Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews The Unusuals, episodes 1-10 (2009 TV series) Character: Detective Jason Walsh, charmingly sarcastic NYPD detective in love with his secrets Series quality: 5 – What a shame this series was cancelled after only ten episodes! A funny, quirky, action-packed cop show like no other, this series boasted a great ensemble cast, a dynamic visual style, an energetic soundtrack, engrossing stories and clever dialogue. But ratings were low and ABC gave it the ax after the initial ten-episode order. Ironically, the show probably has a bigger following on Netflix and DVD than it did during its original network run, thanks in part, no doubt, to the post-show rising star of its male lead. Importance of role/screen time: 5 – As said male lead, Renner gets plenty of screen time in every episode, although most episodes are split up into multiple stories, as is typical of ensemble crime shows. Performance quality: 5 – One of Jeremy Renner’s best talents is acting with just his eyes: His face remains fairly impassive, but his eyes tell a completely different story. So much of this series showcases Renner doing just that; whether he’s questioning a perp or having a conversation with his partner or love interest, his eyes convey a deeper emotion than does his dialogue or the rest of his face. Of course, another one of Renner’s talents — amply on display here — is his knack for comedy. He delivers wisecracks with perfect timing and plays the straight man so well, one wonders why he doesn’t take on more comedic roles. Hotness factor: 5 – Fangirl smorgasbord! Renner running, shooting guns, bursting out of a coat locker in only his skivvies, and rolling around half-naked in bed with his co-stars! Rare Renner love scenes! Loving close-ups of Renner’s stunning face! And so much shirtless Renner! The great pleasure of watching this series is that we get to spend nearly ten hours swooning over Renner and all of his myriad charms. The great tragedy is that it is ONLY ten hours. But that’s what the rewind button is for! Total points: A full 20!

Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews The Unusuals, episodes 1-10 (2009 TV series)

Character: Detective Jason Walsh, charmingly sarcastic NYPD detective in love with his secrets

Series quality: 5 – What a shame this series was cancelled after only ten episodes! A funny, quirky, action-packed cop show like no other, this series boasted a great ensemble cast, a dynamic visual style, an energetic soundtrack, engrossing stories and clever dialogue. But ratings were low and ABC gave it the ax after the initial ten-episode order. Ironically, the show probably has a bigger following on Netflix and DVD than it did during its original network run, thanks in part, no doubt, to the post-show rising star of its male lead.

Importance of role/screen time: 5 – As said male lead, Renner gets plenty of screen time in every episode, although most episodes are split up into multiple stories, as is typical of ensemble crime shows.

Performance quality: 5 – One of Jeremy Renner’s best talents is acting with just his eyes: His face remains fairly impassive, but his eyes tell a completely different story. So much of this series showcases Renner doing just that; whether he’s questioning a perp or having a conversation with his partner or love interest, his eyes convey a deeper emotion than does his dialogue or the rest of his face. Of course, another one of Renner’s talents — amply on display here — is his knack for comedy. He delivers wisecracks with perfect timing and plays the straight man so well, one wonders why he doesn’t take on more comedic roles.

Hotness factor: 5 – Fangirl smorgasbord! Renner running, shooting guns, bursting out of a coat locker in only his skivvies, and rolling around half-naked in bed with his co-stars! Rare Renner love scenes! Loving close-ups of Renner’s stunning face! And so much shirtless Renner! The great pleasure of watching this series is that we get to spend nearly ten hours swooning over Renner and all of his myriad charms. The great tragedy is that it is ONLY ten hours. But that’s what the rewind button is for!

Total points: A full 20!

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Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews The Hurt Locker (2008 feature film) Character: Sergeant First Class William James, reckless Army bomb squad leader and generally complicated guy Movie quality: 5 – Intense, thrilling, suspenseful, moving – this movie is all that and more. Winner of the 2010 Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, as well as numerous other awards and accolades, it’s one of those movies that deserves all the hype surrounding it. Repeated viewings reveal little nuances you don’t notice at first in the performances of the mostly lesser-known cast. Even if you’re not a fan of war films, you will be engrossed from start to finish by this intelligent, emotionally challenging film. Importance of role/screen time: 5 – Renner plays the lead and is in almost every scene. His character is the emotional and psychological core of the film. Performance quality: 5 – Renner deserved his Oscar nod for Best Actor — and would have deserved to win, too. His performance captures not only Will James’ cocky, reckless attitude on the battlefield, but how utterly lost he is away from it. It also serves as a study in economy as an actor: James is a man of few words, and Renner conveys so much with just a small movement, a tiny change in expression, a subtle look. In some scenes all of the acting is done solely with his eyes. Renner is so real as James, you almost forget you’re watching an actor in a movie. Hotness factor: 5 – This is the role that put Renner on the map not only as a great actor, but as a sex symbol. He looks amazing in uniform, of course, but it’s that walk — that smooth, flowing, sexy swagger — that takes this soldier to a whole other level. There is also a shirtless wrestling scene that may be one of the sexiest things ever committed to celluloid. Really. Total points: A perfect 20!

Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews The Hurt Locker (2008 feature film)

Character: Sergeant First Class William James, reckless Army bomb squad leader and generally complicated guy

Movie quality: 5 – Intense, thrilling, suspenseful, moving – this movie is all that and more. Winner of the 2010 Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, as well as numerous other awards and accolades, it’s one of those movies that deserves all the hype surrounding it. Repeated viewings reveal little nuances you don’t notice at first in the performances of the mostly lesser-known cast. Even if you’re not a fan of war films, you will be engrossed from start to finish by this intelligent, emotionally challenging film.

Importance of role/screen time: 5 – Renner plays the lead and is in almost every scene. His character is the emotional and psychological core of the film.

Performance quality: 5 – Renner deserved his Oscar nod for Best Actor — and would have deserved to win, too. His performance captures not only Will James’ cocky, reckless attitude on the battlefield, but how utterly lost he is away from it. It also serves as a study in economy as an actor: James is a man of few words, and Renner conveys so much with just a small movement, a tiny change in expression, a subtle look. In some scenes all of the acting is done solely with his eyes. Renner is so real as James, you almost forget you’re watching an actor in a movie.

Hotness factor: 5 – This is the role that put Renner on the map not only as a great actor, but as a sex symbol. He looks amazing in uniform, of course, but it’s that walk — that smooth, flowing, sexy swagger — that takes this soldier to a whole other level. There is also a shirtless wrestling scene that may be one of the sexiest things ever committed to celluloid. Really.

Total points: A perfect 20!

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Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews House, episode 4.9, ‘Games’ (2007, TV series) Character: Jimmy Quidd, confrontational noise musician and unrepentant drug addict Episode quality: 4.5 – I have not seen any other episodes of this show, so I can only judge this one on its own merits. I thoroughly enjoyed the excellent acting, writing, pacing, and plot, and would definitely watch House again, based on the quality of this episode. Even without prior knowledge of the characters, I was able to jump right in and understand their dynamics and relationships – that’s how tight the writing is. Importance of role/screen time: 4 – Renner plays the episode’s patient, around whom the plot revolves, and he gets a good amount of screen time. Performance quality: 5 – As usual Renner takes a character that could have been a cliché – an angry, contrary, drug-addled rock musican – and brings him to life with a palpable vulnerability and real emotion. Hotness factor: 5 – Clad in skin-tight skinny jeans and a leather jacket, with close-cropped hair and guyliner, Renner is sexier than ever! Even sick, sweaty, and strung-out, he’s hot. His whole ‘not giving any fucks’ attitude will push any fangirl’s bad-boy buttons – which makes it required (and repeated) viewing! Total points: 18.5

Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews House, episode 4.9, ‘Games’ (2007, TV series)

Character: Jimmy Quidd, confrontational noise musician and unrepentant drug addict

Episode quality: 4.5 – I have not seen any other episodes of this show, so I can only judge this one on its own merits. I thoroughly enjoyed the excellent acting, writing, pacing, and plot, and would definitely watch House again, based on the quality of this episode. Even without prior knowledge of the characters, I was able to jump right in and understand their dynamics and relationships – that’s how tight the writing is.

Importance of role/screen time: 4 – Renner plays the episode’s patient, around whom the plot revolves, and he gets a good amount of screen time.

Performance quality: 5 – As usual Renner takes a character that could have been a cliché – an angry, contrary, drug-addled rock musican – and brings him to life with a palpable vulnerability and real emotion.

Hotness factor: 5 – Clad in skin-tight skinny jeans and a leather jacket, with close-cropped hair and guyliner, Renner is sexier than ever! Even sick, sweaty, and strung-out, he’s hot. His whole ‘not giving any fucks’ attitude will push any fangirl’s bad-boy buttons – which makes it required (and repeated) viewing!

Total points: 18.5

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Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007 feature film) Character: Wood Hite, cousin of the outlaw Jesse James and member of the James Gang Movie quality: 4.5 – This is breathtakingly beautiful, artistic movie. But it is very long and slow, and there are long stretches with little dialogue and even less action. This will probably put off a good number of viewers. But if you’re patient and you like art films, you will thoroughly enjoy this exploration of the nature of fame, cults of personality, and courage vs. cowardice. It left me thinking a lot about how Jesse James came to be seen as a folk hero, and how things haven’t really changed that much when it comes to our society’s obsession with celebrities. Importance of role/screen time: 2.5 – Renner plays a supporting role and gets maybe 30 minutes screen time in a film that runs nearly 3 hours. Performance quality: 4 – Renner’s role is small, but memorable. He plays Wood Hite as a prickly guy with a hair-trigger temper who is nevertheless loyal to his cousin. Hotness factor: 2.5 – This being a period piece that takes place in the late 1800s, Renner sports the 19th Century scuzzy look. At one point he has a long beard (not sure if it’s real or fake), but it is a testament to his good looks that he still manages to pretty cute. The real highlight is a short scene in which he sings a Civil War folk song with a charming Southern twang (watch it here). Oh, and he’s got a brief bare-butt scene (although it’s hard to tell if it is his real butt or a stunt butt). Total points: 13.5

Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007 feature film)

Character: Wood Hite, cousin of the outlaw Jesse James and member of the James Gang

Movie quality: 4.5 – This is breathtakingly beautiful, artistic movie. But it is very long and slow, and there are long stretches with little dialogue and even less action. This will probably put off a good number of viewers. But if you’re patient and you like art films, you will thoroughly enjoy this exploration of the nature of fame, cults of personality, and courage vs. cowardice. It left me thinking a lot about how Jesse James came to be seen as a folk hero, and how things haven’t really changed that much when it comes to our society’s obsession with celebrities.

Importance of role/screen time: 2.5 – Renner plays a supporting role and gets maybe 30 minutes screen time in a film that runs nearly 3 hours.

Performance quality: 4 – Renner’s role is small, but memorable. He plays Wood Hite as a prickly guy with a hair-trigger temper who is nevertheless loyal to his cousin.

Hotness factor: 2.5 – This being a period piece that takes place in the late 1800s, Renner sports the 19th Century scuzzy look. At one point he has a long beard (not sure if it’s real or fake), but it is a testament to his good looks that he still manages to pretty cute. The real highlight is a short scene in which he sings a Civil War folk song with a charming Southern twang (watch it here). Oh, and he’s got a brief bare-butt scene (although it’s hard to tell if it is his real butt or a stunt butt).

Total points: 13.5

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Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews Take (2007 feature film) Character: Saul, death row inmate and general sad sack Movie quality: 2.5 — MOST. DEPRESSING. MOVIE. EVER. I really wanted to like it, because I LOVE Jeremy and I really like Minnie Driver. And I did think many aspects of this film were very well-done. The cinematography was good, I liked the different color saturations, depending on which story was being told, and I liked the non-linear storytelling. But the film was brought down by lazy writing and lame clichés, some of which didn’t even make sense. There are certain plot points that seem to exist solely as attempts by the writer/director to manipulate the audience (which is something I HATE) — and not only is this very obvious when you watch the movie, but the writer/director even ADMITS THIS in the little “making of” documentary. That really killed my appreciation of what could have been an excellent indie. Importance of role/screen time: 4 – The movie is split into two separate stories that eventually intersect. So he is on screen about half the time, but his story is, of course, very significant to the entire film. Performance quality: 5 – Renner is excellent in this, despite all the Death Row clichés. His performance rises way above the script to convey the humanity in a character that could have been flat and two-dimensional in lesser hands. Hotness factor: 3 – The harsh lighting throughout the movie does Renner no favors, not to mention his character is kind of a shaggy sad sack, devoid of any of the usual Renner charm or swagger. But he looks good in the Death Row scenes, despite the damaged eye. Don’t know what it is, but prison jumpsuits really become him! Total points: 14.5 *Some parts of this review previously appeared on in the customer reviews of Netflix.com (written by me, of course).

Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews Take (2007 feature film)

Character: Saul, death row inmate and general sad sack

Movie quality: 2.5 — MOST. DEPRESSING. MOVIE. EVER. I really wanted to like it, because I LOVE Jeremy and I really like Minnie Driver. And I did think many aspects of this film were very well-done. The cinematography was good, I liked the different color saturations, depending on which story was being told, and I liked the non-linear storytelling. But the film was brought down by lazy writing and lame clichés, some of which didn’t even make sense. There are certain plot points that seem to exist solely as attempts by the writer/director to manipulate the audience (which is something I HATE) — and not only is this very obvious when you watch the movie, but the writer/director even ADMITS THIS in the little “making of” documentary. That really killed my appreciation of what could have been an excellent indie.

Importance of role/screen time: 4 – The movie is split into two separate stories that eventually intersect. So he is on screen about half the time, but his story is, of course, very significant to the entire film.

Performance quality: 5 – Renner is excellent in this, despite all the Death Row clichés. His performance rises way above the script to convey the humanity in a character that could have been flat and two-dimensional in lesser hands.

Hotness factor: 3 – The harsh lighting throughout the movie does Renner no favors, not to mention his character is kind of a shaggy sad sack, devoid of any of the usual Renner charm or swagger. But he looks good in the Death Row scenes, despite the damaged eye. Don’t know what it is, but prison jumpsuits really become him!

Total points: 14.5

*Some parts of this review previously appeared on in the customer reviews of Netflix.com (written by me, of course).

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Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews 28 Weeks Later (2007 feature film) Character: Doyle, kind and courageous U.S. Army sniper Movie quality: 3.5 – This movie is pretty good, but not on the same level as the movie of which it is purportedly a sequel. In fact, except for the London setting and the zombie/infection theme, the two movies have very little in common. The plot, characters, and most importantly, the tone are completely different — and not for the better. But it is still a solid, suspenseful horror film and an entertaining ride. Importance of role/screen time: 3.5 – Doyle is a supporting character who becomes more vital to the story as the film progresses. Performance quality: 5 – Renner isn’t required by the script to do much except look through a sniper’s scope, and later do a lot of running, but he imbues his character with warmth, kindness, humor, and courage and brings him to life. To borrow a quote from one of his other characters, you really start to root for this guy. Hotness factor: 5 — Sexy soldiers are a Renner specialty! He just looks so damned good running around in camouflage with close-cropped hair and a big gun. If you loved him in The Hurt Locker, this is a much-watch! Total points: 17

Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews 28 Weeks Later (2007 feature film)

Character: Doyle, kind and courageous U.S. Army sniper

Movie quality: 3.5 – This movie is pretty good, but not on the same level as the movie of which it is purportedly a sequel. In fact, except for the London setting and the zombie/infection theme, the two movies have very little in common. The plot, characters, and most importantly, the tone are completely different — and not for the better. But it is still a solid, suspenseful horror film and an entertaining ride.

Importance of role/screen time: 3.5 – Doyle is a supporting character who becomes more vital to the story as the film progresses.

Performance quality: 5 – Renner isn’t required by the script to do much except look through a sniper’s scope, and later do a lot of running, but he imbues his character with warmth, kindness, humor, and courage and brings him to life. To borrow a quote from one of his other characters, you really start to root for this guy.

Hotness factor: 5 — Sexy soldiers are a Renner specialty! He just looks so damned good running around in camouflage with close-cropped hair and a big gun. If you loved him in The Hurt Locker, this is a much-watch!

Total points: 17

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Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews Love Comes to the Executioner (2006 feature film) Character: Chick Prigusivac, mass murderer, death row inmate and pesky older brother Movie quality: 3.5 – I kind of love this movie in a complete guilty pleasure sort of way. It’s pretty low budget and some of the performances are a bit uneven and over the top, but if it is possible for a comedy to be pitch-black in its subject matter but light and silly in tone, this movie manages it. Not all the jokes make it home, but the ones that do made me laugh out loud – even on repeat viewings. Importance of role/screen time: 3.5 – Chick is a supporting character and gets limited screen time. Performance quality: 5 – But the screen time he does get will be relished by Renner fangirls. This is one of Renner’s few comedic performances and he is TERRIFIC. His Chick is menacing and twisted yet hilarious. He’s scary AND funny – in a way that few actors could pull off. Hotness factor: 5 – Renner is not only funny, but also smoking hot in this. Flexing his now-famous biceps in a tight prison jumper and prancing around like the cock of the walk, he’s pretty damn irresistible. And then there’s that amazing ‘American Pie’ scene (if you’ve never seen it, do yourself a favor watch this RIGHT NOW to revel in his gorgeous voice). Total points: 17

Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews Love Comes to the Executioner (2006 feature film)

Character: Chick Prigusivac, mass murderer, death row inmate and pesky older brother

Movie quality: 3.5 – I kind of love this movie in a complete guilty pleasure sort of way. It’s pretty low budget and some of the performances are a bit uneven and over the top, but if it is possible for a comedy to be pitch-black in its subject matter but light and silly in tone, this movie manages it. Not all the jokes make it home, but the ones that do made me laugh out loud – even on repeat viewings.

Importance of role/screen time: 3.5 – Chick is a supporting character and gets limited screen time.

Performance quality: 5 – But the screen time he does get will be relished by Renner fangirls. This is one of Renner’s few comedic performances and he is TERRIFIC. His Chick is menacing and twisted yet hilarious. He’s scary AND funny – in a way that few actors could pull off.

Hotness factor: 5 – Renner is not only funny, but also smoking hot in this. Flexing his now-famous biceps in a tight prison jumper and prancing around like the cock of the walk, he’s pretty damn irresistible. And then there’s that amazing ‘American Pie’ scene (if you’ve never seen it, do yourself a favor watch this RIGHT NOW to revel in his gorgeous voice).

Total points: 17

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Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews Lords of Dogtown (2005 feature film)  Character: Jay Adams’ manager (uncredited)  Movie quality: 4 – (This review is for the unrated director’s cut. I have not seen the theatrical PG-13 version.) This is a really cool movie! It puts you right in the middle of the action in 1975 southern California as skateboarding evolves into the extreme sport it would eventually become. The movie is shot in a gritty, visually exciting style, with amazing attention to detail, and it is a pleasure to be immersed in this world so completely. The young cast (including the late, great Heath Ledger) really brings the past to life with heartfelt performances. While it probably helps if you are into skateboarding, you don’t have to be to enjoy the movie. It’s ultimately a story about friendship, competition, self-discovery, and the wild, aimless energy and ferocity of youth. Importance of role/screen time: 1 – Renner has just one minute of screen time about 30 minutes before the end of the movie.  Performance quality: 3 – Renner pops up as one of the main character’s manager during the big World Skateboarding Competition scene. He’s sleazy and a little menacing, and in this very short cameo, Renner conveys that perfectly. Hotness factor: 2.5 – With longish feathered hair, loud big-collared shirt, and brown leather jacket, Renner looks straight out of 1975. Not that bad, actually – well, except for the shirt. But he’s the kind of guy who wears too many rings and holds onto his huge belt buckle when he walks. Ew. Total points: 10.5 (*While I don’t recommend it as Renner Fan Girl viewing, I DO recommend this movie. it is very good and you should see it!)

Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews Lords of Dogtown (2005 feature film) 

Character: Jay Adams’ manager (uncredited) 

Movie quality: 4 – (This review is for the unrated director’s cut. I have not seen the theatrical PG-13 version.) This is a really cool movie! It puts you right in the middle of the action in 1975 southern California as skateboarding evolves into the extreme sport it would eventually become. The movie is shot in a gritty, visually exciting style, with amazing attention to detail, and it is a pleasure to be immersed in this world so completely. The young cast (including the late, great Heath Ledger) really brings the past to life with heartfelt performances. While it probably helps if you are into skateboarding, you don’t have to be to enjoy the movie. It’s ultimately a story about friendship, competition, self-discovery, and the wild, aimless energy and ferocity of youth.

Importance of role/screen time: 1 – Renner has just one minute of screen time about 30 minutes before the end of the movie. 

Performance quality: 3 – Renner pops up as one of the main character’s manager during the big World Skateboarding Competition scene. He’s sleazy and a little menacing, and in this very short cameo, Renner conveys that perfectly.

Hotness factor: 2.5 – With longish feathered hair, loud big-collared shirt, and brown leather jacket, Renner looks straight out of 1975. Not that bad, actually – well, except for the shirt. But he’s the kind of guy who wears too many rings and holds onto his huge belt buckle when he walks. Ew.

Total points: 10.5 (*While I don’t recommend it as Renner Fan Girl viewing, I DO recommend this movie. it is very good and you should see it!)

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Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (2004 feature film) Character: Emerson, one of the many men in the life of Sarah, the protagonist’s mother Movie quality: 3.5 – This movie is actually quite good, but extremely difficult to watch. Shot in a gritty cinema-verite style with an artsy, punk edge, it depicts a young woman’s life of hard drugs, sex, and degradation as seen through the eyes of her abused and neglected little boy. This is some rough stuff, and just when you think it can’t get any worse, it does. Importance of role/screen time: 2 – He’s only in it for about 5 minutes. Performance quality: 4 – While it’s a brief performance, it is a great example of the range of emotion Renner is able to display with very little effort. He goes from jovial to wrecked to terrifying in just a few short moments on screen. Hotness factor: 3.5 – Renner spends half of his brief time on screen making out with lead actress and director Asia Argento, who is channeling Courtney Love on a bender. (Oh, and she licks him, proving that directing yourself in a film may be hard, but it really has its perks!) His hair is close cropped, so he may have just come off of shooting Neo Ned and was growing it out. He’s also wearing a hilariously bad suit in his first scene. But he has a few extra-handsome moments in his second scene. Total points: 13

Renner Fan Girl Movie Guide reviews The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (2004 feature film)

Character: Emerson, one of the many men in the life of Sarah, the protagonist’s mother

Movie quality: 3.5 – This movie is actually quite good, but extremely difficult to watch. Shot in a gritty cinema-verite style with an artsy, punk edge, it depicts a young woman’s life of hard drugs, sex, and degradation as seen through the eyes of her abused and neglected little boy. This is some rough stuff, and just when you think it can’t get any worse, it does.

Importance of role/screen time: 2 – He’s only in it for about 5 minutes.

Performance quality: 4 – While it’s a brief performance, it is a great example of the range of emotion Renner is able to display with very little effort. He goes from jovial to wrecked to terrifying in just a few short moments on screen.

Hotness factor: 3.5 – Renner spends half of his brief time on screen making out with lead actress and director Asia Argento, who is channeling Courtney Love on a bender. (Oh, and she licks him, proving that directing yourself in a film may be hard, but it really has its perks!) His hair is close cropped, so he may have just come off of shooting Neo Ned and was growing it out. He’s also wearing a hilariously bad suit in his first scene. But he has a few extra-handsome moments in his second scene.

Total points: 13

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