Hudson
The Character: The perma-whinging Hudson was Aliens ’ token complainer, banging on about how little time he has left on the job, pooh-poohing every suggested course of action, and generally wringing his hands at the crew’s predicament. And then when the Xenomorphs attack, he mans up in the biggest way possible, sending those slimy critters flying in a hail of rifle-fire and f-bombs. Yee-ha!
Most Endearing Moment: His lament over the classic one-last-job: “Aw, man, and I was gettin' short. Four more weeks and out. Now I'm gonna buy it on this rock! Aw, man!”
Giselle
The Character: A real-life Disney princess, brought to life with adorable enthusiasm by the wonderful Amy Adams. A fish out of water in modern day New York, Giselle approaches her predicament with the kind of sunny outlook usually reserved for those on the brink of a nervous breakdown. Fortunately, said collapse is neatly avoided by a trademark Disney happy ending. Phew!
Most Endearing Moment: Her confusion at feeling both anger and affection simultaneously, having argued with Patrick Dempsey.
Alvy Singer
The Character: Woody Allen is a pretty unconventional romantic lead, but there’s no debating his aptitude for creating loveably quick-witted schmoes. Annie Hall ’s Alvy Singer is a prime example, a well-meaning screw-up for whom the prime obstacle to finding happiness is himself. A neurotic gem.
Most Endearing Moment: His insistence on dragging Annie to a series of Holocaust documentaries. Not exactly date movie material, is it?
Chris Chambers
The Character: The coolest kid in Stand By Me ’s merry little band, Chris might come from a troubled home, but he knows the difference between right and wrong, and is forever putting others before himself. Indeed, his untimely end is brought about when he intervenes in a fight, receiving a knife in the gut for his troubles.
Most Endearing Moment: His encouragement to Gordie to leave him behind and pursue a better life. “Wish the hell I was your dad,” he begins. You wouldn’t be going around talking about taking these stupid shop courses if I was. It's like God gave you something, man, all those stories you can make up. And He said, "This is what we got for ya, kid. Try not to lose it." Kids lose everything unless there's someone there to look out for them. And if your parents are too fucked up to do it, then maybe I should.”
Ellis Redding
The Character: As Shawshank Prison’s fix-it man, Ellis “Red” Redding soon comes into contact with Andy Dufresne, and the two form a bond that could be the template for every other big-screen male friendship. Red himself is both kindly and wise, but there’s also a steel behind those twinkling eyes. It was a role tailor-made for the purring, dulcet tones of Morgan Freeman.
Most Endearing Moment: His final words, delivered in voiceover as the film reaches its heartwarming finale. “I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.”
Sulley
The Character: Monsters Inc. ’s top scare-monger, Sulley is a big old softy underneath it all, and would much rather be making children laugh than scaring them half to death. Fortunately, he’s got a pretty funny colleague in the form of Mike, and the two of them set about revolutionising the child-spooking industry.
Most Endearing Moment: The way in which he comes to love Boo, the first little girl not to be afraid of him.
Annie Walker
The Character: Petty, snarky and insecure, yes, but also kind, loyal and funny, Annie Walker is probably one of the most well-rounded comedic roles written for a woman in years. The kind of girl you’d love to have as a mate, her eventual romance with Chris O’Dowd is overwhelming in its sheer cutesiness. And we mean that in a good way.
Most Endearing Moment: Having seen her life hit the skids, poor old Annie moves back in with her mum. Oh dear…
Mike Peters
The Character: Jon Favreau’s character in Swingers is the kind of self-questioning everyman that ever good rom-com is built upon: a dithering, kind-of-charming loser, who just needs to wake up to how money he is and start making things happen. When he finally hooks up with the equally likeable Lorraine, we defy you not to feel all warm inside…
Most Endearing Moment: The numerous abortive answerphone messages he leaves his ex-girlfriend. Good God, man, get a grip!
Axel Foley
The Character: Probably Eddie Murphy’s most well-loved character, and it’s easy to see why. Badass, whip-smart and funny to boot, he’s the ultimate in wise-cracking coppers. If somebody had to slap the cuffs on us, we’d want it to be him. Not like that…
Most Endearing Moment: His hotel reservation scene. Gets us every time…
Ferris Bueller
The Character: Teenage rebellion comes in many forms, but we prefer Ferris’s cheeky nose-thumbing to the knife-waving, shop-looting variety you see nowadays. His most appealing characteristic? His sheer love for life! As the man says, “life moves pretty fast… if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Most Endearing Moment: The shower scene sums up Ferris’ youthful exuberance perfectly. Admit it… you’ve all gone for a wet-look Mohawk at one time or another!
