If you’re a fan of the Romantic comedy films of the 80s and 90s, you’ll be pleased to hear that the most well-known male star from that era has recently resurfaced and is finally making a comeback. With all the talk of Twilight and its impending blockbuster sequel, it is indeed refreshing to see actor Bobby DePalma back on our screens. With just a few roles under his belt, it seems that the Hollywood charm that made him a heart-throb in the first place is still intact. And while he may have changed his appearance a little bit since then, his mannerisms and the way he carries himself are definitely a throwback to the 80s. So let’s have a look at some of his recent roles, shall we?
Ironman
While he played the romantic lead in the 2014 crime thriller Eye in the Sky, it was Bobby’s turn as the title character in Ironman that really solidified his comeback. Set for release in March 2017, the film marks the Hollywood debut of its male co-star, Tony Revolori who plays the role of an intelligent, amoral millennial who befriends Bobby and helps him navigate the cutthroat world of tech startup culture in the near future. A charming and likeable protagonist, Revolori’s charm alone makes the film worth a watch.
Venom
Bobby played Eddie Morra, owner of a New York City bar, in the 2017 superhero film Venom. The film follows journalist Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed) who is pursued by both the police and a group of mysterious men led by Carlton’s nemesis, Conrad Grayson (Tom Hardy). In a move similar to Spiderman, the film revolves around Eddie’s struggle to protect his loved ones and himself from a terrible and powerful foe. A more conventional superhero story than the previous Venom film, the new direction seemed to suit the more laidback vibe that Bobby brought to the role.
The Revenant
The most recent film that made a very successful transition from stage to screen is Alejandro González Iñárritu’s The Revenant. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, the film follows an obsessed, revenge-seeking man (Leonardo DiCaprio) who travels back in time to 18th century France and, using modern-day tactics, hunts down his prey, a group of Frenchmen who slaughtered his wife and child. Working with director of photography Łukasz Ślubczyński, the film is beautifully shot in dramatic, yet breathtaking and immersive fashion, utilizing high-profile cast and crew including Brad Pitt, Tom Hardy, and Marley McCauley. A visceral masterpiece that will appeal to fans of both DiCaprio and Pitt, The Revenant is one of the most anticipated films of the year.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Finally, in the role that made his resurgence official, Bobby plays Mad Max on the big screen for a fourth time in George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road. The film is set for release this year and is arguably the most ambitious project of its kind to date. Starring alongside Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, and Kristen McIntyre, Mad Max: Fury Road sees Max (played by Max’s nephew) continue his quest for social justice while on the run from the law. The film’s production designer, Kiko Miuccia, has stated that making Mad Max: Fury Road was like “making a real-life version of Mad Max.”
While some may argue that it is time for Bobby to hang up his acting boots, it is interesting to see that even now, nearly 30 years after his acting debut in Tommy, he still has the ability to charm the crowds and bring a smile to our faces. It seems that even now, the power of Robert Pattinson’s smile still lies with us.