Judy Greer is an actress that has been gracing our screens for nearly two decades, and in that time she has proven herself to be one of the most talented and versatile actresses in Hollywood. From her early days as a supporting character in hit TV shows, to her more recent roles in critically acclaimed films, Greer has consistently delivered performances that are both nuanced and captivating.
Despite her undeniable talent, however, there have been a number of movies that have failed to fully utilize Greer’s abilities. Whether it’s due to underwritten characters, poor scripting, or simply poor casting decisions, these movies represent a missed opportunity for audiences to see Greer at her very best.
While it’s true that Greer has had her fair share of misfires, her body of work is proof of her incredible talent as an actress. From her early days as a supporting character in hit TV shows like Arrested Development and Two and a Half Men, to her more recent roles in critically acclaimed films like The Descendants and Wilson, Greer has consistently delivered performances that are both nuanced and captivating.
But Greer is not one to be underestimated, she has also proved herself in dramatic roles, her nuanced and natural performances in indie films have shown her range as an actress, and her comedic timing and delivery are impeccable. It’s a shame that Hollywood has not given her the chance to shine in leading roles yet.
So, as we celebrate the career of this incredible actress, let’s also take a moment to remember the movies that could have been so much better with a little more of Judy Greer. Here are the movies that totally wasted her talent, and why it’s time for Hollywood to give her the leading roles she deserves.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
12 Jawbreaker (1999)
Sony Pictures
A dark comedy directed by Darren Stein, Jawbreaker is a twisted take on the high school genre. The movie follows a group of popular high school girls who accidentally kill their best friend while playing a prank on her. In a desperate effort to cover up the crime, they kidnap a fellow student and force her to take the deceased’s place. Judy Greer plays the role of Fern Mayo, the nerdy outcast who is kidnapped and forced to pretend to be her deceased friend. Despite her limited screen time, Greer’s performance is a standout, bringing a sense of vulnerability and humanity to the otherwise over-the-top and campy film.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
11 13 Going on 30 (2004)
Columbia Pictures
A romantic comedy directed by Gary Winick, 13 Going on 30 tells the story of Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old girl who wishes to be ’thirty, flirty, and thriving’. When her wish comes true, she wakes up as a successful and beautiful woman, but soon discovers that the life she’s living isn’t the one she wants. Judy Greer plays the role of Lucy Wyman, Jenna’s best friend from her past life. Greer’s performance is full of heart and humor, bringing a sense of levity to the film and her chemistry with lead actress Jennifer Garner is undeniable.
10 27 Dresses (2008)
20th Century Fox
27 Dresses is a romantic comedy that tells the story of a woman who has been a bridesmaid 27 times, but has never been a bride herself. Judy Greer plays Casey, the sister of the groom and the best friend of the bride-to-be. Her character is a strong-willed and independent woman, who serves as the voice of reason to the protagonist. Despite her small role, Judy Greer’s performance as Casey adds depth to the movie, providing a realistic portrayal of a woman who has been in the same position as the protagonist and has come out the other side.
9 Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
In the action-packed blockbuster Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Judy Greer plays Cornelia, the wife of the leader of the apes, Caesar. As the world is falling apart and tensions rise between the apes and the remaining human population, Cornelia struggles to keep the peace within her own community while also trying to protect her family. Greer’s portrayal of Cornelia is both fierce and empathetic, her performance adds depth to the story and creates a more relatable and emotional connection to the characters.
8 Ant-Man (2015)
Marvel Studios
In the Marvel superhero film Ant-Man, Judy Greer plays Maggie, the ex-wife of the protagonist, Scott Lang. Her character is a strong and independent woman who is also a loving mother and a good friend. Despite the movie’s focus on action and special effects, Greer’s performance as Maggie adds a human element to the story, providing a relatable and realistic portrayal of a divorced mother trying to navigate her way through life. Her performance adds depth to the story and makes the audience care about her character, adding a new layer to the movie.
7 Tomorrowland (2015)
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
This science fiction adventure film directed by Brad Bird, stars George Clooney, Hugh Laurie, and Britt Robertson. The story of Tomorrowland revolves around an optimistic, science-minded girl, Casey Newton, who discovers a pin that transports her to a place where her dreams of a better future become reality. Judy Greer played the role of Casey’s mother, who is a no-nonsense, practical woman who tries to keep her daughter grounded, but also supports her in her quest to find the truth about Tomorrowland. Greer’s performance in the film is subtle but powerful, as she manages to convey a wide range of emotions as a mother who is both protective and supportive of her daughter.
6 Jurassic World (2015)
Universal Pictures
This action-adventure film directed by Colin Trevorrow, stars Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Ty Simpkins. The story is set 22 years after the events of Jurassic Park and the park is now a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, but attendance begins to decline and a new attraction, the genetically modified hybrid Indominus rex, is created to attract visitors. Judy Greer played the role of Karen Mitchell, the sister of the protagonist, Claire, who is a busy working mom, and a distant aunt to her nephews. Greer’s role in Jurassic World is small but she manages to bring a touch of humor and warmth to her character and adds depth to the family dynamic in the film.
5 Pottersville (2017)
Echo Bridge
Pottersville is an indie film directed by Seth Henrikson, starring Michael Shannon, Judy Greer, and Ian McShane. The story revolves around a small town that is thrown into chaos when a beloved local businessman, Maynard, is mistaken for the legendary Bigfoot. As the villagers struggle to come to terms with the possibility of a real-life Sasquatch living among them, Maynard must confront the truth about himself and his past. Judy Greer played the role of Maynard’s wife, Connie, a loving and supportive wife who is the only one who believes in Maynard and is willing to stand by him no matter what. Greer’s performance in the film is heartwarming and authentic as she brings depth and complexity to her character and makes the audience root for her and Maynard.
4 Wilson (2017)
Wilson is a quirky, offbeat film that tells the story of a lonely, middle-aged man named Wilson (Woody Harrelson) who, after the death of his father, sets out to reconnect with his estranged wife (Judy Greer). Greer plays Pippi, Wilson’s ex-wife who is struggling with her own issues and is not quite ready to reconnect with him. Despite the limited screen time, Greer shines in her role, bringing a sense of vulnerability and depth to her character. Her performance perfectly captures the complexity of Pippi’s emotions and the struggles she is facing.
3 Halloween (2018)
Universal Pictures
A recent installment in the iconic horror franchise, Halloween follows the story of Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) as she prepares to face Michael Myers one last time. Greer plays Karen Strode, Laurie’s daughter, who is struggling with her own demons and trying to reconnect with her mother. Greer’s performance adds depth and complexity to the story, and her character’s relationship with Laurie is one of the most compelling aspects of the film. Greer’s ability to convey the emotional turmoil of Karen adds a new dimension to the horror genre.
2 Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
The sequel to the hit 2015 film, this movie sees Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) teaming up with Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) to take on a new threat. Greer plays Maggie, Scott’s ex-wife, and the mother of his daughter. Despite being a supporting character, Greer brings a lot of humor and warmth to Ant-Man and the Wasp, and her chemistry with Rudd is one of the highlights of the movie. Her role as a strong, independent mother is a refreshing change from the typical ex-wife trope, and her performance is a standout in the film.
1 Halloween Kills (2021)
Miramax
The second installment of the latest Halloween franchise, Halloween Kills continues the story of Laurie Strode and her battle with Michael Myers. Greer reprises her role as Karen Strode, Laurie’s daughter. This time, she’s dealing with the aftermath of the events of the first movie, and trying to make sense of her own traumatic experience. Greer’s performance is powerful and emotional, and her character’s arc is one of the most compelling aspects of the film. Greer showcases her range as an actress and the depth of her talent in this sequel.
