Jennifer Aniston

With The Break-Up about to hit theaters we thought we’d take a tiny look at its two stars.  Jennifer Aniston got her big break on NBC’s decade long Thursday night staple Friends.  She’s also made more than a couple films during that time, some good, and some well…you know.  So join us as we take a peek.

We didn’t have the time and space to take a look at everything (for instance you’ll see the absence of such cinematic gems as the laughably unscary Leprechaun, the super-contrived romantic comedy with Jay Mohr and Kevin Bacon ironically named Picture Perfect, the rather incomprehensible Along Came Polly with Ben Stiller, or her fine if rather small roles in She’s the One and as the new God’s girlfriend in Bruce Almighty.

Rumor Has It
Aniston plays Sarah Hutinger who discovers a family secret when returning home for her younger sister’s (Mena Suvari) wedding.  It seems that the story of The Graduate was about her mother and grandmother (Shirley MacLaine).  Sarah leaves her finace (Mark Ruffalo) to find this mysterious man (Kevin Costner) who won the heart of two women in her family and who she believes might be her father.  This is Aniston at her best in a light comedy that showcases all her skills.  If you ever wondered how could she could be when the script allows just check out the scenes where she stands toe-to-toe with Shirley MacLaine and holds her own.  The film was one that narrowly missed my top list of 2005 due to a few minor issues and a problematic ending but it’s now out on DVD and is certainly worth checking out.  Read the original review here.

Friends with Money
A strong ensemble cast about a quartet of female friends and their time together with each other and their husbands is highlighted by strong performances by all four leading ladies including Aniston, Frances McDormand, Joan Cusack, and Catherine Keener.  Sadly the film’s meandering plot about life and the directionless single friend (Aniston) who the others take pity on (when not being pitied themselves) never seems to decide where it wants to go.  The film is still playing in theaters; check out the original review here.

The Good Girl
Aniston won big acclaim for her serious turn as young discount clerk Justine Last who begins an affair with a strange and kinda creepy stockboy (Jake Gyllenhaal).  Praised for its look at the mundane ordinary life but I found it (much like real life) more than a little dull.  Aniston does well aganist type here even the the film itself struggles with trying to make the mundane interesting before it takes a steep curve into crazywackofunland in the last reel.

Office Space
Okay, not one of her larger roles but definitely one of her best movies.  Aniston plays a young waitress at Flingers where the main character of Peter (Ron Livingston) goes one afternoon after deciding not to work in the office anymore.  Aniston displays some nice comic timing in her scenes with Galagher and though her time on screen is limited she does prove she can cut it on the big screen (with or without flair).  The first 2/3 of his film are a pure joy of madcap fun.

Rock Star
Yeah, yeah I know Marky-Mark as a rock star but say what you want about the problems with this film (and I could list many here) in the end it’s a very watchable flick you will find yourself watching on TNT or VH1 when you click by it.  Aniston plays the manager and girlfriend of the lead singer of a cover band (Mark Walhberg) who gets a shot to become the singer for the band he has idolized his entire life.  Loosely based on Tim Owens and Judas Priest the film has its moments and not surprisingly Aniston is in frame for almost all of them.

The Object of My Affection
Kinda’ a reverse Chasing Amy where Aniston falls for her gay roommate and best friend George (Paul Rudd).  With these two in the starring role it’s amazing how bad this film is (and whoa boy is it bad!).  Also wasted on this bomb are Steve Zahn, Alison Janney, Tim Daly, and Alan Alda.  Adapted from the Stephan McCauley novel by Wndy Wasserstein (who was never heard from again) and directed by Nicholas Hynter who would go on to make the much better, if still somewhat flawed, Center Stage.  I’d stay away from this one folks.