10 of My Favourite Samuel L. Jackson Performance
People were having a great time while I was out of the listicle game! I'm sure there was a big party thrown, but, I'm BACK!
I'm here to talk about 10 times that guy I was behind, at the ACC concession stand during an old Raptor game, blew me away! I know that people will skip this part of the list but please keep in mind that I'm aware that Sammy J has been in great movies that don't appear on this list. These entries are about performances that stuck with me more than movies I love that Sam happens to be in.
The Role:
Gator Purify in Jungle Fever (1991)
Why:
This has got to be one of the top three Sammy J performances for me. There is something so engaging about this role for him. Yes Samuel L. Jackson is cool and has a delivery that makes it hard for him to not stand out, however, this is a role where he gets to convey vulnerability while still never coming off as a push over.
The Role:
Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction (1994)
Why:
This is quintessential cool Sam Jackson! Forever quotable. Especially when I want to have a bite of someone's burger or have a sip of their drink. I don't know if this is my favourite Samuel L. Jackson performance, it's not my favourite Quentin movie either, but it's certainly his most iconic, right? Either way listen to more of my feelings on this movie and performance via my podcast episode about it!
The Role:
Zeus Carver in Die Hard: With a Vengeance (1995)
Why:
This role was so good for me that I just assumed Zeus would be back in every Die Hard sequel in perpetuity. Fortunately, I can revisit this movie whenever I want. Unfortunately, Zeus never came back... Now let's all remember Sam yelling at Bruce over the whole "Hey Zeus"/"Jesus" controversy of '95!
The Role:
Mitch Hennessey in The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Why:
I saw this movie pretty much right when it came out. So I wasn't mature enough to get all the intricacies of the story. All I knew was Samuel L. Jackson was great in this movie and he became a bonafide action hero! I don't care what anyone says, this movie is dope and the Gena Davis Samuel L. Jackson pairing is the only reason this movie is elevated beyond run of the mill action flick!
The Role:
Ordell Robbie in Jackie Brown (1997)
Why:
I will never not enjoy Ordell explaining to Bobby D how to handle his car at the bail bondsman place. Thank you for that gem, Sam! And an extra shout out to you for repping the Raptors before Drake. Don't believe me that this is one of Samuel L. Jackson and Quentin Tarantino's outings? Just listen to me and Dork Shelf film critic, Michael, and I discuss the finer details of this gem on this podcast episode!
The Role:
Steven in Django Unchained (2012)
Why:
A favourite in the Grant household but not so loved by frequent LDF Podcast guest, Noah! That's ok, this is Samuel L. Jackson playing the villain in a way that let's me know he gets the house servant and field hand divide. Also kudos to Quentin for seeing that too. The menace wasn't simply mean mugging for the camera. There was definitely an attention to detail in how lines were delivered to specific characters that let me know that Sam knew what was up!
The Role:
Nick Fury in Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Why:
No need to double take! Yes! I dig The Winter Soldier! It is The Dark Knight for the MCU and it's dope! Ben & I talked about our favourite MCU movies before the release of Captain America: Civil War and this movie came out looking pretty good for me. This is because of Samuel L. Jackson getting to have more than a cameo role in this movie. The fake out near the end not withstanding, this is some great character work for Nick Fury and Sammy J brings to life some lines that may have fell flat in lesser hands.
The Role:
Valentine in Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)
Why:
I see you judging me. But this was an undeniably fun Sammy J villain to watch. He's not quite over the top. He's menacing when he needs to be but he's overall likeable till he reveals his dastardly plan. I also appreciated the fact he was playing him as evil Rusell Simmons.
The Role:
Major Maruis Warren in The Hateful Eight (2015)
Why:
All I have to say is peep his monologue to Bruce Dern in this movie and then try to convince me he didn't deserve an oscar nomination. That is a prime example of elevating material. Plus it doesn't hurt that once again Samuel L. and Quentin are spouting off some hard to hear truths throughout this movie about the black experience.
The Role:
Lieutenant Preston Packard in Kong: Skull Island (2017
Why:
I don't know why I like this movie and Sam Jackson in this movie so much but I do. It was all the fun I was hoping to get from Jurassic World with the fun addition of having a Jurassic Park call back via Samuel L. Jackson. I had a lot of fun with this movie and I dug Sammy J's Captain Ahab turn. There were people in the theatre with me agreeing with Sam. That's the power of Samuel L. Jackson, bruh!
-YG