by Melissa Haggar
Quite possibly one of the most attractive and talented stars to date, is Zac Efron. Long gone are the days of Disney Movie Stardom; in recent years Efron has established himself as a strong actor in a number of successful movies. With his latest movie release Bad Neighbors, in which he stars opposite Seth Rogen, hitting screens soon, it seems only fitting that we take a look back, to some of Efron’s essential films you should be watching.
Quite possibly one of the most attractive and talented stars to date, is Zac Efron. Long gone are the days of Disney Movie Stardom; in recent years Efron has established himself as a strong actor in a number of successful movies. With his latest movie release Bad Neighbors, in which he stars opposite Seth Rogen, hitting screens soon, it seems only fitting that we take a look back, to some of Efron’s essential films you should be watching.
Hairspray
In the intermittent period between Efron’s roles in the various High School Musical films, he signed onto play the part of Link Larkin in Hairspray. Initially considered ‘too Disney’ for the role, he was eventually awarded the role, and proved to be a competent actor as the lead male dancer, Link in the film. Starring opposite Nikki Blonsky, who portrays Tracy (the lead role, and Efron’s eventual love interest), Efron and Blonsky lit up the screen with the enthusiastic performances.
Me and Orson Welles
In 2008, Efron joined the all-star cast for a lesser-known film, Me and Orson Welles. Starring opposite Claire Danes and Christian McKay, Efron portrayed Richard Samuels, a teenager who is hired to perform in Orson Welles’ stage production of Julius Caeser. Efron demonstrates his acting ability as Samuels, in a more dramatic film than the teen-heartthrob movies many fans have become accustomed to. It is this role that defies his usual acting stereotype, and one that was well-received by critics alike.
In the intermittent period between Efron’s roles in the various High School Musical films, he signed onto play the part of Link Larkin in Hairspray. Initially considered ‘too Disney’ for the role, he was eventually awarded the role, and proved to be a competent actor as the lead male dancer, Link in the film. Starring opposite Nikki Blonsky, who portrays Tracy (the lead role, and Efron’s eventual love interest), Efron and Blonsky lit up the screen with the enthusiastic performances.
Me and Orson Welles
In 2008, Efron joined the all-star cast for a lesser-known film, Me and Orson Welles. Starring opposite Claire Danes and Christian McKay, Efron portrayed Richard Samuels, a teenager who is hired to perform in Orson Welles’ stage production of Julius Caeser. Efron demonstrates his acting ability as Samuels, in a more dramatic film than the teen-heartthrob movies many fans have become accustomed to. It is this role that defies his usual acting stereotype, and one that was well-received by critics alike.
17 Again
Proving that Efron has a certain discernible charm to him, is 2009 hit 17 Again, in which Efron stars opposite Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann and Thomas Lennon. Efron portrays the 17 year-old version of a 37 year-old man who has been transformed into his high-school self by a mysterious Janitor, after abandoning his dream of becoming a basketball player 20 years ago. A financial success, 17 Again demonstrated Efron’s high level of popularity, and the film itself was comedic and Efron’s performance was most notable.
The Lorax
2012 saw the incoming arrival of The Lorax, a computer animated film, based on the Dr. Seuss children’s book of the same name, and starring Efron once again in a major role, as Ted Wiggins, a 12 year old boy. Efron ensured that his character was personable and put in a strong performance, despite the role being part of a computer animated venture, and Ted remains one of the most memorable characters from the film.
Proving that Efron has a certain discernible charm to him, is 2009 hit 17 Again, in which Efron stars opposite Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann and Thomas Lennon. Efron portrays the 17 year-old version of a 37 year-old man who has been transformed into his high-school self by a mysterious Janitor, after abandoning his dream of becoming a basketball player 20 years ago. A financial success, 17 Again demonstrated Efron’s high level of popularity, and the film itself was comedic and Efron’s performance was most notable.
The Lorax
2012 saw the incoming arrival of The Lorax, a computer animated film, based on the Dr. Seuss children’s book of the same name, and starring Efron once again in a major role, as Ted Wiggins, a 12 year old boy. Efron ensured that his character was personable and put in a strong performance, despite the role being part of a computer animated venture, and Ted remains one of the most memorable characters from the film.
Parkland
2013’s Parkland saw Efron win the Capricho Award for Best International Actor, and it was rightfully deserved. Efron portrayed Dr Charles James Carrico and was praised by critics for his powerful performance in the historical drama film. It’s always interesting to see Efron take on roles that are varying in genre, and Parkland once again proved that Efron has a wonderful acting range.
The Paperboy
What can you say about a movie where Nicole Kidman pees on Zac Efron because he was stung by a jelly fish? Wavering the line between completely trashy and serious drama, Lee Daniels The Paperboy showcases Efron as one of the most ingenious character actors of his generations. Able to convey a series of emotions as a love lorned teenager back for his summers in a small southern town, he twists with the dark undercurrent and manages to act alongside cinemas Oscar Winning actors.
2013’s Parkland saw Efron win the Capricho Award for Best International Actor, and it was rightfully deserved. Efron portrayed Dr Charles James Carrico and was praised by critics for his powerful performance in the historical drama film. It’s always interesting to see Efron take on roles that are varying in genre, and Parkland once again proved that Efron has a wonderful acting range.
The Paperboy
What can you say about a movie where Nicole Kidman pees on Zac Efron because he was stung by a jelly fish? Wavering the line between completely trashy and serious drama, Lee Daniels The Paperboy showcases Efron as one of the most ingenious character actors of his generations. Able to convey a series of emotions as a love lorned teenager back for his summers in a small southern town, he twists with the dark undercurrent and manages to act alongside cinemas Oscar Winning actors.
RSS Feed
