10 Incredible Movie Performances NOBODY Expected To Be Good

3. Ryan Reynolds - Buried

Buried Ryan Reynolds
Lionsgate

Ryan Reynolds is of course best known for his many comedy roles, and so in 2010 it was a huge surprise to see him starring in a horror film, Buried, where he plays an American contractor who wakes up buried alive in Iraq.

For many, it was immediately impossible to take Reynolds seriously in such a, well, serious role, though he categorically proved all the nay-sayers wrong by delivering what remains the finest performance of his entire career.

With director Rodrigo Cortés trapping us in the coffin with Reynolds for the entire runtime, there's absolutely nowhere for the actor to hide. 

As the only on-screen character, he has to carry the film basically solo, and that Reynolds did with a stellar turn which perfectly conveyed the abject terror of many folks' worst nightmare.

For all the success Reynolds is enjoying as Deadpool right now, it sure would be great to see him back in a juicy genre role like this - one which asks a little more of him as a dramatic actor.

 
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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.