C. Robert Cargill,
Jul 12, 2007
Once again, it's a weekend battle of head-to-head stars. In this corner, we have The Girl Next Door herself, Elisha Cuthbert. And in this corner we have everyone's favorite bookworm Hermione Granger, Emma Watson. You know the drill. Let's drop the cage. Two women enter! One woman leaves!
In the box office this weekend: Winner = Watson
As with most of these head-to-head summer match-ups, this one is no contest. Comparing a Harry Potter take to that of a low budget rated R horror film in a summer of failing rated R horror films is like comparing a hit from Mike Tyson with one from Mike Wallace. Although it can be argued that no one is paying specifically to see Watson, while Cuthbert is most likely the only draw for Captivity.
In the critical arena: Winner = Watson
Watson is coming into her own and has been extraordinarily solid throughout the entirety of the series, despite her age. Cuthbert, on the other hand, is starring in a film with a controversial ad campaign drawing ire from feminist groups and critics who are taking a large brunt of it out on her for taking the role in the first place. And while there was no way to foresee the marketing of the film even as late as filming, she might suffer quite a bit of undeserved backlash from the critics. But if Cuthbert doesn't have anything in her contract preventing her from speaking, she's gonna give some folks an earful. I've met Cuthbert (affectionately known by some as The Cuth) and she's no pushover. There's a fire in her and she isn't for one minute afraid to speak her mind. If people are looking to pick a fight with someone, I'd suggest picking the head of After Dark Film or the film's director. Cuthbert might give critics the "what for?" But this weekend, as long as Watson doesn't pull a Lohan, she'll be the clear critical winner.
In their careers: Winner = Cuthbert
While Watson is in one of the highest grossing, longest running, and most importantly longest sustaining film series of all time, she is not the star. And once someone has been in a role like this, it is hard for people to separate them from it. If you doubt this, check out the careers of pretty much everyone who was a crew member of the USS Enterprise (but not a captain.) Cuthbert on the other hand is building a long series of credits that range from a successful television series (24), comedies (The Girl Next Door), indie films (The Quiet) and horror (House of Wax.) She has a lot of range and let's face it, she's drop dead gorgeous. Watson's got a lot of work ahead of her if she ever wants to break away from Pottermania. Cuthbert is going to really have to screw things up to kill her career.
In my heart of hearts: Winner = Cuthbert
Watson is adorable and I love her portrayal of the character. But what can I say? I love the Cuth. She's created a number of roles that I've come to adore her for, ranging from the comedic to the dramatic. And she's yet to fully come into her own. But I dare you to watch The Girl Next Door and not fall in love with her. I just dare you.
Winner = Watson
She's cleaning up this weekend. This battle goes to her.
C. Robert Cargill - - -
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Austin-based Cargill, who
not only loves but owns The Cutting Edge, writes on movies and DVD five times a week.
