. Now, Samberg is set with the ultimate responsibility... hosting the MTV movie awards, and it's likely that his Island counterparts will be joining in for some stage time, maybe even a performance? Time to find out what the boys are made of...

So check out their vids, and be on the look out for news on Part 1 of this week's Break Out, Lonely Island!

Now for Break Out Part 2, Vinessa Shaw!

I talked a little bit about Vinessa and her humble beginnings back when I did my review of Two Lovers, and after seeing her stunning performance in that, I decided the girl needed a little revisiting. I decided first I'd ask you (readers) a few questions to find out how much you know about Shaw. 1. Did you know she was in Eyes Wide Shut? 2. Did you remember that she was Max's crush Allison in Disney's Hocus Pocus? 3. Did you know she's only been in 17 movies (not including t.v.)? So lets face it people, apart from Ladybugs, Two Lovers is pretty much her break out role. She's done other things, but how many of them have you seen? And of those, how many were worth seeing? Here's what I used to think of Vinessa Shaw, pretty girl, minimal talent. But now, after her pairing with Phoenix I think, pretty girl, underrated talent whose been typecast. Her performance in Lovers has stuck with me now months later, and the more I think about the more her reserved longing and sunken eyes impress me. Let me also just throw it out there that I haven't seen 3:10 to Yuma, which I hear is excellent, so unfortunately I cannot weigh in on her standing in this film, but others are welcome to. But beyond that, my basic consensus on Shaw is this: the girl needs meatier roles, one where her breasts aren't the entire focus of her performance (like in 40 Days and 40 Nights). She's proven now that she can do more, so give her more, and see what happens.

Vinessa Shaw, wraps up this week's double dosage of Break Out! Happy Rainy Monday (if you live in Westchester).

Also, April's Eye Candy Movie of the Month coming soon!