These are my favorite Sam J. performances. “And That’s The Truth, Ruth!”

Does Samuel L. Jackson truly have any peers? This prolific actor has brought his signature blend of charisma to films spanning countless genres. Jackson has now been an onscreen presence for over 30 years and has mastered every aspect in the actor’s toolbox. He can portray fierce, steely, comforting, conflicted, intimidating, righteous and a whole lot more. His most beloved roles almost outshine him. To that point, he is one of the most quotable and recognized actors around, and continues to work with the best filmmakers in Hollywood. Oh and by the way, he also is one of the highest grossing actors of all time.

Jackson has a filmography that will make your head swim and to try and summarize it succinctly would be impossible. So instead of even giving that a shot, I give you my five favorite roles. Give them a gander while I go find my super suit.

5. National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1

Loaded Weapon 1, one of Sam J.’s few out-and-out farces, is a laugh-a-minute riot. In the late 80s to early 90s, National Lampoon was doing big business on genre spoofs the likes of Naked Gun and Hot Shots. And Loaded Weapon holds its own hugely in part to Jackson.

Jackson costars with Emilio Estevez, in this Lethal Weapon spoof, as a pair of Los Angeles detectives investigating a conspiracy around a recipe that converts cookies into cocaine. This brisk 83-minute comedy packs in slight gags, celebrity cameos, and pop culture references and it’s all incredibly silly. And that’s exactly the point. What is terrific here is how Jackson plays it straight, as it makes all of the film’s ridiculousness even funnier.

4. The Hitman’s Bodyguard

As Darius Kincaid, Jackson plays the titular hitman alongside costar Ryan Reynolds (Michael Bryce), the equally eponymous bodyguard. When Kincaid is sent to testify against an Eastern European dictator named Vladislav Dukhovich, his protection comes in the form of Bryce. Jackson and Reynolds without a doubt, share one of the funniest and most entertaining chemistries in buddy comedy history. The movie spawned a sequel a few years later, but the original is in a league of its own.

3. Kingsman: The Secret Service

Jackson plays Richard Valentine, an antagonistic character, in 2014’s Kingsman: The Secret Service. In this first entry to the Kingsman franchise, Valentine plans to solve climate change through the eradication of most of humanity. I know that’s a famous plot these days. But this film is different, as it harmoniously blends action and humor. Ranking in as the most intense film on my list with its engaging fighting sequences and matching tactics of cinematography, The Secret Service works thanks to a balanced script, a great director (Matthew Vaughn) and a standout performance from Sam J.

2. The Avengers

The MCU, is of course, ever expanding. Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man may be the biggest reason it was successful in the first place, but Sam J.’s Nick Fury is the glue that bound the universe together. And The Avengers (2012) is the one movie in the MCU that I cite as being the most fun to watch. Jackson shines as Nick Fury, sharing great rapport with costars RDJ, Chris Evans, Cobie Smulders and Clark Gregg. Clearly, no one else could have donned Fury’s iconic eyepatch quite like Jackson, who should get credit for some of the most hilarious dialogue the film has to offer. Mr. Jackson is altogether assertive, witty, snarky and entertaining in this first joint blockbuster of the Marvel Universe.

1. The Incredibles

Jackson plays Lucius Best / Frozone through two films and possibly a rumored third movie in the works. He stands tall here as longtime friend of the Parr family, the titular group of superheroes. Frozone harbors a cache of equipment, like his refraction goggles that shield his identity while also blocking the sunlight that reflects from his ice crystals that he makes as part of his ability to freeze water. He also has a super suit that will keep him warm in freezing conditions. That is, if he can ever find the blasted thing. Per usual with Mr. Jackson, he lets loose some of the funniest dialogue you’re ever likely to hear, making The Incredibles and its sequel among the most fun animated films of all time.

Well, hopefully Lucius found his super suit, as I certainly didn’t find mine. Anyway, that’s my favorite roles of Samuel L. Jackson’s illustrious career so far. Your favorites may certainly be different. Drop a comment to let me know what yours are.

Lee Pittman – June 29, 2024