The difference between 2013 Chris Pratt and 2014 Chris Pratt is astonishing. One is a sweet, goofy supporting actor known primarily for playing Andy Dwyer on Parks and Recreation, and the other is a bonafide international celebrity. What changed? Two words: Star Lord. He won the leading role in Guardians of the Galaxy, a Marvel property that was a bigger hit than anyone expected and a shining light amidst a sub-par summer season. Even before the movie came out, he was getting serious attention for his amazing physical transformation, from schlubby character actor to leading man with rock hard abs. He has an incredibly likable screen presence, and even when delivering the fairly standard science fiction dialogue, he manages to bring a light-hearted sense of humor to his performance that is a welcome change of pace from the melodramatic fare we're often treated to. It doesn't look like Pratt is going anywhere, either -- he's starring in the eagerly awaited Jurassic World, and if the recent Sony leaks are any indication, he may also be involved in a Ghostbusters reboot, which would be unspeakably amazing.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
