MovieChat Forums > Jay Baruchel Discussion > His attempt at 'ad-libling' is NOT calle...

His attempt at 'ad-libling' is NOT called acting

posted 14 years ago by Link6321
2 replies | jump to latest

I hate his voice. There, I said it. To people who like his voice because "it's quirky," you're no better than me. You like his voice for superficial reasons; I dislike it for superficial reasons. Now that we have that out of the way, let me just say that his attempt at "ad-libbing" is NOT called acting. I've only seen him on The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Good Neighbours and, damn, he's one annoying creature. "I, I, I, I, I'm just not s-sure." He does that in almost every single line he speaks. He shakes his head numerous times, too, as if having a seizure. Whatever happened to subtlety?

When I watched The Sorcerer's Apprentice, I found him annoying but quickly forgot about it/him after the film. I just watched Good Neighbours tonight and, the second Jay Baruchel spoke, I was like "wow, annoying character." I didn't realize at first that he was the same guy from The Sorcerer's Apprentice, so I kept thinking, "where the hell do I know this guy from? Was he this annoying then, too?" A few minutes later, light bulb, BAM: The Sorcerer's Apprentice.

THEN, I realized he was also the annoying guy from Knocked Up who walked into the operating room as Katherine Heigl's character was giving birth. Boy, he loves playing annoying characters, huh? Or maybe it's just his acting? I'm betting the latter. These three characters could've easily been charming (Good Neighbours), likable (The Sorcerer's Apprentice), and funny (Knocked Up) yet, in all three films, he was an annoying piece of tish.

[–] rockford_eclipse 14 years ago

I know this is kind of a banal question to ask, but how do you form an opinion on somebody's voice that has some depth? I only know how to do it the superficial way, and I feel like bettering myself in that way.

[–] boilerhogs 14 years ago

What is 'ad-libling'?

Jay has been around for years; starred in a great series from Judd Apatow called 'Undeclared' about 10 years ago. I've been a fan since. He's peachy, and apparently a very nice and affable fellow. I didn't love 'Knocked Up', though I didn't hate it--just thought all the 'dick and fart' (*yawn*) stuff over-the-top. Especially since Seth (and Evan, his writing partner) are both very intelligent, and can write much better (re: funnier) than that. However, back to topic; we saw a great indie a year or two back starring Jay and Randy Quaid that was very dramatic, sad, touching and comedic. It was a huge departure for both, and it was absolutely wonderful (or so we think); it is called 'Real Time', and it is a criminally under-rated gem. The acting is beautiful from the pair of them, and shows real chops.

He's been great in several movies; Million Dollar Baby, Just Buried, Nick and Norahs' Infinite Playlist (never knew he could pull off being such a douche!). Didn't really care for Tropic Thunder, but thought he was great in it....we really enjoyed Fanboys (though not many else did, apparently...guess you have to be a particular type of nerd, ha)....anyway, all I'm saying is he's coming into his own as an actor, and though I've not seen everything (or the ones you've listed), I've watched him grow as a gawky teenager/kid, into a on-the-precipice-of something-great actor...a REAL actor. It's a shame you don't like his voice; it's part of his quirky charm. (And the sort-of stammering thing you describe sounds like what 'worked' for James Stewart---one of the (if not THE) greatest actors whom ever lived. Just saying.) It's our prerogative to be annoyed by certain things, but something so small shouldn't detract from the man as a whole....and sure, there are actors I can't really listen to, either.....but if they are also terrible at their 'craft', I just don't watch. I do give them the courtesy of watching to see if maybe it's just that particular role, etc....there are even actors I love that have 'off' voices to me. None of us are perfect.

Enough said.