The Evolution Of Anna Faris

Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel (2009)

Afforded a succession of different wigs, Faris cameos as a glamorous girl from the future in this low-budget British film. Her character, Cassie, sets the film’s plot in motion as two social outcasts debate the conundrum of time travel.

The film was received well by critics as a quirky thrillride, even though it failed to set the box office alight. Director Gareth Carrivick sadly died the year after the film was released.

Dramatic Potential? It’s all about the comedy again.

Observe And Report (2009)

Faris co-stars with Seth Rogen in this devilish dark comedy, which follows the ins and outs of the Forest Ridge Mall. Faris plays Brandi, a make-up counter worker who mall cop Ronald (Rogen) has a giant crush on.

Delving into the darker side of comedy, Observe And Report finds Faris involved in a controversial date rape scene (some called it outrageous, others outrageously funny). Needless to say, the film split audiences right down the middle.

Dramatic Potential? Faris gets to do a fair amount of crying, while the funny stuff is more risqué than usual.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (2009)

Faris does her first voiceover work for this CGI family comedy, in which Flint (Bill Hader) invents a device that turns water into food (hence the title).

Faris plays Sam Sparks, an intern who was hoping for a chance to report the weather – a chance that is ruined by the unleashing of Flint’s invention. The film turned into a massive hit, taking $243m at the box office, and was applauded for its 3D effects.

Dramatic Potential? Away from all the adult gross-out humour, Faris puts in a nice turn that is equal parts comedic and dramatic.

Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009)

More voice work came along in the pint-sized form of this furry follow-up. Faris is chipmunk Jeanette, a member of a singing group called the Chipettes (along with Christina Applegate’s Brittany and Amy Poehler’s Eleanor).

They’re used by JETT Records chief Ian Hawke (David Cross) to get revenge on the Chipmunks. The sequel, or squeakquel, made an astounding $443m at the box office, which may account for Faris’ next film...

Dramatic Potential? Maybe in the unseen director’s cut, eh?

Yogi Bear (2010)

Sticking with the kiddie fare, Faris plays one of the few humans in Jellystone Park – the home of CGI bears Yogi and Boo Boo. With Jellystone Park targeted for closure by evil Mayor Brown (Andrew Daly), documentary-maker Rachel (Faris) decides to help the bears save the park.

While the film was another money-spinner, it failed to inspire kind words from the critics. The film currently rests at just 13% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. Considering all the money it took, we’re sure a sequel’s being prepped right now.

Dramatic Potential? Acting against CGI bears doesn’t exactly call for Oscar-winning dramatics, to be honest.

Take Me Home Tonight (2011)

Faris returns to the arena she knows best – comedy – with this ‘80s-set throwback to John Hughes movies. As Wendy, she’s the twin of Topher Grace’s MIT graduate, who has no idea what he’s going to do with his life. The film’s out today.

Next up, Faris is the main attraction in rom-com What’s Your Number? , with an impressive string of A-list suitors that include Chris Evans, Zachary Quinto, Martin Freeman and Anthony Mackie. She’s currently filming The Dictator with Sacha Baron Cohen. And then there’s those persistent rumours about a role in Ghostbusters III. ..