The Best and Worst of Paul Rudd

Films Starring Paul Rudd I've Seen:
Wet Hot American Summer
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
The 40-Year Old Virgin
Reno 911!: Miami
Knocked Up
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Role Models
I Love You, Man
Monsters Vs. Aliens
Dinner for Schmucks 
Our Idiot Brother
Wanderlust
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
This is 40
Anchorman: The Legend Continues
They Came Together

Best Performance: Knocked Up (2007)
Paul Rudd has established himself as one of the most reliably great comedic actors in Hollywood over the past decade and a half. While his early filmography in particular is loaded with outstanding performances, his turn as Pete, a bitter married guy who frequently isolates himself from his controlling wife (Leslie Mann) is the clear standout. Rudd plays the part of a depressed 30-something who is disappointed that marriage wasn't all its cracked up to be with remarkable authenticity. His perfect bitter line delivery paired with the surprising emotional depth he shows in this part make this the most complex and hilarious character Rudd has ever played. 

Worst Performance: They Came Together (2014)
They Came Together is a completely silly movie and Rudd, who typically plays more reserved characters, doesn't adapt well to the absurdist nature of the film. Rudd's awkward performance here is a rare mishap in his rock-solid acting resume.

Best Film: The 40-Year Old Virgin (2005)
There really isn't much to say about this film that I haven't said a million times before. In my humble opinion, The 40-Year Old Virgin is the best comedy ever made. Judd Apatow's script is incredibly sharp and surprisingly poignant, the cast is spectacular from top to bottom, and most importantly, there's a seemingly endless amount of laugh-till-you-cry moments. Great comedies come along relatively often, but I doubt anything will ever top this.

Worst Film: Monsters Vs. Aliens (2009)
Monsters Vs. Aliens isn't a exactly terrible film, it's just a completely forgettable one. Within a day or two seeing it, the events and characters of the film had practically been erased from my memory. It isn't funny, heartwarming or entertaining, it's just another below average Dreamworks animated film that has no real reason to exist.

 Thank you for reading this week's installment of "The Best and Worst of". Next week I'll take a look at the best and worst work of Southpaw star Jake Gyllenhaal.