WARNING: This Article May Contain Spoilers
It probably comes as no surprise that Justin decided to become a singer, as this seemed to be the path chosen by his fellow well-known Mousekeeters (excluding Ryan Gosling but we’ll talk about him at a later date). He started out as a member of N*Sync but soon decided he wanted to branch out on his own. If I’m honest, I was not much of a fan of Mr Trousersnake’s when he first hit the scene but his work from SexyBack onwards and his stuff with Timbaland – I’m happy to say he’s won me over. However, we aren’t here to talk about his music, we’re here to discuss his acting credentials.
Alpha Dog
Based on a true story which, when you watch it, will absolutely break your heart – this film takes on the tale of the kidnapping of Zack Mazursky (played by the late Anton Yelchin). Timberlake plays the role of Frankie, and I’ll be honest, I felt a little bit sorry for his character in the end. In the beginning he’s a willing participant but as the film goes on Frankie does whatever he can to get Zack out of the situation he has ended up in. In truth, Frankie is only involved in what happens to Zack due to his own fear of getting into trouble. I’ve been judgmental of Justin Timberlake’s acting because of a film I will mention later but honestly I could not fault him in this. He really does make you feel for the guy.
Runner Runner
I’ll be honest, I actually thought this film was much earlier in Timberlake’s acting career but it turns out to be his fourth lead role. To think he can hold his own alongside someone like Ben Affleck says a lot about how far he had come acting-wise by 2013. What I like about this film is that throughout you know there is a dark underbelly to the film but it has been made in an almost light-hearted way that really you forget that Ivan Block is even a bad guy. Things don’t even truly start taking a turn for the worst until half-way through. To a point, it’s almost like you’re watching two different films.
Friends With Benefits
Now, I’m not saying that I have been converted to the world of Rom-Coms but this is the way I prefer them to be written. It’s a little like When Harry Met Sally for the new generation. Films like this remind us that love isn’t always perfect and doesn’t have to be complicated. Justin Timberlake stars alongside Mila Kunis (I think this may be where the rumours circled about them being together) and they play off each other so well that I guess it’s no surprise that this is what happened. The main thing I actually love about this film is that even though it is a Rom-Com itself, it actually takes the mick out of the more sickly-sweet romantic comedies out there.
Honorary Mentions
As I said previously, before watching Alpha Dog, I had real questions over how good of an actor Timberlake was because how much of a reasonably terrible film In Time is (obviously, make your own opinion). Also, Alpha Dog was not his only role in a true-life film as he played Sean Parker in The Social Network (the first president of Facebook). Outside of this, Justin has also done a few voice roles, including Artie in Shrek the Third, Boo Boo in Yogi Bear and Branch in Trolls.
