As a huge fan of Jason Beghe’s work, I must say that the actor has shown remarkable versatility throughout his career. From comedies like “1st and 10,” where he proved he could handle leading roles with ease, to horror films such as “Monkey Shines,” in which he delivered an unforgettable performance that left audiences shivering in their seats.
One thing fans of “Chicago P.D.” might not know about Jason Beghe is that he was an acting veteran before he landed his iconic role as Hank Voight. Since his first role in 1985, he’s played everything from a meatheaded football player to a bumbling crook to a suave leading man to an evil henchman in the DC Animated Universe to a conflicted cop to a frightened victim of a helper monkey. With his all-American looks and distinctive voice, Beghe definitely isn’t your average actor.
Through his diverse roles, Beghe showcases the essence of a versatile actor. He’s known for portraying characters as varied as the state trooper left abandoned by Thelma (Geena Davis) and Louise (Susan Sarandon), in the movie that leads them to the edge of the Grand Canyon; to Richard Bates, the urbane character in “Californication,” struggling to win back his ex-wife. Beghe’s talent expands even further, as he played the lead in “Atlas Shrugged II” and a stern yet caring trooper in the underrated “American Dreams.” What’s impressive is how effortlessly he pulls off these challenging roles. Here are three of his best performances and three that didn’t quite hit the mark in films or television series.
Best: G.I. Jane
Initially criticized and even ridiculed, particularly during the Chris Rock-Will Smith incident at the Oscars, the film “G.I. Jane” is due for a fresh evaluation and recognition following years of undeserved mockery.
The movie focuses on Jordan O’Neill (Demi Moore), an expert in mapping landscapes, who gets caught up in a whirlwind when she enlists in a U.S. Navy Special Warfare Group’s training camp. This is the grueling and humiliating SEAL training, known to bring tears to even the toughest men; at that time in the 1990s, it was thought that women like Jordan didn’t belong in this program.
The movie revolves around her journey to achieve success while being equally respected as any other newcomer. O’Neill gets involved at the request of Senator Lillian DeHaven from Texas (played by Anne Bancroft), who appears to be combating sexism but is secretly ready to sacrifice O’Neill for her district’s benefits. Jason Beghe delivers an impressive, captivating portrayal as Royce Harper, the lieutenant commander who also happens to be Jordan’s lover, grappling with the significant decision she faces. Amongst the many tough characters in Jordan’s life, Royce eventually becomes her safe haven of romance.
As a gamer who appreciates a good military drama, I believe it’s worth revisiting a film that, despite being the most-watched in America for two weeks straight, received mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office. Sure, there are some familiar tropes, and the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ era subplot seems outdated now – but overall, it’s a gripping tale. The subtle, nuanced performance by Beghe elevates it to a must-watch.
Best: 1st and 10
“One of HBO’s initial forays into comedy was ‘1st and 10,’ though it’s not widely recognized today, save perhaps due to O.J. Simpson being a lead actor. Despite a rocky cast history with numerous changes over its six-season span, the series maintained a consistent level of humor and even featured some of Jason Beghe’s finest comedic performances. It boasted a laugh track and incorporated genuine dramatic moments.”
The television show primarily focuses on the struggling California Bulls football team, a group that’s known for its string of defeats. However, things take an interesting turn when Diane Barrow (Delta Burke), who recently acquired the team through her divorce settlement, steps in with a goal to improve the team and boost profits. Tom Yinessa, played by Beghe, becomes part of this plan in Season 2. The new walk-on quarterback for the team quickly gains local recognition, only to find himself dealing with fame while also managing the pressures of his role. Despite being a kind person, Yinessa carries a significant burden on his shoulders. By the time we reach Season 4, his character has departed from the series.
“First and ten” demonstrated that Beghe has comedic talent, placing him in the lead role where he excelled effortlessly from the get-go. This is not a feat everyone can claim, yet Beghe accomplished it with apparent ease, without even breaking a sweat while acting.
Best: Monkey Shines
In “Monkey Shines,” Jason Beghe had his breakout performance as a leading actor, leaving a lasting impact through his chilling portrayal. He skillfully utilized the fear in his tone and gaze to underscore the gravity of the circumstances.
In the movie, Beghe portrays Allan Mann, who becomes quadriplegic due to a car accident. A friend brings him a capuchin monkey as a service animal without disclosing that it has been injected with a brain-enhancing serum. Allan names the monkey Ella and develops a strong bond with her at first. However, their unusual mental link, which seems both extraordinary and horrific, is a result of medical intervention. Allan eventually understands that he needs to prevent Ella from harming his new girlfriend, Melanie (Kate McNeil).
In a less skillful hand, this premise could seem absurd, but under Beghe’s expert guidance, Allan’s fear of being the connection between life and destruction becomes strikingly authentic. Despite the limitations imposed by his character’s accident, Beghe delivers an exceptional horror portrayal that’s sharp and chilling.
Worst: Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House
As a long-time fan of the “Home Alone” series, I can’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment upon hearing about “Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House.” Having grown up with the original films and their endearing characters, it’s disheartening to see the franchise deviate from its roots. With John Hughes no longer involved in the production and the absence of the original cast members, I can’t help but wonder if this movie will capture the same magic that made the original films so beloved.
In the new film, Danny Glover steps into the role previously played by John Heard as Peter McCallister, a challenging task given the legacy of the first two movies. Although he tries his best, the movie pales in comparison to its predecessors. The story revolves around Peter and Kate (Clare Carey) who are going through a divorce, with Peter planning to marry the wealthy yet unpleasant Natalie (Joanna Going), who is hosting the royal family for Christmas. Meanwhile, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) causes trouble enough for his father – who has already lost him in two major cities due to carelessness – to consider sending him back to Kate’s for the holidays. The mansion becomes a target for Marv (French Stewart, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Harry), and his partner, prompting Kevin to set up additional anti-burglar defenses.
Despite not being Tom Beghe’s fault, there’s little humor here; the script limits the actors’ abilities. This film marks a disappointing low point for Beghe’s career and the “Home Alone” series as a whole, which would experience further decline in the years to come.
Worst: One Missed Call
America often struggles to adapt Japanese and Korean horror films for their market, as seen in the mixed results like the successful “The Grudge” series that captures the eerie mood brilliantly, and flops such as “One Missed Call,” which leaves viewers feeling unengaged.
The movie tells a story about a group of college students who start getting mysterious phone calls from unknown sources. Each time someone listens to a message, it foretells their impending death. One student, Beth Raymond, played by Shannyn Sossamon, becomes fixated on uncovering the source of this curse. Alongside Detective Jack Andrews, portrayed by Edward Burns, she embarks on this quest.
As a dedicated fan, I’d say that the original “One Missed Call” had a unique blend of female anger and motherhood themes, but the remake veered closer to “Final Destination” with a hint of “The Ring.” It seemed to overlook the heartfelt emotions and genuine tension. Jason Beghe brings a sense of stability as magician Ray Purvis, yet even his charm couldn’t revive this film from its lifeless state. In the end, it didn’t quite make it off the ground.
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2024-08-10 19:00