Sunday, May 5, 2013
20-11
#20.
Character: Steve Urkel
From: Family Matters
He couldn't dance. He couldn't sing. He didn't have the right moves to get the girl. Did he know any of this-no he did not! He was the dorkiest of all the dorks there ever were, but he had more confidence than a rock star. We couldn't get enough of his quirky catch phrases like "Did I do that?" or "Help! I've fallen, and I can't get up!" In his world, there was only the girl next door-Laura Winslow. Of course, she found him completely annoying. But he spent years convinced he could win her over. With his heart of gold, nasally voice, and classic suspenders, he won everyone over. I miss Urkel!
#19.
Character: T-Rex
From: Jurassic Park
This dinosaur made a terrifying return to the modern age in this Hollywood hit. We watched it as kids and had new reasons to be grateful for the dinosaurs' extinction. He ate people, crushed cars, terrorized children, attacked other dino's, and is apparently a calculating creature bent on taking over the island. We can't forget the sound of his pounding steps drawing near, and we will always remember the horrifying shriek of his battle cry. This movie made have been made in the 90's, but however antiquated the graphics may be, am I the only one who finds him eerily real?
#18.
Character: Genie
From: the lamp (Aladdin)
Robin Williams voiced one of the most hilarious cartoon characters of all time in Disney's newer classic "Aladdin." He was funny when we watched him as children but watching as an adult offers a whole new taste of this saucy character with mature jokes that you'll now understand and would have gotten back then. Before him, we associated a genie with a blonde beauty in pink. But the glowing blue man breaks the mold. He's the villain for a moment, though against his will. He's very heroic, and his devotion to his friends is unparaleled. He always dreamed of freedom from eternal servitude, and when he finds it, he becomes a world traveler. He always comes home to his pal Al, though! I promise, you "ain't never had a friend like" him!
#17.
Character: John Kramer/Jigsaw
From: the Saw series
This morbid mastermind breathed new life into horror films creating more than just a cryptic storyline and disturbingly graphic deaths. John Kramer was once a simple man whose life spiraled into sad circumstances. His wife lost their child due to a junky's actions. They split, he is diagnosed with cancer and is given an expiration date, just as his insurance is denied. All of these things morph his mind to test people, to teach them to value life as he knows how truly precious it is. He kidnaps his test subjects and submits them to torture and grueling tests that, more often than not, result in a disgustingly vivid death. He is a dark but genius character, spinning a web that sucked millions of viewers in for a lengthy film series. The creepy puppet serves as his eerie symbol. Every time we see him, we picture him riding a tricycle and asking you to play a game. He's a methodical, sadistic character who you come to understand, in a sense. He has been labeled one of the most intriguing horror movie villains in Hollywood history.
#16.
Character: Joker
From: Batman (DC Comics)
From comics to cartoons to recent block-busting revamps of the live action series, Batman created no villain more oddly delicious than the Joker. Just as his name's sake, he has a peculiar sense of humore which should never diminish the dark doings he bestows upon Batman and innocent victims alike. But in the insanely popular and well-received sequel "The Dark Knight," the Joker took new shape with his peculiar purple suit, mysterious scars, and odd make-up. The role couldn't have been better designed or portrayed. Heath Ledger adopted the character and was destined to become even more successful, but sadly he died before the film's release. That did limit the Joker's appearances in the new films which dismays many fans, but no one could have created a more intriguing character than Mr. Ledger. The amazingly rich character forced movies to step up their game to create stronger villains, similar to the Joker's intent in the films. His influence extends far beyond Batman, comics, or film. That maniacal laugh has us all asking "why so serious?"
#15.
Character: Navin Johnson
From: The Jerk
Steve Martin is always a memorable character, but this film really set the bar for comedic acting. Raised an orphan in a black household, he grows up believing he is black. From there, the shenanigans and misadventures ensue. He's the oblivious good guy you can't help but laugh at. He takes us on his journey to success, loss, and self-discovery. The film is hilarious, but Navin's role should be high up on the list of all time comedies. Situational humor never goes out of style!
#14.
Character: Ron Burgundy
From: San Diego and the Channel 4 News Team
"You stay classy, San Diego!" As if Will Ferrell hasn't made enough treasured comedic roles, he gave us another imitatable laugh factory in a decorated 70's anchorman. He is completely oblivious, arrogant, chauvinistic, and is surrounded by a possy of equally insensible buddies. He is the ring leader with sayings like "Odin's beard!" He also warms up for his nightly news reel in peculiar fashion. With a bold mustache, brazen display of his less than stellar figure, and a vocabulary containing a vast array of literary references, he'll take you to "pleasure town." He has a Spanish speaking dog and can perform an amazing jazz flute solo. He's another delightfully strange character from this SNL turned Hollywood star.
#13.
Character: Darth Vader
From: the dark side of the force
... Is anyone else hearing that robotic mouth-breathing? Surely I'm not the only one! The Star Wars films rocked the world. There were several iconic characters, but no one was more imitated than Darth Vader. He is a serious villain who steals the screen, commanding respect and instilling fear. You can't see his face or any part of his body, so the haunting black robes and helmet color paint him a deep shade of intimidating. He can strangle a man telepathically, has insane light saber skills, and has a booming voice we have all mimicked. He is a tall thus terrifying presence. He threatens the galaxies and manages to take control of nearly all o fit with his respected authority. Throughout the films, old and new, we discover his true identity and backstory. This gives us a picture of a truly dynamic character without ever compromising his villainous oppression. He's a film and pop culture icon, inspiring us all to breathe a little stranger.
#12.
Character: Gob Bluth
From: Arrested Development
This show gave us some immensely memorable characters, and Gob was certainly one of the most entertaining. He's the son of a wealthy, prestigious family who prides himself on being a serious, professional magician. However, he is quite possibly the world's worst magician and will have you laughing at his epic fails. He is the eternal bachelor whose best friend is Franklin, a black, racist puppet he controls. From his girlfriend woes and making "a huge mistake," Gob's place in the story is ever amusing. The song "Final Countdown" will forever be synonymous with this dancing display of... magic. Make sure you address his work as illusions, because "a trick is something a whore does for money." Ah, direct quote!
#11.
Character: Janice
From: Friends
"Oh, my God!" The nasally, high-pitched voice utters perhaps the most mimicked catchphrases of all time. Her laugh makes you cringe. Her fashion sense is... very brave. Janice was Chandler's unwanted girlfriend for a few seasons. She made all the classic dating mistakes. She was clingy, made him mixed tapes, gave awkward nicknames, and very emotional. She was so popular in the show that she made appearances in all 10 seasons, often popping up during a main character's trying time. She tends to accidentally inform the character of exactly what they need to hear... in a highly comedic fashion. She finally finds love with a deaf man-how lucky he is! The cast makes fun of her constantly, but she is the annoying character you can't help but love.
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