2008 Woodie Awards
And the award goes to ... Katie Holmes
Paul Bremer
Issue date: 1/23/08 Section: Opinion
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Who better to possibly lift the funk than actress Katie Holmes? Initially, some may think she is an unlikely candidate, and it's true I have a biased affection for the fellow Ohioan and "Dawson's Creek" alumna. After a near three-year silver screen absence, perhaps she will play an integral role in delivering some of the first laughs of the year with her caper comedy "Mad Money." That is assuming audiences haven't disregarded her credentials as a result of her highly publicized union to a certain couch-leaping, finger-pointing scientologist. Wouldn't that be typical? Men just ruin everything.
Holmes' career originally had a pre-Cruise upward trajectory, achieving critical success with films "Pieces of April" and "Thank you for Smoking" and striking box office gold as Rachel Dawes in "Batman Begins." Some may have reservations of her return to the big screen as "Mad Money" will be her first film since officially becoming a member of TomKat.
Her loonier half, after all, has yet to experience the same adoration and marketability he was once accustomed to. Tom Cruise lost a 14-year development deal with Paramount due to "Mission: Impossible III." The film's lackluster performance in theatres and the failure of Cruise's recent "Lions for Lambs" reinforces the need for a career and image intervention.
It's unfortunate how some people will let their views on an artist's behavior and personal life override the actual quality of the work being produced. I have not seen either of the above Cruise movies, but it does seem awfully convenient that a string of bizarre outbursts only led to several professional disappointments. In fact, I've spoken to people who've said that they will never see a Tom Cruise film again because of his antics. I missed how exactly any of his behavior affects or interferes with his work, but hey, everyone has their reasons. I hold more stock in talent; call me crazy.
As I said, I've always had an affinity for Katie Holmes. I only hope that she doesn't fall prey to the same fangs that have bitten her husband. When it comes to how celebrities carry themselves in the media and their everyday lives, it can be hit or miss on the effect it has on their individual careers.
It only seems appropriate to use Britney Spears as an example on this one. Her "Blackout" album reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and has already been certified gold since its October release. All I can say is go figure. Her career survived assault with a deadly umbrella and a flipbook series of x-rated lady parts photos.
Holmes has yet to commit a career-threatening faux pas, but I suppose there's always time to drive to the salon for a quick head shave with baby Suri behind the wheel. A little buzz couldn't hurt.
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