Friday, August 12, 2016

Top 10 Best Seth Rogen Performances!

We have almost always enjoyed and appreciated the work of Seth Rogen. His movies make us laugh, sometimes to tears, but he's so much more than just a funnyman. Before "Sausage Party," which comes out in cinemas across the country today, August 12th, 2016, we decided to take a look back at Rogen's ENTIRE body of work in order to come up with a list of our favorite performances by the man himself.

Here's our top 10 list! Let us know if you agree or disagree!
10. Aaron Rapaport from "The Interview" - Remember when "The Interview" almost caused World War III? We have Seth Rogen to partially thank for this! His hilarious role as Aaron Rapaport in this intercontinental espionage comedy boasts some huge laugh out loud moments and an ending we won't soon forget. This balls-to-the-walls, toe-to-toe match with Kim Jong Un finds "a weird way to balance Rogen and James Franco's smutty brand of humor with a topical and important political conversation in the way only a comedy can." Give this one a chance.
9. Kyle from "50/50" - One of Rogen's more dramatic films, his portrayal of Kyle in "50/50" still allows him to provide comic relief to a tense, sad, and horrifying situation as his best friend, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, gets diagnosed with cancer at the age of 27, but it also lets him showcase a softer, more loyal side of his friendship. Rogen was a great choice to play this part, and his chemistry with Gordon-Levitt brings the believability factor up about 10 notches.
8. Dale Denton from "Pineapple Express" - This film once again teams James Franco up with real life bestie Seth Rogen in an undeniably uproarious, absolutely mental stoner comedy complete with grizzly murders, outrageous action, an interesting take on friendship, and of course, a billion and one blunts. This has become a go-to stoner flick for those who are best friends with Mary Jane.
7. Ben Stone from "Knocked Up" - This is first film of Rogen's career where he gets to play a lead role instead of second fiddle. Rogen's part as Ben Stone in "Knocked Up" might seem like one where he's just another marijuana-and-boobies-obsessed underachieving loser, and he is, but when paired with Katherine Heigl's workaholic, super serious Alison, Rogen is able to rise to the challenge and brings the laughs, the tears, and an authenticc view of the real life situations that go along with having a baby with someone you barely even know. A great choice for those who want to see a movie with a middle ground between goofy and serious.
6. Paul from "Paul" - Though on screen in voice form only, Rogen stars at the titular alien Paul in "Paul," a sci-fi buddy road trip comedy with an intergalactic presence. The second Paul opens his mouth, Rogen is instantly recognizable as this foul-mouthed little green being trying to make it to his spaceship so he can hitch a ride home. All of the pieces come together to create a worthwhile, funny, action-packed, underrated comedy, and it wouldn't be the same without Rogen and his voice talents.
5. Officer Michaels from "Superbad" - Though not a main character, Rogen's Officer Michaels in "Superbad" makes a lasting impression as an irresponsible cop who, after picking up an underage McLovin, played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse, proceeds to drive him around town with his partner, played by Bill Hader, and do donuts in parking lots, drink and drive, and shoot at stop signs with a government-issued firearm, you know, all of the stuff cops probably shouldn't do. "Clearly irresponsible behavior is exhibited by all of the members of this film, but that's what makes it so fabulous."
4. B.O.B. from "Monsters vs. Aliens" - Rogen once again lends his voice talents as B.O.B., a blobby mutant who must team together with his other monster pals to help save the planet. It has often been said that Seth Rogen plays the same character, and while this might be overwhelmingly true in his comedic offerings, he is absolutely spot on as this slimy blue creature with the ability to absorb objects into his mass like a bowl of jello. Rogen completely fits this part, signature laugh and all.
3. Ronnie Barnhardt from "Observe and Report" - Arguably the most controversial film of his career, Rogen's portrayal as Ronnie Barnhardt in "Observe and Report" will leave many movie watchers polarized about both his performance and the movie as a whole. Where some see a dower, bleak character with possible mental problems, we see a dower, bleak character with possible mental problems, but in a completely different light. Rogen shines through this darker role with both a comedic flare and a more serious presence.
2. Admiral Seasholtz, Roach, and Alien in "Fanboys" - Almost entirely dismissed by us because we thought he was barely in the film, "Fanboys" proves to be one of Seth Rogen's best performances...well, technically three of them. Rogen plays three bit roles here, and each one of them is better than the last. These are more goofy, over-the-top performances, and despite them being smaller parts, the movie would not be the same without Rogen's contributions in this homage to sci-fi fandoms.
1. Steve Wozniak in "Steve Jobs" - Some might see it as a little bit of a cop out to pick Rogen's performance as Steve Wozniak in "Steve Jobs" as our number one favorite, but we think it's definitely his best. Even after all of his comedies, Rogen's serious portrayal here is magnificent. We think he was the perfect actor to play this part, and though his looks didn't drastically change, he changed his mannerisms and personality to fit the Wozniak role like it was made for him. Though you might not think so right away, Rogen can truly nail a drama, and this is most apparent in this under-performing biopic as Woz fights for recognition for his Apple team. Most people talk up Michael Fassbender's portrayal of Steve Jobs in this film, but we think Seth Rogen's showing absolutely deserves just as much recognition and is our favorite out of all of his performances!

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