John Goodman - Mr. Awesome

Photo by Paola Kudacki

With 133 credits to his name on imdb.com, the go-to-site for movie-enthusiasts, John Goodman might be considered one of the most busy actors in the industry. Naturally, with such an extensive list of movies, some are less memorable than others. The fact remains, however, that this is one of the most awesome guys in film. Ever. Although Jeff Bridges plays The Dude in 'The Big Lebowski', in many ways John Goodman seems to be The Dude in real life.

John Goodman is one of those actors that makes me go from "Probably not gonna see that movie" to "Oh, I'll definitely check it out". He has this special aura about him that makes you want him as your best friend, as he was to The Dude in 'The Big Lebowski', and for Denzel Washington's character in "Flight". In the former he provided us with some of the most hilarious moments of the movie, while in the latter he provided Denzel's character with some of the most illegal substances of the movie. Nevertheless, you can always count on John Goodman to provide you with something highly entertaining, and here are some of my favorite John Goodman-performances (in random order):

Fallen

Denzel Washington and John Goodman is a good combination, and this movie is an entertaining flick. Not a great movie, but definitely one worth watching if you appreciate fine acting. As well as perfect use of a Rolling Stones-classic. Not only does the movie have the aforementioned duo in the cast, but also starring in the movie are James Gandolfini, Elias Kostas and Donald Sutherland (the cool Sutherland). 

Trailer: 

The Big Lebowski

One of his most memorable roles, obviously. This is also the movie he has said to have his favorite project to have been working on. The eulogy-speech is one of the funniest moments in the movie (in any movie), but it is just one of his many amazing lines in this movie. Walter Sobchak - the man who would never bring a dog bowling, and who definitely wouldn't roll on Shabbos. 

John Goodman in 'The Big Lebowski'

Bringing out the Dead

The underrated Martin Scorsese movie had several great things about it. Nicolas Cage in one of his best roles, greatly helped obviously by the chemistry he had with John Goodman was one of it. Despite the dark content of the movie, there is still room for a couple of laughs, Goodman often being the provider of this. Also watch out for a cameo by singer Marc Anthony (and a funny one too). The movie has certain resemblances with Scorsese's earlier work, especially 'Taxi Driver'. Although obviously not as good as the 70s classic, the movie depicts loneliness, helplessness, a gritty New York City and the screenplay was written by the same person, Paul Schrader. 

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

There's a good chance John Goodman will at least play a bit part when it comes to a movie by the Coen Brothers, and this movie is no exception. One of my favorite movies by the Coen-brothers, and Goodman delivers... as usual. 

Flight

In a movie carried by Denzel Washington's strong performance, John Goodman's appearance is a genius touch. His hippie style, and give-a-f*** attitude is a much needed breath of fresh air in a movie mostly dominated by the tragic look at the life of a person struggling with alcoholism. Here's one of his scenes from the movie, accompanied by Rolling Stones (Rolling Stones was, as mentioned, also used in 'Fallen', another Denzel/John Goodman movie). 

West Wing

John Goodman made a guest-appearence in four episodes of this amazing show, with this probably being the most memorable one: 

Damages

As Howard T. Erickson, John Goodman was brilliant in the fourth season of 'Damages'. The show has consistently had great seasonal guest appearances, and John Goodman was no exception. Here's a clip of him talking about his role on the show: