so today is Mr. John C. Reilly’s 40th birthday. i’m not on the john c. reilly mailing list or anything, i just happened to see it on imdb.com and so i thought i’d honor an actor who i think deserves some attention. some classic John C. Reilly characters:

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) - This is one of Mr. Reilly’s first movies, and what a movie it is. i really can’t say how much i love this movie using words, i gotta move my hands like this…and that. Reilly’s portrayal of Tucker Van Dyke is so honest and he carries it with a touch of sadness that resonates throughout the whole movie. the guy is a skilled handyman but what really excites him is when he gets the job as a fry cook at the new Burger Barn coming to Endora. its all he talks about; he is so dedicated to this burger chain, and the expression on his face when he sees the pre-built Burger Barn being moved into the town is humbling; its equivalent to a proud parent watching his child accept his high school diploma at a graduation ceremony.

Magnolia (1999) - This is by far the most compelling portrayal of a street cop that I have ever seen in film. Reilly is exemplary as the dim-witted cop whose dedication to the uniform is surpassed only by his yearning for love. Reilly’s portrayal indicates that his character is new to the force and still believes in the myth of the policeman as protector of the people. Reilly’s posture and manner of speaking add multiple dimensions to the character of Jim Kurring. The sincerity in his voice when he tells the rapping youngster to “be cool, stay in school.” brilliant.

The Hours (2002) - This was the year when Reilly was in three pictures nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: The Hours, Chicago, and Gangs of New York. His portrayal of average-joe Dan Brown (not the guy who wrote the Da Vinci Code) is so subtle you almost forget Reilly’s in the movie. Oh there’s nothing wrong, honey, everything is great. we’ve got a great family here with a baby on the way and a house in the suburbs in 1950’s middle America. everythings perfect, thanks for the cake! this was the best birthday ever!

Mr. Reilly has been in a lot of other movies but he has yet to get the lead role in a major production (only PT Anderson has the brilliance to give Reilly major roles). anyway, thus ends my homage to John C. Reilly; I just wanted to thank the man for giving me something to write about instead of working. feel free to list your favorite john c. reilly moments in the comments section; i dont read the comments but i think other people do.