4. Jonathan Lipnicki. Jerry Maguire (1996)
If it wasn't for Jonathan Lipnickis performance in Jerry Maguire, this Cameron Crowe movie would only be a very good film. Because of this young boys performance (he was 5 when he filmed this. 5!) this movie is one of my all-time favorites, and what I personally consider to be the greatest romantic comedy of all time (at least one aimed at men as much as it is aimed at women). Everyone in this film gives their best performances to date. Both Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger have never ever ever been more likable or relatable (and I love them both as actors) and Cuba Gooding Jr won an academy award for his role in this film. However, without little Lipnicki, known later for his role in the Stuart Little movies and The Little Vampire, this film would have lost much of its heart, and a lot less of its sweetness. Ok, ok so its not like he had that much to do (or arguably that much acting either), and the other people on this list probably all out-acted him in this regard, but come on, he was only 5. 5 year olds shouldn't be able to act at all, and especially not this good. Considering he was also acting alongside one of the most respected actors in Hollywood in his greatest performance of all time (one which he nearly won an Oscar and should have won for) Tom Cruise, this kid needs respect. So why did I put him at number 4 if I even admitted the acting needed from him in this part wasnt that emotionally draining like the others would have been. Because, out of all these actors, this performance was probably the one I liked the most, and also one I remembered the most. And considering Jerry Maguire is one of my favorite films of all time, I have to admit that this is probably due to this little kids likable, and often hilarious performance in this role. If there is anyone, anyone out there who didnt like Lipnicki in this film then you must have a cold, cold heart. But seriously, please tell me why? The best scene, maybe even the best scene in the whole movie (and there are a lot of great ones) is the scene at the end when Lipnicki throws a baseball like a professional. Seriously, this kid was just amazing. And his face throughout this film never fails to make me laugh and/or put a smile on my face. Not bad, considering his brother is a mouse.