Whatever Happened To...?

Sharon Stone

Easily one of the most iconic actresses of the 90’s, Sharon Stone, has been absent from the big screen since 2006. Sure she has been working steadily since then, but most of the films have played the festival circuit and then went straight to DVD. If you really think about it, she has not had a memorable leading role since the 90’s. Most of her best work, post 90’s, has been in minor supporting roles. I know Stone has had her share of forgettable films, but she is too talented of an actress to be stuck in straight-to-DVD purgatory along with several other memorable 90’s actors and actresses. At only 53 years-old Stone still has plenty to offer as an actress if given the right role. In films like Casino, Broken Flowers, and the Quick and the Dead she demonstrated that she was more than just the sex symbol from Basic Instincts. I know Hollywood is notorious for ignoring an actress the minute they reach age 40, but Stone deserves another shot. I would love to see her reboot her career in a Wes Anderson film or even a reunite with director Jim Jarmusch.

Career Highlights: Basic Instinct (1992); Total Recall (1990); The Quick and the Dead (1995); Casino (1995); Bobby(2006); Stardust Memories (1980); Broken Flowers (2005); Action Jackson (1988); Above the Law (1988); Diary of a Hitman (1991); Antz (1998); He Said, She Said (1991); The Last Action Hero (1993); The Mighty (1998); Alpha Dog (2006).

Low Points: Catwoman (2004); Basic Instinct 2 (2006); Sliver (1993); King Solomon’s Mine (1985); Intersection (1994); Sphere (1998); Police Academy 4: Citizen Patrol (1987); Cold Creek Manor (2003); Last Dance (1996); Year of the Gun (1991); The Specialist (1994); Diablolique (1996); Gloria (1999); The Muse (1999).

Last Seen On The Big Screen: Bobby (2006).

Where You Will See Her Next?: Waco with Adrien Brody, Kurt Russell and Giovanni Ribisi.

Whatever Happened To...?

Neil LaBute

Normally in this column I would feature an actor/actress whose career could use a jolt in the right direction. Today I am going to highlight a talented director that could really use a good script to get him back on track.

Career Highlights: In the Company of Men (1997), Your Friends & Neighbors (1998), Nurse Betty (2000), The Shape of Things (2003).

Low Points: The Wicker Man (2006), Lakeview Terrace (2008), Possession (2001).

Last Film to Grace the Big Screen: Death at a Funeral (2010)

Coming Down the Pipe Next? LaBute is currently filming Seconds of Pleasure, which he also wrote.

Whatever Happened To...?

Bridget Fonda

I was going to feature my childhood crush, Phoebe Cates, this week but when I was reflecting on her works Bridget Fonda’s name kept on appearing. I had forgotten just how many films Fonda and Cates did together. I have always viewed Fonda as an actress akin to Laura Dern, the talent is there but the quality roles just are not being offered. Given the right material Fonda could easily reclaim some of the magic she had back in the 90’s.

Career Highlights: Single White Female (1992); A Simple Plan (1998); Jackie Brown (1997); Army of Darkness (1992); It Could Happen to You (1994); Strapless (1989) Bodies, Rest & Motion (1993); Camilla (1994); Doc Hollywood (1991); Scandal (1989); Grace of My Heart (1996); Touch (1997); Little Buddha (1993).

Low Points: The Point of No Return (1995); Monkey Bone (2001); Singles (1992); Lake Placid (1999); Kiss of the Dragon (1999); City Hall (1996); Mr. Jealousy (1997); The Road to Wellville (1994).

Last Seen On The Big Screen: The Whole Shebang (2001).

Where You Will See Her Next?: Currently Fonda does not have any films in production.

Whatever Happened To...?

Rene Russo

I was watching The Thomas Crown Affair again on television the other day and it got me wondering where has Rene Russo gone? Like any actor, Russo has had her ups and downs in regards to quality of films she has been in, but she has always shown that she is a capable actress. While Hollywood is notoriously unkind to women of a certain age, Russo is one of those women who gets better looking with age. If Darren Aronofsky can resurrect Barbara Hershey’s career imagine what he could do with Russo’s.

Career Highlights: The Thomas Crown Affair (1999); Get Shorty (1995); In the Line of Fire (1993); Ransom, (1996); Tin Cup (1996); Major League (1989); One Good Cop (1991); Leathal Weapon 4 (1998).

Low Points: Buddy (1997); Outbreak (1995); The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle (2000); Mr. Destiny (1990); Lethal Weapon 3 (1992); Big Trouble (2002); Freejack (1992);Showtine (2002).

Last Seen On The Big Screen: Yours, Mine and Ours (2005).

Where You Will See Her Next?: In Marvel’s next big franchise film, Thor.

Whatever Happened To...?

Haley Joel Osment

“I see dead people” is one of the most used catchphrases in cinema history. The line helped to usher Haley Joel Osment into the realm of stardom. There was a time when every director was itching to work with Osment and then, as suddenly as it hit, everything stopped. Despite doing a lot of voice over work, and a play on Broadway, Osment has been curiously absent from the big screen. I know there was the whole car crash incident that hindered things for a bit, but enough time has passed now. Osment is still at the prime age where quality roles should be abundant. The time is right for Hollywood to take another chance on Haley Joel Osment.

Career Highlights: The Sixth Sense (1999); Artificial Intelligence: AI (2001); Forrest Gump (1994); Secondhand Lions (2003);

Low Points: Pay It Forward (2000); The Country Bears (2002); Bogus (1996);

Last Seen On The Big Screen: Home for Giants (2007)

Where You Will See Him Next?: In the comedies Montana Amazon and Sex Ed. As well as the drama Truth & Treason co-starring Max von Sydow.

Whatever Happened To...?

Rick Moranis

Of all the SCTV alumni I find it odd that Rick Moranis is not prominent in front of the camera anymore. Heck, Eugene Levy is still managing to mix his big budget works with all those straight-to-DVD American Pie movies. Could Rick Moranis not do the same? The latter part of Rick Moranis’ career has consisted of family friendly movies. He has consistently shown that his comedic timing can provide good laughs to even the weakest feature. I think it would be hilarious to see Moranis in a comedy where he plays against type. Maybe a foulmouthed role is exactly what Rick Moranis needs to break his squeaky clean image. I could see Moranis making a splash in a raunchy Todd Phillips Hangover-style comedy; or even reteaming with Steve Martin for an adult skewed comedy.

Career Highlights: Strange Brew (1983); Honey I Shrunk the Kids (1989); Ghostbusters (1984); Spaceballs (1987); Ghostbusters II (1989); Little Shop of Horrors (1986); Brewster’s Millions (2005); Parenthood (1989); Splitting Heirs (1993); Little Giants (1994);

Low Points: Honey I Blew Up the Kids (1992); Big Bully (1996); The Flintstones (1994); My Blue Heaven (1990); Brother Bear (2003)

Last Seen On The Big Screen: Brother Bear (2003)

Where You Will See Him Next?: Since bringing back the Bob & Doug McKenzie characters, yet again, for Canadian television, Moranis has been fairly quiet on the acting front. It seems he is spending most of his time on the production side of things.

Whatever Happened To...?

Debi Mazar

Today’s selection was suggested by Univarn, the brains behind A Life in Equinox: A Movie Lover’s Journal, be sure to visit his blog when you get a moment. What I find interesting about Debi Mazar is that she has been one of those career supporting actresses who never really had many opportunities to breakout. The last few years Mazar has been stuck on the small screen making appearances in everything from Entourage to Dancing With the Stars. Debi Mazar is often casted as the tough talking New York chick, but I have always viewed her as more than just that. I think tackling a few indie flicks where her vulnerability is on display would be in her best interest career wise. I would love to see what a director like Lisa Cholodenko could do for Mazar’s career.

Career Highlights: The Insider (1999); Goodfellas (1990); Jungle Fever (1991); Bullets Over Broadway (1994); Malcolm X (1992); Ten Tiny Love Stories (2001); The Door (1991); She’s So Lovely (1997); So I Married An Axe Murder (1993); Collateral (2004); Trees Lounge (1996); Little Man Tate (1991); The Deli (1997)

Low Points: Toys (1992); Beethoven’s 2nd (1993); Meet Wally Sparks (1997); Batman Forever (1995); Nowhere (1997); Be Cool (2005); Empire Records (1995); Hush (1998); Singles (1992); Money for Nothing (1993); Girl 6 (1996)

Last Seen On The Big Screen: The Women (2008)

Where You Will See Her Next?: Sadly it looks like more television work is in Mazar’s feature as she has no major films roles lined up at the moment.

Is there an actor/actress who you have not seen in a while? Maybe they never reached the potential you thought they would. Let me know in the comments section and I will add them to the “What Happened To…” list.

Whatever Happened To...?

Edward Furlong

If you are serious horror fan, than you probably already know the answer to today’s question. It turns out Edward Furlong has been keeping himself busy the last few years by making a slew of horror flicks. Most have ended up going straight to DVD but that does not seem to be slowing Furlong down. Personally I thought, after T2 and Little Odessa, Edward’s career would have taking off much more than it has. While Edward Furlong might not be a name that can open up a major film on his own; one would at least think he would be getting decent supporting roles at the least.

Career Highlights: Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991); American History X (1998); A Home of Our Own (1993); Little Odessa (1994); Before and After (1996)

Low Points: Pecker (1998); Detroit Rock City (1999); Pet Cemetery II (1992); American Heart (1992); Brainscan (1994)

Last Seen On The Big Screen: Detroit Rock City (1999)

Where You Will See Him Again: The Green Hornet with Seth Rogen

Whatever Happened To...?

Fairuza Balk

Today’s selection was suggested by Mike, of You Talking To Me?, in last week’s comment section. Naturally I jumped at the chance to highlight Ms. Balk as she always had a Gina Gershon-type vibe for me. That is to say I could see her playing the tough chick, as easily as I can see her pouring her heart out in a romantic lead. Fairuza is often remembered for her role in The Craft, yet she has been in far better films than that. While she has been stuck doing a lot of voice over work lately, as well as bit parts here and there, one can only hope that someone (I am looking at you Rebecca Miller) writes a script that will truly highlight Fariuza Balk’s talent.

Career Highlights: Valmont (1989); American History X (1998); Personal Velocity (2002); Gas, Food, Lodging (1992); The Craft (1996); Almost Famous (2000); The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)

Low Points: The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996); American Perfekt (1997); Return to Oz (1985); The Waterboy (1998); Deuces Wild (2002)

Last Seen On The Big Screen: The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)

Where You Will See Her Next?: In Thicker which also stars Guy Pearce and John Goodman

Whatever Happened To...?

Mira Sorvino

It seems that Mira Sorvino’s name will always be linked with the dreaded “Oscar Curse.” The way I see it, if Marisa Tomei can shake of the shackles of the alleged curse than there is no reason why Sorvino cannot do the same. Sure Mira has been working steadily over the last few years but she is not getting the same caliber roles that she received in the early 90’s

Career Highlights: Mighty Aphrodite (1995); Barcelona (1994); The Grey Zone (2001); Blue in the Face (1995); Summer of Sam (1999); Quiz Show (1994); Beautiful Girls (1996); Mimic (1997);

Low Points: At First Sight (1999); The Final Cut (2004); The Replacement Killers (1998); Free Money (1998); Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion (1997);

Last Seen On The Big Screen: Reservation Road (2007)

Where You Will See Her Again: Multiple Sarcasms with Timothy Hutton; and Waska with Jeremy Piven

Whatever Happened To...?

I was going to select Ralph Macchio as today's subject. Unfortunately I overdosed on the various Karate Kid movies last weekend (seriously there was a marathon on every single day!). So today I will focus on an actress whose life on the big screen could use a jolt.

Geena Davis

Career Highlights: The Fly (1986); Thelma & Louise (1991); A League of Their Own (1992); Beetle Juice (1988); Tootsie (1982); Fletch (1985); The Accidental Tourist (1988); Earth Girls are Easy (1988).

Low Points: Cutthroat Island (1995); Hero (1992); The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996), Speechless (1994); Angie (1994); Quick Change (1991); Transylvania 6-5000 (1985); Stuart Little (1999).

Last Seen On The Big Screen: Stuart Little 2 (2002)

Where You Will See Her Again: Your guess is as good as mine. Ms. Davis has been stuck on the small screen for a few years now. She is the same age as Joan Allen, so clearly there is still time to stage a comeback of sorts.

Whatever Happened To?

Thora Birch

The fact that Mena Suvari ended up having the better post American Beauty career ahead of Wes Bentley and Thora Birch is shocking. I have nothing against Suvari personally, I just cannot fathom why Thora Birch is not a bigger name right now. She was consistently good as a child actor and now is the point where her career should really be taking off. Clearly Birch has been a good luck charm for many actors/actresses whom have worked with her. Keira Knightly, Elijah Wood, Scarlett Johannson, Christina Ricci, Gaby Hoffman, and Mena Suvari have all had decent careers since working with Thora. It would be great to see Ms. Birch doing some quality indie films again.  Maybe even a few big budget projects sprinkled in as well. 

Career Highlights: Ghost World (2001); American Beauty (1999); Clear and Present Danger (1994);Paradise (1991); Patriot Games (1992); Silver City (2004); Alaska (1996)

Low Points: The Hole (2001); Dungeons and Dragons (2000); Now and Then (1995); Hocus Pocus (1993); Monkey Trouble (1994)

Last Seen On The Big Screen: Silver City (2004)

Where You Will See Her Again: Crossmaglen with Claire Forlani

Whatever Happened To?

I had originally planned to focus on an actress who, as it so happens, worked with today’s selection at one point. I will save her for another week down the line. Seeing as I focussed on Val Kilmer’s dissent into straight-to-DVD hell; it makes since to focus on the person who has fallen even further. Show of hands, who else besides yours truly saw Lies & Illusions?...anyone...Bueller? If I were to rank the current straight-to-DVD victims in order, Kilmer would be at number three while Slater would take the number two spot. The fact that Christian Slater still gets high profile work on television, albeit in bad shows, proves there is still interest in Slater amongst the Hollywood execs. If only he would find an agent that actually knows how to pick good scripts.

Christian Slater

Career Highlights: Pump Up The Volume (1990), Heathers (1988), Murder in the First (1995), Interview With A Vampire (1994), Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), True Romance (1993), The Contender (2001), Gleaming the Cube (1988) The Wizard (1988) [yes, you read right. The Wizard is by far the best feature length advertisement ever made! - CS]

Low Points: Alone in the Dark (2005), Mindhunters (2004), Young Guns II (1990), Hard Rain (1998), Bed of Roses (1996), Broken Arrow (1996), Kuffs (1992), Mobster (1991), 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001), Who is Cletus Tout (2001), Tales From The Darkside: The Movie.

Last Seen On The Big Screen: Bobby (2006), Igor (2008)

Where You Will See Him Again: Sacrifice with Cuba Gooding Jr.; Shadows of the White Nights with Cole Hauser. Odds are good they will both be at your local DVD store shortly.

Whatever Happened To?

Granted today’s selection has been working steadily, in straight-to-DVD releases, for a few years now. Yet when was the last time you saw Val Kilmer in a lead role on the big screen? I know he has a bad reputation for being a bit of a diva on set, but I think Kilmer has paid his dues in B-movie purgatory. It is time for him to jumpstart his career again like John Travolta did back in the 90’s.

Val Kilmer

Career Highlights: Top Gun (1986), Willow (1988), Heat (1995), Top Secret (1984), Tombstone (1993), The Doors (1991), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2004), The Salton Sea (2002)

Low Points: Mindhunters (2004), The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), Red Planet (2000), Alexander (2004), At First Sight (1999), The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996), The Real McCoy (1993)

Last Seen: The Bad Lieutenant: The Port of Call New Orleans (2009)

Where You Will See Him Again: The SNL-inspired comedy MacGruber; and The Irishmen with Ray Stevenson

Whatever Happened To?

Every so often a movie appears on television, or crosses your mind, that makes you wonder whatever happened to?…

Rebecca De Mornay

Career Highlights: The Hand That Rocked the Cradle (1992), Risky Business (1983), Backdraft (1991),

Low Points: Guilty As Sin (1993), The Three Musketeers (1993)

Last Seen: Wedding Crashers (2005); Lords of Dogtown (2005)

Where You Will See Her Again: The horror Mother's Day ; and Rob Reiner's Flipped