Some actors make every movie they’re in so much better even when the material is leagues beneath them.
Think Gene Hackman (“Welcome to Mooseport”), Anthony Hopkins (“Meet Joe Black”) and Christopher Walken (any movie he’s made over the past decade).
Add Jeff Goldblum to that list, even though we rarely see him in movies these days.
That changes this weekend with the release of “The Switch.”
The former “Fly” has a choice supporting role in the new rom-com starring Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman. Goldman plays Bateman’s boss and confidante, and while he only is on screen for a relatively short time he makes a difference.
It’s just what Goldblum has done for 20-plus years.
The actor made his mark in the generation defining drama “The Big Chill,” but it was his turn as the doomed scientist in “The Fly” that set his career aflame.
The atypically handsome actor, newly buff for the part, proved his idiosyncratic style could mesh with a mainstream feature. Nobody delivers a line like Goldman. His characters exude a heady mix of curiosity and intelligence, witness his funky performance in “Jurassic Park.”
He’s been toiling on the small screen of late, mostly via “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”
Which is why it’s so good to see him back where he belongs, in movie houses nationwide, this weekend.
(Photo: Jeff Goldblum gets a rare movie role in “The Switch” playing the boss and buddy of Jason Bateman’s character, Wally. Photo credit by Macall Polay/Baster Productions.)
Related posts:
on 
on 
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Would have to stretch to say that Hopkins’ presence improved the turgid “Black” (and if he could have, he was more than offset by the poor acting of fellow Brit Forlani, but I digress), but otherwise you are correct, Sir!
Please highlight other fine supporting (not always character) actors whose underrated presences elevate their material.
~ D
I’m not a major Big Chill fan, but Goldblum managed to steal that movie from 5 other talented actors. No small thing.
And, The Fly.