Since 300, the stoic actor, who voices a character named Stoick, hasn't made many good career decision (though I quite enjoyed RocknRolla) since his breakout role as King Leonidas. The key to his success here was: a) being heard and not seen and b) playing the supporting role in the film. Oh, and being the animated equivalent of Leonidas.

It's tough to be original in Hollywood these days. Sure, you can occasionally find a unique idea or two, but if it's too new, producers won't want to back it. Instead, they'd prefer tried and true ideas that have proven themselves capable of making money. Whip It, the directorial debut of Drew Barrymore and starring Ellen Page, does not cover any new ground in the area of coming-of-age tales, except maybe the concept of roller derby as a means of belonging. Instead, it embraces the classics and reminds its audience of the ability to imbue oneself with initiative and pride and to fulfill anything one desires.