Underrated Part 1: James Marsden

James Marsden doesn't get enough love from the critics. I blame it on his prettiness. It's hard to take someone's talent seriously when they are genetic-lottery winners. But he doesn't deserve to be lumped in with the nothing-behind-the-eyes pretty-boy club home to Paul Walker and Brandon Routh (who, coincidentally, was Lois Lane's preference over Marsden in Superman Returns. The guy can't catch a break). The man has acting chops. And singing ability. And since my friend literally bumped into him when he was filming Hairspray in Toronto, we're now closely connected in the whole degrees-of-separation game that has recently been scientifically proven. Sheesh, I could have told you that.

Thanks to the McGosling phenomenon, everyone forgets he was the great guy left behind in The Notebook. He was Cyclops. He was Prince Charming. He was the only redeeming factor in 27 Dresses. He'll be leading-man material yet. As he ages, his physical perfection will transform into something a little more rugged and worn and manly and Clooney-esque. And everyone will be shocked that he can act. Beauty is blinding, the poor man.

There are rumors of a Hairspray sequel. We are not amused. Check out MovieZen for the details.

His Hairspray solo is below. I love this movie. I love the entire cast. Maybe even Travolta. And I love that the actors can actually sing. Lip-synching is too easy. And tone-deafness should not be overlooked just because the actor's famous.

And if you need proof that he (and the rest of 'em) can actually sing, he performs the song live here.