10 Chris Pine Movies Worth A Rewatch
Chris Pine is one of Hollywood's most talented and versatile actors, known for his captivating performances and charming personality. Whether he's playing a daring space captain, a rugged cowboy, or a smooth-talking spy, Chris Pine always brings his A-game to the movies. With "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" coming soon to theaters, it might be a good time to revisit some of Chris Pine's best movies.
Here are the Top 10 Chris Pine Movies that are worth a rewatch:
Star Trek (2009)
2009's "Star Trek" is a science-fiction epic that serves as a reboot of the Star Trek franchise. The movie follows James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), a rebellious young man who joins Starfleet Academy and becomes captain of the USS Enterprise, along with his crew, as they face a dangerous threat from a Romulan captain from the future.
Chris Pine's portrayal of James T. Kirk is one of the most charismatic characters the actor has played in his movies. He captures the essence of the iconic character by bringing his own interpretation to it. Pine's performance balances Kirk's cockiness and vulnerability, making him a relatable and likable protagonist. His chemistry with the rest of the cast, especially Zachary Quinto's Spock, also adds depth to the story's demonstration of friendship and loyalty.
Wonder Woman (2017)
"Wonder Woman" is a DC superhero film that tells the origin story of Diana Prince (Gal Gadot), a warrior princess of the Amazons who becomes the superheroine known as Wonder Woman during World War I. The film follows her journey as she leaves her home on a mission to end the war and discovers her full powers and true destiny.
Chris Pine plays Steve Trevor, an American pilot who crashes on Diana's island and becomes her ally in the fight against the war. Pine's performance adds humor, heart, and humanity to the film, providing a relatable perspective on the war and the morality of the characters. Together with Gadot's Wonder Woman, the two enhance the film's themes of love and sacrifice.
Hell or High Water (2016)
In this gritty western crime drama, Chris Pine stars as Toby Howard, a struggling rancher who teams up with his ex-con brother (Ben Foster) to rob a series of banks in order to save their family farm. Pine's performance is understated yet powerful, capturing the character's quiet desperation and inner turmoil. He portrays Toby as a sympathetic and relatable figure, making the audience root for his success despite his illegal actions.
"Hell or High Water" is a tense and compelling film that showcases Chris Pine's dramatic range, unlike most of his movies. While costar Jeff Bridges might have been the big draw that the acclaimed film needed at the time, Pine comes out on top in this slow burn of a thriller.
Unstoppable (2010)
In this high-octane action thriller, Chris Pine stars as Will Colson, a rookie train conductor who teams up with veteran engineer Frank Barnes (Denzel Washington) to stop a runaway train carrying toxic chemicals. Pine's performance is full of adrenaline and intensity, and he holds his own opposite the legendary Washington. Both Washington and Chris Pine add depth and emotional resonance to this heart-racing story.
One of the critical factors that make "Unstoppable" one of Chris Pine's best movies is the direction by Tony Scott, who masterfully builds the suspense and keeps the story moving at a breakneck pace. The intense action scenes, including a thrilling train chase and a dramatic finale, are well-executed and visually stunning. The two leads' fiery relationship and heroic actions give "Unstoppable" a heart and soul that make it more than just a typical action flick.
Into the Woods (2014)
In this whimsical musical ensemble fantasy, Chris Pine plays Cinderella's prince charming, who embarks on a series of adventures in the enchanted woods. The movie boasts fantastic performances from Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt, and Billy Magnussen, alongside Pine and others. Full of wit, humor, and charisma, Pine shows off his impressive singing voice in several musical numbers based on lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
While "Into the Woods" might not be the best of Chris Pine's movies, the actor at least took some risks in his portrayal of Cinderella's Prince opposite heavyweight performers of the musical genre.
The Finest Hours (2016)
True-life adventure dramas are often difficult to present on film, but Chris Pine understood the assignment when he took on the role of Coast Guard Captain Bernie Webber in "The Finest Hours." In one of Chris Pine's most heroic movies, he portrays a man who braves treacherous seas to rescue the crew of a sinking oil tanker. Pine's performance is inspiring with a quiet strength and determination fitting for the role.
"The Finest Hours" is a gripping and emotional film that showcases Chris Pine's talent for playing everyday heroes. Based on a true event that occurred in 1952, the movie effectively captures the atmosphere and tension of the rescue operation, making it a compelling and immersive experience. The performances by Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Casey Affleck, and Holliday Grainger are authentic and add to the film's overall impact.
Smokin' Aces (2006)
Ok, so Chris Pine might be just a tiny cog in the giant machine that is 2006's "Smokin' Aces," but it happens to be one of his better movies of the past 20 years. In this wild and violent crime thriller, Pine plays Darwin Tremor, a neo-Nazi assassin hired to take out a mob informant. Written and directed by Joe Carnahan, "Smokin' Aces" introduced global audiences to Chris Pine's dark and intense character with a dangerous edge.
"Smokin' Aces" is a fast-paced and unpredictable film that's not for the faint of heart. It grossed over $57 million at the box office against a budget of $17 million, making it a surprise hit when it was released in January 2006. The movie benefits from a large ensemble cast of A-list talent accompanying Chris Pine, including Ben Affleck, Andy Garcia, Ryan Reynolds, the late Ray Liotta, and singer Alicia Keys.
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)
2014's "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" is an action thriller that serves as a reboot of the famed Jack Ryan film series. Before John Krasinski embodied the titular character in its current iteration, several high-profile actors, including Harrison Ford, Alec Baldwin, and Ben Affleck, took on the Jack Ryan role. This time, "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" follows the early career of the former Marine turned CIA analyst thrust into a dangerous mission to stop a Russian terrorist attack on the United States.
Part of the spy thriller genre, Chris Pine adds to his growing list of heroic movie characters as Jack Ryan. Pine's performance is smart and sophisticated, bringing a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty to the role. While not a unique portrayal of the character created by Tom Clancy, "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" is a gripping and well-crafted thriller that showcases Pine's talent for playing complex characters.
This Means War (2012)
Out of all of Chris Pine's movies, the actor tends to hit high marks for his take on heroic characters. However, when he has gotten the chance to combine his action-hero personality with his romantic side, his roles benefit in extraordinary ways. Such is the case for 2012's "This Means War," which costarred Pine alongside Reese Witherspoon and Tom Hardy.
"This Means War" is a romantic action-comedy that follows two CIA agents and best friends, FDR (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy), who fall in love with the same woman, Lauren (Reese Witherspoon). They engage in a secret competition to win her heart. Although the movie's premise is somewhat contrived, the film's execution is done well, and the action scenes are exciting and well-choreographed.
The movie has a lighthearted and playful tone, with a mix of romantic and action elements that provide plenty of laughs and entertainment. The chemistry between the three leads is excellent, and their comedic timing is spot-on. Pine and Hardy, in particular, have great on-screen banter and play off each other well, while Witherspoon brings her distinctive brand of charm and humor to her role as the object of their affection.
People Like Us (2012)
Directed by Alex Kurtzman, "People Like Us" tells the story of Chris Pine's Sam, a young man who discovers he has a sister, Frankie (Elizabeth Banks), after his father's death. This drama explores themes of forgiveness and personal growth. "People Like Us" is a touching and thought-provoking movie that explores the complexities of family relationships in a way that is both relatable and heartfelt.
The film's strength lies in the performances of its lead actors, with Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks delivering nuanced and emotional performances that showcase their acting talents in smaller movies like this one. Their onscreen chemistry is palpable, and their interactions drive the movie's emotional core. The supporting cast is also fantastic, including Michelle Pfeiffer and Olivia Wilde.