Sexiest Men of 2011
Superheroes seem to be coming out of the woodwork and because of that some finely chiselled men are being cast. A prime example of this is Chris Hemsworth who came to people’s attention in 2009 for his small but crucial role in Star Trek as James Kirk’s father. However he smashed his way onto our screens this year as Thor showing off some serious muscle and a long head of hair. He was not only great as Thor but also he looks fantastic otherwise.
Continuing with the Superhero theme Ryan Reynolds returned to cinemas this year in Green Lantern and despite of the films’ obvious flaws (there were many) Reynolds was not one of them. He was genuinely entertaining as Hal Jordan while also being his generally charming, handsome self. A great combination even if the film was not that good.
Speaking of other films with dynamic, attractive leads Bradley Cooper returned to the Hangover franchise with his usual beautiful scruffy physique. At this point he could probably trademark his look as almost everyone remembers him for his unbuttoned shirts and general lasciviousness. Despite that, this year also brings us Limitless where he embraces pulp in his portrayal of a down and out writer who gets given a wonder drug. His performance is good but his ability to fill out a suit is fantastic.
Despite the plethora of superheroes, this year has been also the year of the anti-hero with the likes of Ryan Gosling in Drive and Michael Fassbender in Jane Eyre and X-Men: First Class. Gosling makes the film with his incredibly stoic performance but it is his interaction with Carey Mulligan in that elevator that everybody is talking about. Fassbender on the other hand looks great in the period piece with him looking at home as a buttoned up gentleman with a secret. His sexual tension with Mia Wasikowska is off the charts. In First Class he emulates and builds on Ian McKellan’s Magneto while also making him downright charming.
Overall it’s been a wonderful year when it comes to leading men with the return of George Clooney in the Descendants still to come this year. The year’s fun not over just yet.