12 Actors Who Were Brilliant In Utterly Sh*t Movies
6. Forest Whitaker - The Last Stand
From the phenomenal Last King of Scotland to Clint Eastwoods moving biopic Bird, theres little doubt that Forest Whitaker has the range and ability to take on some really challenging material. There was a time after his role as Idi Amin that he was being mentioned in the same breath as the all-time greats, but since 2006 something very strange has happened.
Every time Whitaker appears on screen now he plays a world-weary lawman facing his most challenging case yet. His ability to bring depth to an understated role works wonders in films like Out Of The Furnace which sees him playing off other actors of the same calibre but then theres The Last Stand. As the plot switches between Whitakers thoughtful FBI agent and Arnies grunting sheriff it seems as though there are two very different films going on at the same time.
It is a credit to his professionalism that Forest Whitaker is able to take a role so seriously knowing that in a few moments time there will be a snap cut to Johnny Knoxville wearing a silly hat. This dedication to parts which really dont deserve it is also the case in the latest Taken movie where he tracks an increasingly tired Liam Neeson as he kills ten people to prove that hes not guilty of murder.
Its a shame to see an Oscar winner having to fill in these roles but at least he always provides a standout performance.