Neeson gives an Oscar-nominated turn in Steven Spielberg’s sweeping WWII blockbuster based on the heroic true to story of Oskar Schindler who saved the lives of more than a thousand Jews during the Holocaust by employing them. As Schinlder, Neeson gives an unforgettable performance as an everyday man forced to rethink his beliefs and ethics during a horrific period in world history. His breakout role, Neeson manages to paint a character that is just as human as you or I, but goes to extraordinary measures (at great risk to himself and his family) to do the right thing.
Kinsey (2004) 
In my opinion, Neeson’s best performance. He plays the infamous professor Alfred Kinsey who’s research on sex and sexual behaviour has helped influence social and cultural values worldwide for decades. Neeson throws himself into this fascinating look into Kinsey’s research and personal life. His immersive performance makes you just as inquisitive as the doctor and Neeson holds nothing back in this complex, hilarious, emotional and exposing role as a man who took sex from being taboo to talkable.
Michael Collins (1996)
It seems only fitting that arguably one of Ireland’s greatest actors plays Ireland’s greatest revolutionary; Michael Collins. Working with experienced director Neil Jordan, Neeson gives an explosive performance as Collins – superbly showing his humanity and at the same time immortality as the face of a rebellion. Together with Julia Roberts and Alan Rickman, Neeson leads a trio of strong performances that saw him nominated for a Golden Globe. The fact he didn’t even nab an Oscar nomination is not only unbelievable, but incredibly unfair.
Five Minutes To Heaven (2010) 
Neeson stars in another iconic Irish story, this time as former UVF member Alistair Little. Twenty-five years after Little killed Joe Griffen's (James Nesbitt) brother, the media arrange an auspicious meeting between the two. Downfall director Oliver Hirschbiegel weaves a loaded tale that triumphs thanks to the powerful and heart-wrenching performances of Neeson and Nesbitt. It’s hard to say who actually proves the superior actor, but that’s not the point. Neeson gives one of his most calculated, building and lasting performances as a man trying to rewrite his past.
Batman Begins (2005) 
The opportunity to play a villain is a rare one for Neeson and he leapt at it; immersing himself in the role of Ra's Al Ghul/Henri Ducard/The Phantom Of The Opera. Just kidding about the last character, but Neeson crafted a complex, multi-layered villain who lost sight of the true meaning of justice. It was a suave turn and a great way to kick of Christopher Nolan’s Batman series alongside his co-star of 2005 Cillian Murphy.
Breakfast On Pluto (2005) 
Neeson re-teams with Michael Collins director Neil Jordan for a scene-stealing supporting turn in this little-seen charmer. Now, if you have only watched five minutes of Cillian Murphy’s portrayal as transgender Irsih lad/lass Kitten, then you know just how much of a compliment it is to say Neeson’s moments as Father Liam were, indeed, scene-stealing
. . . .and The Worst
The Chronicles Of Narnia franchise 
Sure, he’s only a voice actor in Thinly Veiled Christianity: The Franchise so at least Neeson is spared having to show his face. But the Narnia series, which has always been a poor man’s Lord Of The Rings meets Harry Potter, seemed to use Neeson's voicing of the Aslan character in such a way that when you watched that CGI lion speak nobly about bravery and faith, you couldn’t help but stifle a giggle at the ridiculousness.
The competition is open until midnight tonight, so there's still time to click HERE and give me those few final page clicks I need to get over the line.
Jodelle Ferland, what a lil’ champion. I interviewed the 16-year-old actress a few weeks ago ahead of her trip Down Under this weekend for the Supanova Pop Culture Expo in Brisbane. You may have read part of my exclusive chat with Ferland when we discussed her audition for the role of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games. Unfortunately she didn’t get the part and, as we now know, it went to the much older and blonder Oscar-nominee Jennifer Lawrence. I still have my fingers crossed for her nabbing a support role, but I digress. Ferland is best known for her role as Bree Tanner, the ill-fated teen vamp from The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. For horror buffs, we’ve been familiar with Ferland for a long time. After becoming the youngest Emmy Award nominee in history for her role in TV movie Mermaid at age four, Ferland has taken the unusual route of going from child star to horror movie star. The 16-year-old Canadian has made a career out of manipulating her innocent exterior into something much more sinister and given her filmography, many consider her a pre-pubescent Jamie Lee Curtis. Outside of the Twilight Saga, she has a dedicated network of horror fans who have followed her starring roles in films such as Silent Hill, They, The Messengers, Trapped, Case 39 and TV shows such as Supernatural, Stargate Atlantis, Smallville and Dark Angel. She recently completed work on Buffy creator Joss Whedon’s horror film The Cabin In The Woods and chiller The Tall Man with Jessica Biel, which we talk about in the interview. Ferland was such a lovely interviewee to chat to and I’ve included a full transcript of my interview here so you don’t miss any of the good bits. Of course, I don’t like repeating myself so you can read her comments on The Hunger Games here. Otherwise, Ferland talks Twilights, Twihards, a Bree spin-off film and much, much more. Movie Mazzupial: Hello Jodelle? It’s great to talk to you, how are you doing? Jodelle Ferland: It’s great to talk to you too, I’m doing good. MM: I have to apologise if I sound a tad drowsy, it’s early morning here Now where are you talking to me from at the moment? JK: I’m at home in Toronto, Canada. And it’s not early here, otherwise I would be out of it too. MM: (Laughs) Okay, thanks, that makes me feel a bit better. Now, straight to it; tell me about your experience working on Eclipse. That set that shoot must have been incredible? JK: It was absolutely amazing, I was so shocked when I found out I got the part. Oh my gosh, I couldn’t believe I got to be a part of this amazing series of movies. On set it was so unreal seeing all the actors who you forget are real people because you’re so used to seeing them on posters and in magazines everyday. But they were all such nice people and so down to Earth. MM: Once you got the role of Bree, did you have any idea just how coveted that character was and how much people wanted to be a part of the film? JK: Wow, if everybody wanted it as badly as I did then a lot of people were disappointed. I wanted it pretty badly and honestly, I didn’t think I would get it. I try not get my hopes up, especially for something as big at that. Only the first movie had come out at that point (when I got the part) and I had just finished reading the last book and thought they were amazing, Stephenie Meyer is great writer. MM: Well, Stephenie wrote a whole book about your character too. How exciting was that for you, to have a whole story about Bree? JK: I was amazed Stephenie had actually written a book all about my character. Of all the people in the saga she choose Bree. I’m a huge reader, I love books and I read everything. I got to be one of the first people to read the book and I was reading it on set as we were filming. MM: Now, there have been rumours circulating for a while that after the success of the Bree novella the folks at Summit (Entertainment) are considering making another film based on that spin-off book with Bree. Is that something that’s going to happen? What can you tell me about that? JK: It’s definitely a possibility. They could easily do a movie about Bree, but nobody knows for sure. They’re really concentrating on finishing Breaking Dawn (Parts I and II) and getting that right, but once they’re finished . . .nobody knows for certain, but I’ve heard it’s definitely a possibility. MM: That would be fantastic for you, a whole Twilight movie to yourself. BK: (Laughs) It would be great, but we’ll see. MM: Now what was it like working with all the actors on Eclipse? I mean, as well as Robert and Kristen, you’ve got the whole cast of Cullens and the Wolk Pak. JK: It was amazing, I tried not to be too star stuck. It was really weird when everyone is in front of you on set. I guess you never think of these movie stars as real people until you get to meet them and know them. People think those who are really famous are snobs, and sometimes that’s true, but nobody was on Eclipse.
MM: That’s nice to hear. Did you have any concept of just how hysterical the fans are about these movies when you signed on? JK: I already knew going into Eclipse that there were pretty dedicated fans because we started shooting just after the first movie had come up. I knew it was a really big deal and (I knew) how crazy it was when I went to the premiere and saw fans that had been camping out for almost a week. It’s hard to prepare yourself for something like that. I don’t think I signed so many autographs in one day. When I watched the first movie I never considered that one day I’d be part of those films. MM: Coming out next for you, you’re in Cabin In The Woods which, as a huge fan of Joss Whedon, I’m very excited about. What can you tell me? JK: It was a pretty cool experience, especially as someone who’s a fan of Joss Whedon and Buffy (The Vampire Slayer). I’ve been a fan of that show forever, it was so cool to work with him. I can’t tell you too much about it because they’re still working on it. You will have to wait and see. MM: Fine, keep your secrets. JK: (Laughs) Sorry, MM: No, it’s alright. I’m just teasing. I’m going to bug you again though, you’re in TheTall Man with Jessica Biel as well. Can you talk about that? JK: Yes, well, we just finsihed filming on that. It’s still pretty secretive and you will have to wait again, sorry. MM: (Laughs) Okay. It’s another horror, you’ve done a lot of horror films and supernatural thrillers. What is it about that particular genre that attracts you? JK: I do get typecast quite a bit, but that’s okay because I enjoy it and it means I’m good at something. I’m a fan of most of the types of movies I do. I do like horror movies and I love being scared, but only when I’m watching them with friends or under a blanket. MM: (Laughs) It’s more atmospheric that way I guess. Now, this is your first time to Australia. Is there anything in particualr you want to do or see? JK: I’m really excited, it’s one of the places I’ve always wanted to go. What I usually do when I go to a place is I ask the people from there on Twitter to give me advice. I definitely want to go to a zoo and see the different type of animals, kangaroos and koalas are so adorable MM: I’m sure your Twitter followers will have plenty of advice for you. Thanks again for chatting with me Jodelle, it was truly a pleasure and hopefully I’ll see you at Supernova. JK: Great, thanks so much and I might see you there. See, what did I tell you? A lovely, lovely girl. And I’m not just saying that; I practically interview a Disney star under the age of 17 every second week and Ferland was a very intelligent young woman who didn’t reek of the well-trained media machine that I so often associate child stars with. Seriously, their answers are almost interchangeable. Anyway, if you want to follow Jodelle Ferland I recommend you follow her on Twitter 
Wahlberg and his Funky Bunch first came to the attention of females everywhere in the crotch-grabbing Calvin Klein ads of the nineties. Although he's gone on to become an acclaimed actor and producer, his shirtless turn as a boxer in The Fighter proves that even as a 39-year-old Marky Mark still brings those Good Vibrations. 
Better known for his acting chops, Brody proved he could compete with the best action heroes in his macho and very shirtless turn in Predators. Seriously, did you see those abs? 
The sexiest French man that ever lived. Except, well, he’s actually Canadian. Marc first came to the attention of international cinema lovers with his powerful turn in under seen French gem C.R.A.Z.Y. From there he’s made a career of starring in art house French flicks, with the exception of Che: Part 2, and he will make his mainstream debut in Goon alongside Jay Baruchel, Liev Schreiber and Allison Pill. 
Every gal loves a bad boy and Tom Hardy encompasses the guy your parents would frown upon. The cheeky Brit's Hollywood popularity stems from his man's man appeal in films such as Bronson and Inception.
Stay tuned for Part 2 . . .
“I’M BEGGING YOU!” Yes Mr Wicker Man, I am. There are just days left in the 
MM: Speaking of the set, it must have been an incredible experience working with such an incredibly talented cast and group of filmmakers. DR: It was like the 1927 New York Yankees but with the greatest actors in the world all in one room. Leonardo (DiCaprio) has been doing this for so long and is one of the greatest of our generation and Marion Cotillard is one of the greatest of our generation. I think that’s once of the greatest things about Chris is that the greatest - whether that’s cast or crew - want to work with him. I’m honoured to count myself as part of that. MM: Inception has had this kind of incredible response where it hasn’t even been out for a year yet and it’s already considered a modern classic. How does it feel to be a part of that? DR: It’s a tremendously amazing thing; I can’t take that lightly. I wouldn’t put it up against anything. I think its one of the coolest films ever. When we watched some for the cuts before it came I was like `I’m in it’ and I felt naked. It still blew my mind even then. I’m just so proud to be in it, its only been out 7 - 8 months now and people already consider it kind of one of the greatest films of the last decade, which is the same sort of things they were saying about Avatar. 
I’ve just finished a colossal feature article on John Cameron Mitchell (above) for my newspaper’s weekend magazine and, if possible, writing that story has made me love him more. More than Tiger blood even. I will post an online version of said feature once its run in print, but in the meantime, here’s an update on his next project – an adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s How To Talk To Girls At Parties.
Gold Coast pop star Cody Simpson (above) is setting the summer sun on fire with his version of I Want Candy. The 14-year-old's re-recording of The Strangeloves 1965 hit is being used as the theme song for new animated movie Hop. This is a huge coup for Cody, who moved to Los Angeles with his family last year to follow his dream of becoming a singer. His debut single iYiYiY with Flo Rider gained him a legion of Bieber-esque female followers and set him up in the US market. He’s currently gearing up to promote his debut album, due for release later this year, so I was fortunate enough to catch up with the busy lad via email about his involvement with Hop. He had this to say about the recording experience:
Why not start with arguably the best? Based on Stephen King’s short story, this is cinematic storytelling at its finest. There’s not much I can say about The Shawshank Redemption that hasn’t already been said. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are unforgettable, almost equally as memorable as one of film’s greatest scenes – Andy standing free and liberated in the pouring rain. Magic.
This was the second of two stellar prison movies involving Tim Robbins released over a two year period, with everyone’s favourite strawberry blonde behind the camera as director, producer and writer his time. Based on Sister Helen Prejean’s book of the same name, Susan Sarandon plays the nun who becomes the unlikely friend to a convicted killer on death row (Sean Penn) and the victims’ families. An intelligent, eye-opening look at the death penalty, Sarandon won the best actress Oscar for her turn as the sassy and compassionate Prejean. In a testament to how deluded the Academy is, Penn lost out to Tom Hanks as a doofus in Forrest Gump.
This is the only Michael Bay film I like. Period. As a general rule I tend to hate Bayhem – kill me if I think films need more than explosions and penis metaphors – but I actually enjoyed this. From Nic Cage doing his good guy-in-a-bad-situation shtick to the overly dramatic action scenes, this is a guilty popcorn pleasure. Sean Connery is also pretty awesome as a gnarly Scottish super-con. The Rock is the film that really kick-started Cage’s 90s action movie reign (which seems about implausible as the biological weapons in the film) given his reputation as a hardcore method and character actor. 
