Cue The Weeknd: He’s the Star-Lord. Yeah, I know, it’s Starboy. But Chris Pratt comes to mind for me every time I hear that song. Truth be told, he’s the Star-Lord, to others he’s Emmet Brickowski, and for fans of the television show Parks & Rec he’s Andy Dwyer. The full truth: Pratt has been so good at developing who he is that all of these characters are a little bit of him and maybe that’s what makes all of them so much fun.
No doubt, Chris Pratt’s rise up the rankings to leading man status began with Guardians of the Galaxy. Prior to that MCU blockbuster, the now A-list superstar poured his talent into supporting roles in both movies and television shows. It certainly seems that he has now proven himself a dynamic actor who can bring an earnest, enjoyable giddiness to any part.
Before I jump into things, I should note that if you do not see one of your favorites, just know that I cut the list to my five and there are a few honorable mentions. Just to name a couple: there’s his brief but memorable role in Wanted and his supporting turn in Jennifer’s Body. Now, let’s do this!
5. The Five-Year Engagement (Alex Eilhauer)
2012’s The Five-Year Engagement, Pratt’s best supporting role came on the heels of his development into one of the most dependable comedic actors in Hollywood. Pratt is Alex Eilhauer, the romance loving best friend of the lead (played by Jason Segel). Eilhauer finds himself quickly marrying his sweetheart Suzie (Alison Brie), while the two leads (including Emily Blunt) find themselves in the extended engagement that is the title of the movie.
Fans of Parks & Rec will pick up on similarities between Eilhauer and Andy Dwyer. Pratt really isn’t stretched here, as he is clearly the “best friend” character. But it is noticeable that he makes the part his own, even stealing a few scenes throughout and providing a consistent stream of laughs in the altogether solid, subversive romantic comedy.
4. Onward (Barley Lightfoot)
Due to his amazing live action work, it’s easy to forget how talented Pratt is as a voice actor. Now with a variety of interesting voice roles under his belt (like Emmet Brickowski and Mario), it’s fun to listen for his boisterous, infectious giddy voice in each new vocal role. And fun is certainly the word for Pratt’s Barley Lightfoot in the film Onward.
Older brother to Ian (Tom Holland), Pratt is a lore loving elf turned mentor when the two siblings end up on a quest to fully revive their deceased father. Chris delivers an emotional, endearing performance that is full of heart and humor. His affection and admiration for his younger brother was both palpable and inspiring, with joyous enthusiasm and rousing pride at his magical accomplishments. This is especially notable as Onward reaches its tearful finale and Pratt’s voice work becomes a spellbinding success.
3. The Lego Movie (Emmet Brickowski)
You can’t talk about the actor’s talents for providing a giddy, appropriately animated enthusiasm to his characters without coming to The Lego Movie where he plays Emmet Brickowski, an average, naive and completely bright-eyed construction worker in the town of Bricksburg who is thought to be The Special (The Lego piece that will bring justice and order amid a prophecy of chaos).
Of course, it’s Pratt’s ability to portray a disarmingly sweet natured man-child that works extremely well in this surprisingly poignant movie and he does it to perfection here. Ultimately, thanks to Chris’ enduring performance “Everything is Awesome”.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy (Peter Quill / Star-Lord)
By far his most recognizable role, Peter Quill, i.e. Star-Lord is the role that turned this likable supporting actor into a bonafide movie star. Sure, it benefited from being apart of the Marvel Universe, but Guardians turned into a gigantic blockbuster on its own merits.
There’s a lot of people that deserve thanks for that, but Pratt’s performance is a do not miss. Star-Lord is like Han Solo, a rascal with a heart of gold, but with a daddy complex and more irreverent to boot. But it’s Pratt’s wide-eyed sincerity that took what could have been an unlikable jerk and turned him into an earnest space traveler who just wants to be loved. By the end of the trilogy, we see much more of his emotional side, including how he is coming to terms with big changes that are affecting his personal life. Pratt’s ability to bring the fun mixed with all the emotions to boot, is what makes Guardians some of the best the MCU has to offer.
1. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Mario)
Cue up the controversy, I can hear it now. For all those irritated that Chris Pratt was cast in the film in the first place, yes, I just said it’s my favorite of his roles. The truth is that his performance as Mario was not only fun, but it legitimately seemed like Pratt was fully committed to playing the character.
Following some fun meta business early on about the accent, Pratt had a very steady grasp on the character, and more importantly, managed to make him sound distinct from any past roles. It’s not a flashy voice-over performance, but it is strong. Which, in my opinion, was the right approach.
That’s my favorite Chris Pratt Movie Roles. Have a different opinion? Drop a comment in the bucket and start the conversation.
