Elisabeth Shue is back on the big screen this weekend, but it’s not the kind of project you’d expect from the “Leaving Las Vegas” star.
She’s part of an ensemble cast fighting killer fish in “Piranha 3D.“
Killer fish?
Well, the actress hasn’t had many gigs of late. Her 2009 drama “Don McKay” came and went without even leaving a vapor trail. And one of her more recent performances – in “Hamlet 2″ – was simply embarrassing.
So it makes some sense to sign on for a genre pic, especially one that will put her in front of today’s teen movie-going crowd. And it must have been a blast to shoot a film in exotic locales with a colorful cast including Jerry O’Connell, Ving Rhames and the underrated Adam Scott.
Her appearance also reminds us of a universal Hollywood truth – good luck staying employed in movies if you’re an actress north of 40.
It reminded me of my chat with actresses like Penelope Ann Miller in connection with the kiddie drama “Free Style.” Miller worked furiously during the ’90s. Now, she’s in her mid-40s and the assignments aren’t as juicy – or plentiful.
Shue herself admitted the dearth of roles in a recent interview connected to “Piranha 3D.”
Male actors rarely face that issue.
So let’s hope Shue has some fun frolicking with the fish in her latest movie. And that Hollywood studios can look past the occasional wrinkle when it’s time to cast future films.
(Photo: Adam Scott and Elisabeth Shue come to the aid of a swimmer in ‘Piranha 3D.” Courtesy of Gene Page / Dimension Films, 2010)
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I can say without shame or regret that I absolutely am in love with Elizabeth Shue. Every movie, every role, no matter what she does. I have to stop what I’m doing when The Saint or Cocktail comes on. I’ve gotten over any childhood crushes for almost every actress I’ve ever found attractive. Except her.
I might draw the line when Leaving Las Vegas comes on. Critically speaking I know her work was great but difficult movie to watch. Maybe Trigger Effect too, since the conflicts were never ending and that scene in the pharmacy.
Funny thing, Richard Dreyfuss, another Oscar Winner is in this as well. Two Oscar winners in Pirahna 3-D, who would have guessed? It’s really a pretty good cast.
Off the top of my head, when it comes to great, breezy cheese with tons of Oscar winners and nominees (past and future at the time it came out), look no further than Soapdish.