Top 10 Movies: Best Johnny Depp Characters

Not only is Johnny Depp a great actor, he has also created some extremely memorable characters over the years.  He is about to reprise his role as one of his best-loved characters of all time inPirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,opening this Friday, May 20.

Although Captain Jack Sparrow is by all accounts an bad dude, Depp plays him with such charm and wit, you can't help but love him.

Depp has a knack for playing strange and lovable characters, from the Mad Hatter inAlice in Wonderlandto Edward Scissorhands.  He always gives his all to his performances, which is why he is one of the most beloved actors in the business.

Check out our list of Best Johnny Depp Characters and let us know -- what's your favorite?

10 BEST JOHNNY DEPP CHARACTERS:

10. Roux inChocolat(2000)

No stranger to playing a pirate, Depp played one inChocolatlong before he immortalized Captain Jack Sparrow inPirates of the Caribbean. He plays Roux, a pirate shunned from a small Parisian town full of straight-laced Catholics.  He bonds with the another outcast Vianne, who comes to the village and dares to open a bakery during lent.  Depp is charming and rugged in this role and it is one of his the first charming leading man roles in his early career.

9. George Jung inBlow(2001)

In a hard-hitting role, Depp plays George Jung, the man who introduced the cocaine market in the U.S.  His performance is gritty and real; he really captures the essence of the character and brings him to life. 

8. Victor Van Dort inCorpse Bride(2005)

Although he doesn't physically appear inCorpse Bride, sometimes it's harder to create a great character and a multi-dimensional story-line through just a voice.  Johnny Depp manages to do that in the film playing Victor, a shy groom who decides to practice his wedding vows in the presence of a dead women.  The woman rises from the grave and assumes she is going to marry him.  Depp plays the character with a shy and lovable grace.  He really can do a lot with his voice.

7. Rango inRango(2011)

Another instances where Depp proves he has a great voice and can really deliver a great experience without his own expressions and body helping him. Rangois one of the highest grossing animated films of the year and it's mostly because of his performance as the lovable, but misguided Rango.  His range of tone and pitch bring a great dynamic energy to Rango and he proves, once again, he has the vocal chops to do both animated and live-action films.

6. Ichabod Crane inSleepy Hallow(1999)

Depp plays Ichabod Crane, the investigator who is sent to Sleepy Hallow to look into the decapitation of three people assumed to be at the hands of the Headless Horseman.  He gets into the historical role with gusto and delivers another incredible performance in this spooky thriller.

5. Sweeney Todd inSweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street(2007)

This horror-musical shows off many aspects of Depp's performing skills.  Not only does he have to ac, but he has to sing as well.  Depp plays Benjamin Barker a.k.a Sweeny Todd who opens a barber shop downtown, but not everything is as it seems in this barber shop.  Depp is equally creepy and brillian in this role.

4. Willy Wonka inCharlie and the Chocolate Factory(2005)

Depp plays the lovable and completely bizarre Willy Wonka in this crazy remake from director Tim Burton.  He is eccentric and crazy in this version and his wacked out appearance is just the beginning of his crazy personality.  Depp does a great job of bringing on the insane moments and devotes himself to getting every weird tick just right.

3. Edward Scissorhands inEdward Scissorhand(1990)

Perhaps one of Depp's most beloved performances, the young actor plays Edward Scissorhands, a human with a mutation that includes scissor where his hands should be, Edward is gentle and polite, but he scares people with his hands.  He comes to live with a family who learns to accept him for who he is.  Depp plays Edward with such grace and naivete, you can't help but love him.  He shows the vulnerable side of Edward and really captures the essence of what's inside the character, despite his scary outward appearance.

2. Mad Hatter inAlice in Wonderland(2010)

Similar to his Willy Wonka performance, Depp pulls out all the stops to play the Mad Hatter inAlice in Wonderland --and he is MAD.  Depp creates a memorable character that highlights all the craziness, yet the completely lovable side of this man who befriends Alice.  He is the first to recognize that she is the"real Alice"and remains a loyal and trustworthy friend to the end, despite his odd behavior.  Depp captures the essence of the Mad Hatter and gives his all to this memorable performance.

1. Captain Jack Sparrow inPirates of the Caribbean1, 2,& 3(2003, 2004, 2007)

This could be Depp's performance of a lifetime and one he personally loves so much, he's reprised the role four times.  Depp plays Captain Jack Sparrow as a drunken fool that tries really hard to be bad, but deep down he is caring and nice.  The little oddities that make Sparrow tick are captured so well by Depp that you forget where the man ends and the character begins.  He stays true to his performance throughout the first three films and even though the other main characters (Knightley and Bloom) aren't in this next installment, people won't even notice because Depp shines so brightly above everyone else in his role as the lovable Captain.

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Top 10 Movies: Strong Female Cast

We're not saying these are necessarily movies to empower women, but they are films with a large female ensemble cast. 

In celebration of the release ofBridesmaids, which is being hailed"The Hangoverfor women,"we thought we'd go through our top 10 favorites films with a female ensemble cast.  Whether those women are young or old, most of these films show the bonds of sisterhood and the positive relationships between women. 

Some of these films you might not even remember, but take a look at our list and then chime in with your favorite films with an ensemble female cast.

TOP 10 MOVIE WITH A FEMALE ENSEMBLE

10.Sucker Punch(2011)

This film isn't necessarily about the bonds of sisterhood, but it is about a group of women staying loyal to each other amidst some pretty awful adversity.  Even though this isn't rooted in reality, the way these women work together to keep each other safe and have the others back is enough to make it on out list.

9.White Oleander(2002)

Based on the novel by Janet Finch, this movie explores the relationships between mothers and daughters, whether biological or not. At times hard to watch, it isn't a happy, uplifting film about the bonds shared between women.  It is dark film about what connects us and sometimes it's just not enough.  Astrid finds herself in the care of multiple women, each with her own demons and the performances from Robin Wright Penn, Renee Zellwegger, and Michelle Pfeiffer are extraordinary.

8.Waiting to Exhale(1995)

This film follows a group of women who stay friends through good and bad times.  It follows four women -- Savannah, Robin, Bernie, and Gloria -- through different times in their live, including love and loss.   The tag line for the film reads:"Friends are the people who let you be yourself... and never let you forget it."  This film is a great illustration of that as the women support each other and love each other through whatever comes their way.

7.Friends With Money(2006)

Much likeWaiting to Exhale, Friends With Moneyfollows four friends as they navigate life, each thinking their problems are worse than the others.  The women lean on each other for support even when they are dealing with their own issues and can be unpleasant to be around.  This film illustrates that not all female friendships are great all the time, but sticking together helps everyone get through the tough times.

6.Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants(2007)

How do teenage girls who are separated for the summer after spending most of their lives together survive?  By sharing a pair of jeans, of course.  The is the basic premise ofSisterhood of the Traveling Pants, which chronicles the lives of Lena, Tibby, Bridget, and Carmen who are living apart and must find their way on their own for the first time.  The pants are a symbol of the bond they still share, but we see it tested as the pants are sometimes forgotten.

5.Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood(2002)

After a mother and daughter have a falling-out, the daughter is forced to understand what makes her mother tick through an album that chronicles her life full of racism, incest, and family drama.  Her mother was part of a group of women who formed a secret order called the"Ya-Ya Sisterhood"to which they pledged undying loyalty.  Through flashbacks, it is clear the young women are supportive of one another and go through a lot together.

4.Steel Magnolias(1989)

In this small southern town, the bonds of sisterhood are strong.  Even when a woman is very ill, her mother and friends help take care of her the only way they know how.  Shelby is about to get married and all the women in her circle are worried about her because she is a diabetic and may not be able to have children.  The women are there for each other through thick and thin, even if they don't always agree with one another.

3.Now and Then(1995)

Now and Thenfollows the story of four best friends in 1970 who are experiences changes in their lives that they can't always handle.  They experience the journey together often leaning on each other for support as they go through various rites of passage.  The film also shows the women 15 years later as they all return to their hometown -- some of them are still there, other haven't been back for years and they haven't seen one another in a long time, but the bonds of friendship are strong and they easily continue where they left off.

2.The Women(2008)

One of the only movies with an exclusive female cast,The Womenattempts to push boundaries by showing that a film doesn't need men to be successful.  The women talk about the men in their lives, but we never actually see any of them and it's an interesting concept, that turned out surprisingly well.   The 2008 version if a remake of the classic 1939 version, but it brings the storylines and issues the women are facing into more modern times.  The women talk about their successes, failures, heartaches and uniquely special triumphs of being a woman.  It is an interesting study of the female spirit and turns out brillantly.

1.Sex and the City(2008)

We can never forget the women who changed everything for females all around the world. Sex and the Citybrought a new concept to the table for women -- it's okay to talk publicly with others about sex and relationships.  Women were transformed by Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha and they are still extremely popular and beloved characters.  Although the series takes credit for the unprecedented change and acceptance of women's sexuality, the film is a great celebration of love women have for one another and the ways they navigate the world through their own relationships and friendships with each other.  And that is why it tops our list of best female ensemble casts.

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Top 10 Movies: Best Reese Witherspoon Flicks

Water for Elephantsis out in theaters tomorrow, so we're looking at our 10 favorite Reese Witherspoon movies to celebrate the release.

Witherspoon's co-star Robert Pattinson is an international craze right now, so we thought we would look at some of the work his awesome co-star has been involved with.

What are you favorite Reese Witherspoon movies?  Check out out top 10 and then have your say!

TOP 10 REESE WITHERSPOON FILMS:

10.Four Christmases(2008)

This Christmas themed movie was funny and Reese Witherspoon proved she can hold her own against Vince Vaughn, but the chemistry between the two is essentially missing in this one.  Vaughn plays the same character he plays in every movie and Witherspoon compliments him well enough. She could have done much more with this one if she had a different co-star.  She plays her usual sweet self and it works, but it's not one of our favorite Witherspoon flicks.

9.Vanity Fair(2004)

Witherspoon plays Rebecca (Becky) Sharp, a social-climbing commoner in class-conscious England. She will do nothing to get to the top of the social ladder and achieve what she wants.  Much like inElection, Witherspoon plays a pretty young girl who will do whatever to succeed, but ends up falling just as quickly as she rises.  Witherspoon is perky in the film and plays the part convincingly, but the movie borders on dull and could have done much more with the story. 

8.How Do You Know(2010)

Although this film was panned by the critics, Witherspoon was actually pretty good in it.  She plays her usual charming self and rom coms seem to be a great fit for her.  Witherspoon plays a young woman who must choose between two men vying for her affections.  At the same time, she's trying to find her own way as a softball player, not accepted on the Team USA roster. 

7.Sweet Home Alabama(2002)

Channeling her Southern roots, Witherspoon stars as a fashion designer from Alabama who has moved to New York City to escape her southern past.  She is forced to go home to Alabama to finalize her divorce, which her current fiance doesn't know about.  She soon realizes she may be more at home in Alabama then she thinks.  Witherspoon is delightful as a southern girl.  She seems at home in the role and it shows with her southern charm and grace.

6.Pleasantville(1998)

One of Witherspoon's earlier films,Pleasantvilleis an interesting commentary on racism in society.  Using the technique of black and white vs. color,Pleasantvilleis a picturesque town in total black and white, when David and Jennifer get trapped in the world from the future, they begin to bring in outside influences and slowly the town start turning from black and white to color.  The"color"folks are ostracized and mistreated. Witherspoon essentially plays two characters in this film -- Jennifer from the present and Betty Sue, her black and white Pleasantville counterpart.  She is a"bad girl"in the new town, but slowly becomes accustom to the lifestyle.

5.Rendition(2007)

Another dramatic role for the actress, Witherspoon plays Isabella, a woman desperate to find out what happened to her husband is taken by the CIA to be questioned about his involvement with a known terrorist.  She questions the authorities only to have them pretend not to even know who her husband is.  Witherspoon does a great job with this role as well and she plays a convincing wife and mother, again showing her versatility when it comes to playing dramatic roles.

4.Election(1999)

Another great movie in a big year for Witherspoon. She was nominated for many film festival and critics choice award for her performance as Tracy Flick inElection.Tracy is a manipulative overachiever who will do anything to get into a good college.  She will also do anything to win class president when she becomes nominated.  Witherspoon is hilarious in this movie and proves she has great comedic skills as an actress, a great juxtaposition to her other 1999 movie,Cruel Intentions.

3.Cruel Intentions(1999)

1999 seemed to be the year Reese Witherspoon caught Hollywood's radar.  She starred in three films that year, two which make our list.  Cruel Intentionswas a risque teen drama, featuring some of the biggest young stars at the time, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Selma Blair, and Ryan Phillippe.  Witherspoon was the lesser-known of the three, but that didn't mean anything for her performance.  She played the quintessential good girl Annette Hargrove, in a corrupt boarding school where teens acted more like grown-ups. It was a great performance by Witherspoon in a very"it"movie.

2.Legally Blonde(2001)

Every actor has a performance that makes their career. Legally Blondewas that performance for Reese Witherspoon.  She was well-known in Hollywood for a couple roles prior to this one, but no one could have guessed how popular this movie would be.  WhenLegally Blondeexploded onto the scene in 2001, Reese Witherspoon became an automatic star.  Elle Woods is an unforgettable character who showed women can be cute, fun, and taken seriously all at the same time.  A silly teen movie on the surface, it had a great message about female empowerment and breaking the stereotypes. 

1.Walk the Line(2005)

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How do you argue with this one?  This is the movie that turned Reese into a Hollywood heavyweight.  Sure, she was well-known and praised for her comedic roles, but this dramatic performance showed how diverse she could be as an actress. Witherspoon nailed the role of June Carter Cash in this biopic about Johnny Cast, played equally well by Joaquin Phoenix.  Witherspoon even earned her first Oscar for Best Actress with this film. 

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Top 10 Movies: Alien Invasion Flicks

Battle: Los Angelesis out in theaters this Friday and in honor of the UFO invasion film, we decided to take a look at the top 10 alien invasion films.  There were lots to choose from, so this is not a complete list.

Battle: Los Angelesfollows a Marine Staff Sergeant (Aaron Eckhart) who must defend mankind against a completely random attack by unknown forces.

So, what's your favorite alien invasion film?

TOP 10 ALIEN INVASION FILMS:

10. Signs (2002)

This sci-fi thriller follows a family who finds mysterious crop circles all over their fields and soon realizes they are coming from a strange and frightening source.  M. Night Shyamalan is known for his scary movies and this alien sci-fi flick was no different.  It invoked a frightened response from audiences and was generally perceived well to critics.

9. Men in Black (1997)

MIB is a top secret agency that monitors and polices alien activity on Earth.  The Men in Black must save the world after the aliens threaten to blow it up.  The film boasts some awesome special effects and a great scenes of comic relief. Unlike other alien films, its has a great combination of both action and comedy.  It also got a 91% fresh rating on Rotten Tomato - loved by critics!

8. The Thing (1982)

The Thingstars Kurt Russel as a scientist in the Antarctic who come face to face with a shape-shifting alien who takes on the appearance of the people it kills, making it hard to recognize it for what it is.  During the night, the strange god mutates and attacks other dogs.  The team investigates and soon realizes the horror they are confronted with. The dog mutation scene is just the beginning and provides an awesome start to the rest of the scary sci-fi flick.

7. Independence Day (1997)

Two days before Independence Day, worldwide communication is interrupted by a strange interference.  The military soon finds out a large number of objects are about to collide into the Earth.  They are huge spacecrafts, piloted by mysterious creatures. The day before Independence Day, the aliens wipe out all buy L.A, NYC, and Washington. They must defeat the aliens before Independence Day.  The special effects and suspense conjured up in the film is amazing and it continues to be a alien invasion staple.

6. Predator (1987)

Arnold Schwarzenegger at his finest!  The movie follows a group of commandos as they rescue airmen from the Central American jungle. While there, they encounter a nearly invisible alien who is on a killing spree, taking trophies from its victims.  Another alien film full of suspense, you must watch your every turn in the juble with this creature on the loose.

5. District 9 (2009)

The film follows the story of the famous district 9, a favorite for government conspiracy theorists.  After aliens arrive on earth and are stranded, they are forced to live in squalor on a government run camp called District 9.  In 2010, the government hires an agency to forcibly get rid of the aliens.  It's a bit different than your scary alien invasion movie, possibly has more of a storyline, but we thought it should be on this list.

4. War of the Worlds (2005)
The big screen adaptation of the H.G Wells novel read on the radio, scaring millions of people around the world, features all the suspense and excitement of the novel.  Tom Cruise stars as Ray Ferrier, who has his children for the weekend after his estranged wife drops them off.  Earth is invaded by aliens and he must get out of the city and get to Boston before they completely take over.

3. Cloverfield (2009)

Cloverfield was a gripping film about a monster on a rampage through New York City.  The film is shot entirely from the first person perspective and the jerky camera movements go along to make that effect more gripping.  The style actually makes the movie more terrifying as the six teens must escape the city before it's too late.  The film got mixed reviews, most chastising it for throwing in cheap tricks to get a few screams. 

2. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

A weird group of spore-like creatures arrive on earth and start creating near perfect duplicates of humans that grow out of some weird pods when asleep.  The best part of this film is the shocking ending that comes as a complete surprise.  Critics were mixed on this one, but generally agree that was pretty terrifying.

1. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

This 1977 sci-fi film from director Steven Spielberg follows a group of ordinary people as they encounter aliens.  Once they encounter the aliens, they become obsessed with a strange mountain in Wyoming.  They all end up at this mountain where the government has built an area for encounters with UFO's.  The film is amazing to watch and has some unbelievable effects that are worth seeing in and of itself.

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