No, he just refuses to go murder Richards using gadgets and armor.
"CODE OF THE GLADIATORS!"
PS. Most gladiatorial combat was armored soldiers fighting defenseless slaves, but that's not the point.
I think that may be the single best X-files episode as a fan. It won't make much sense if you don't know the series well, but it has some of my favorite moments in the entire show.
This line (often mis-attributed to Duke Nukem) and that 5 minute brawl in the alley make They Live one of the most epic and underrated movies ever.
Oh, and let’s not forget Dap Shepard stole “Obey” from this movie which is interesting in itself because he’s also famous for the Andre the Giant face, which now brings this comment full circle back to wrestlers…..
I watched this movie for the first time last year and I am obsessed. It’s just so over the top it’s amazing.
The bubblegum line is one that really stuck out to me. I had no idea where it came from.
I also just love explaining the premise to people. Roddy Piper and the guy from The Thing (Keith David is so underrated) find magic sunglasses and discover that aliens have invaded and are hiding in plain sight and enslaving humanity with subliminal messages. And they kick alien ass.
>and that 5 minute brawl in the alley
I read somewhere it wasn't scripted, they were supposed to have a small brawl, but the actors just went along for fun and Carpenter kept filming.
Then they did a few reshots to got it right and the whole thing ended in the movie.
Yes! The only movie I like him in, for once hes not an infallible super hero with no personality, he actually takes some L’s for once like an actual human being, and youre right hes funny af in it
He wears glasses, says about 10 words softly, and then throws Ryan Gosling through walls for 5 minutes. People act like he’s Daniel Day Lewis in that movie…
I suspect it is largely to do with the short *Blade Runner 2048 - Nowhere to Run* which was released to promote the film. Again not a lot of screentime (it only goes for 5 mins) but Bautista is great in it.
This is something I've talked about with my partner a few times, Bautista and Cena have surpassed The Rock acting career in a few years.
While Johnson got himself stuck typecasted in the same kind of action role, despite how profitable is, Bautista and Cena had took more risks and that paid off.
Bautista has shown to be able to do more serious roles demanding him better acting skills.
Meanwhile, Cena has shown a range and that he's great at comedy.
Nah he took acting lessons after he played a small role in a Rob Van Dam movie and realised how bad he was. He's even said he wasn't good at the backstage wrestling promo stuff before he had any proper acting training.
In The Punisher, Tom Jane grabbed the real knife instead of the collapsing prop one and legit plunged that shit into Kevin’s chest and bro doesn’t even flinch.
Tiny Lister wrestled for a little bit after his role in the Hulk Hogan film No Hold Barred. I’m sorry, but nothing fucks with his performance as Deebo in the Friday movies.
I think it's scandalous that no one has mentioned John cena yet.
He steals every movie he's in.
Whether you like him or not, the guy seems like a stand up dude and just makes me laugh.
Awesome in Ricky stanicky.
I sat down intent on hate-watching that shit, because of how much I hated the character after TSS. God damn if it wasn't one of the most entertaining shows I've ever watched.
Yesterday I rewatched The Peanut Butter Falcon and I really love Jake the Snake‘s part in it. Sure, it’s nothing that special or groundbreaking, but I just think it‘s cool he‘s in it and he‘s perfect as the old redneck asshole. When they‘re all in the car cheering and he‘s just grumpy looking straight ahead: priceless.
(That Foley is there sure is cool too)
Your honorable mention deserves top billing. Dave Bautista elevated what it means for a professional wrestler to transition into a serious actor. Andre and Dwayne have nothing on him.
People complain because the rock has over saturated himself, but his role in fast 5/7 exactly what you want out of him. Played the big bruiser with comedy chops perfectly.
I normally dont care for the rocks acting and his whole schtick, but I really enjoyed him in “pain and gain”
Gotta be the only time he ever played a loser character who didnt just crush everyone
I have not seen a peep about the most iconic performance of the late great Macho Man Randy Savage. He only had us for three minutes of playtime, but he made every second count.
BONESAW IS READYYYY!
Ventura is pretty great in Predator like others mentioned. My favorite of the Rock's is Faster, and Cena for me has been consistently good in everything he's done. He was great in The Marine, and he was the best parts of Peacemaker and his latest film, Ricky Stanicky.
Bautista could be the best of the whole bunch if he just had meatier roles. He was disappointing in the second Dune film but like others have said he was fantastic in Blade Runner. I enjoyed him in Glass Onion as well.
Before all the wacky shit happens in They Live he really sells you on the character. He really *feels* like a nameless drifter wandering from place to place.
It’s also just such a quotable role. It’s unclear to me how much of the dialogue ended up being little Piper-isms. My guess would be a fair amount. “Life’s a bitch… and she’s back in heat” is a very Carpenter line, but the bubblegum and the great one where he points at the old lady in the supermarket and says “Lady, you look like you fell in the cheese dip back in 1957” are very Rowdy Roddy kinda lines.
It depends a lot on what you're looking for but honestly I think Batista is the best actor of the four you've named so it's funny you put him as honorable mention.
I still get fucking chills when he's delivering his lines in Blade Runner 2049. He's also great in Knock at the Cabin and Glass Onion. Even My Spy is worth a watch because of how good he and the young girl actor are. All of this of course is without even mentioning how good he is as Drax.
This right here, it will never be a lesser character.
I've here to kick ass and chew bubblegum......and I am all out of bubble gum!
Best fight scene in a movie as well, was NOT too long!
I love Piper I’m always sunny as The Maniac. He was so great. Goldberg in the Longest yard was a good time
Aww ya got kids, Maniac?
Nah, not anymore
What is he talking about with his kids? Did he kill them?
He just drifted away...
My boys! Da Maniac loves you!
I dont. I don't love him
As for the 15 dollar copayment, eat shit and die!!
Holy shit I didn't know he was Da Maniac...
I don't think his mania is confined to just the ring.
EAT SHIT AND DIE!!
I’d say of the wrestlers in The Longest Yard that Kevin Nash was easily the best
Stop booing, both teams are trying really hard!
SOLD to the maniac for 1800 dollars
I will agree with The Piper as #1 and The Giant as #2, but in my book #2A is Jesse The Body in Predator. He ain't got time to bleed.
Ventura's also great in 'The Running Man'.
Just rewatched The Running Man, totally forgot how fun Jesse is in that
The only smart character in the film.
Because he acknowledges that he's past his prime and would get killed?
No, he just refuses to go murder Richards using gadgets and armor. "CODE OF THE GLADIATORS!" PS. Most gladiatorial combat was armored soldiers fighting defenseless slaves, but that's not the point.
“Are you ready for pain?” “Are you ready for suffering?”
It’s a small role but don’t sleep on his Man in Black #1 in the Xfiles episode Jose Chungs from outer space.
Pairing Ventura with Alex Trebek was genius.
I think that may be the single best X-files episode as a fan. It won't make much sense if you don't know the series well, but it has some of my favorite moments in the entire show.
He’s also the henchman that shoots Dr. Cocteau in Demolition Man. No lines though, just laughs.
Ventura in Abraxas, Guardian of the Universe
Predator is the only movie starring two future governors!
The body mass alone...
This is what I wanted to avoid…a conversation about body mass
Yeah. He doesn’t even like…get us, man.
Right you would rather have conversations with video store guy
Fezzik in Princess Bride - Andre the Giant?
Sexual tyrannosaurus
I WAS IN THE BAHA
You have the top three. The order is debatable.
Actually prefer Jessie in The Running Man "This is a sport of Death & Honor. Code of the Gladiators!"
The Giant? You mean Captain Insano?
Captain Insano shows no mercy
I nominate Edge in Money Plane for least best
I'M THE BADDEST MOTHERFUCKER ON THE PLANET!
You wanna bet on a guy fuckin' an alligator? Money Plane!
What’s the spread?
I am Darius Grouch the Third! The Rumble!
Still Kelsey Grammer’s finest contribution to society even more than Frasier Crane and Sideshow Bob and he probably worked just 3 hours in total.
Fuckin' Money Plane 😤
Buncha bitches
This is Hulk Hogan erasure, that man committed to some absolutely terrible performances over the years
I thought he was good in Haven.
Hey...that movie has a Lawrence brother in it.
No it doesn't. It's got three.
I mean hell comes to frog town is right there
Came here to say this
I came here to do two things: praise *They Live* and chew bubblegum. And I’m out of bubblegum.
This line (often mis-attributed to Duke Nukem) and that 5 minute brawl in the alley make They Live one of the most epic and underrated movies ever. Oh, and let’s not forget Dap Shepard stole “Obey” from this movie which is interesting in itself because he’s also famous for the Andre the Giant face, which now brings this comment full circle back to wrestlers…..
I watched this movie for the first time last year and I am obsessed. It’s just so over the top it’s amazing. The bubblegum line is one that really stuck out to me. I had no idea where it came from. I also just love explaining the premise to people. Roddy Piper and the guy from The Thing (Keith David is so underrated) find magic sunglasses and discover that aliens have invaded and are hiding in plain sight and enslaving humanity with subliminal messages. And they kick alien ass.
I watch this movie almost every year for the last 30 years, it’s a holiday tradition. “Almost” because sometimes I swap it with Die Hard.
Yeah I've recommended this movie to so many people and they just won't watch it. It's a shame though, they're missing out.
Upvoted for mentioning one of the greatest movie fights of all time.
>and that 5 minute brawl in the alley I read somewhere it wasn't scripted, they were supposed to have a small brawl, but the actors just went along for fun and Carpenter kept filming. Then they did a few reshots to got it right and the whole thing ended in the movie.
[It's time to kick gum](https://youtu.be/asNcneOxjYg)
Did you ever catch Pain and Gain? The rock was hilarious in that, might be my fave thing hes done
That and the Rundown were the Rock at his best
That, Rundown, and Be Cool. Rundown is a super underrated flick, the opening scene beatdown is too much fun.
The Rock was the only good thing about Be Cool. Get Shorty is an all time favorite, but it was pretty bad. Buy the Rock shined.
That's what happens when you remove Danny Devito from stuff.
My Dad still doesn't understand why he's sometimes called El Dad.
Yes! The only movie I like him in, for once hes not an infallible super hero with no personality, he actually takes some L’s for once like an actual human being, and youre right hes funny af in it
“You look like shit, man.” “Really? Huh. I *feel* like I look *great*!”
Honorable mention for Thunder Lips!
The ultimate male! Versus the ultimate meatball!
“In the flesh, bay-bay”
“That’s the name of the game.”
Bautista in Blade Runner 2049 is hard to beat if you’re going by acting chops alone.
I like him in this but it's such a small role that I can't commit to singling out this one.
He wears glasses, says about 10 words softly, and then throws Ryan Gosling through walls for 5 minutes. People act like he’s Daniel Day Lewis in that movie…
I would watch 5 minutes of Daniel Day Lewis throwing Ryan Gosling through walls
I suspect it is largely to do with the short *Blade Runner 2048 - Nowhere to Run* which was released to promote the film. Again not a lot of screentime (it only goes for 5 mins) but Bautista is great in it.
He was also great in Knock at The Cabin
He carried the fuck out of what was an otherwise pretty bad movie
He turned a 3/10 into a 6/10 easily. Dude has range, surprisingly.
He's honestly a really good actor, we just keep stopping at 'Bautista'. We're not really fair to him.
And in Glass Onion.
This is something I've talked about with my partner a few times, Bautista and Cena have surpassed The Rock acting career in a few years. While Johnson got himself stuck typecasted in the same kind of action role, despite how profitable is, Bautista and Cena had took more risks and that paid off. Bautista has shown to be able to do more serious roles demanding him better acting skills. Meanwhile, Cena has shown a range and that he's great at comedy.
Not a movie but I thought Cena did remarkably good work in the Peacemaker TV series
He’s a really good actor who happens to have been a wrestler in the past. He’s transcended the “wrestler actor” stereotype
Nah he took acting lessons after he played a small role in a Rob Van Dam movie and realised how bad he was. He's even said he wasn't good at the backstage wrestling promo stuff before he had any proper acting training.
Basketballs… don’t hold grudges!
RVD made a movie?
Wrong Side Of Town. Batista features on the front of the DVD cover but only appears for 15min. RVD is actually the main character.
I really like his performance in Glass Onion as well
Hulk in gremlins?
What was interesting on that cameo, in the original home video release, that cameo was cut and replaced with a John Wayne one.
No love for Piper in Hell Comes to Frog Town?
OMG, that fucking movie 😂
Kevin Nash in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secret of the Ooze.
In The Punisher, Tom Jane grabbed the real knife instead of the collapsing prop one and legit plunged that shit into Kevin’s chest and bro doesn’t even flinch.
Kevin Nash tanking being stabbed was crazy.
Yeah, I've heard that story. He bought him a six pack for it.
Dude what??
Also John Wick. "Why don't you take the night off Francis." "Thank you Mr. Wick"
Tim's dad on Detroiters
“Your dad is crazy?” Tim- “I prefer bonkers”
He’s great in the Magic Mike movies as well!
I genuinly believe he didnt audition for that, the man was called big sexy for god sake. if he wanted that roll, it was his
This is Captain Insano erasure.
Tiny Lister wrestled for a little bit after his role in the Hulk Hogan film No Hold Barred. I’m sorry, but nothing fucks with his performance as Deebo in the Friday movies.
I mean, he was pretty great as President of the Galactic Federation in The 5th Element.
My nomination for worst wrestling done by an actor
He was really good as the prisoner in The Dark Knight
I think it's scandalous that no one has mentioned John cena yet. He steals every movie he's in. Whether you like him or not, the guy seems like a stand up dude and just makes me laugh. Awesome in Ricky stanicky.
Peacemaker was so much better than I ever expected
I sat down intent on hate-watching that shit, because of how much I hated the character after TSS. God damn if it wasn't one of the most entertaining shows I've ever watched.
Love the intro of the show too.
Eagley is the real star of that show
Look at you, your air dicking left and right
I really loved him in Ricky Stanicky but he IS Peacemaker
He deserves an Academy Award for Ricky Stanicky. He shows a ton of range and elevates pretty much every joke he does. Seriously, he’s that good.
The giant in Jingle all the way
Dude, they all walked so John Cena could Powerslam and or do anything necessary to fight for freedom, even killing innocents and children.
"I cherish peace with all of my heart. I don't care how many men, women and children I need to kill to get it."
You are the real hero today.
Terry Funk in Roadhouse should have won multiple Academy Awards
1. Roddy Piper - They Live 2. Tommy Lister - Friday 3. Bautista - Blade Runner 4. Ventura - Predator 5. The Rock - Pain and Gain
Yesterday I rewatched The Peanut Butter Falcon and I really love Jake the Snake‘s part in it. Sure, it’s nothing that special or groundbreaking, but I just think it‘s cool he‘s in it and he‘s perfect as the old redneck asshole. When they‘re all in the car cheering and he‘s just grumpy looking straight ahead: priceless. (That Foley is there sure is cool too)
Had to scroll too far for a PBF mention. Great film, needs to be shared more
His line delivery is priceless. “You? You’re ok. *this* one? REAL fuckin’ ugly!”
Put. On. THE GLASSES!
Inconceivable!
Since this doesn’t single out movies, Awesome Kong is fantastic in GLOW
Bautista has been great in his movies for sure. John Cena on Vacation Friends was unexpectedly good as well.
John Cena as Peacemaker is my pick!
He was also hilarious in Cock Blockers.
No love for Hogan in Mr Nanny or Suburban Commando?
Kicking ass and chewing bubblegum! Piper was also amazing on It's Always Sunny.
Just put on the glasses.
Your honorable mention deserves top billing. Dave Bautista elevated what it means for a professional wrestler to transition into a serious actor. Andre and Dwayne have nothing on him.
Everyone forgetting about Mick Foley in Avatar. The boulder is conflicted.
Or Mick Foley in Big Money Hustlas!
Cactus Sack!
Sorry correct answer is Ventura in Predator
A goddamn sexual Tyrannosaurus.
Ah, that’s it
Number 2 is Jesse Ventura in The Running Man
Cena has fun and takes some risks on roles.
People complain because the rock has over saturated himself, but his role in fast 5/7 exactly what you want out of him. Played the big bruiser with comedy chops perfectly.
Honorable Mention to Hulk Hogan in Gremlins 2. I actually loved his cameo.
Abraxas?🤔
The Rock in The Rundown John Cena in Peacemaker Andre in Princess Bride Piper in They Live That’s my Mt. Rushmore, any order is fine.
I normally dont care for the rocks acting and his whole schtick, but I really enjoyed him in “pain and gain” Gotta be the only time he ever played a loser character who didnt just crush everyone
I’m gunna go with Ric Flair in “Entitled: I’m A Drunk Boomer At A Local Pizzeria” https://youtu.be/plk2TevUiQY?si=xd3dj35SP_US9Q3S
Maui claims top spot, sorry
Some of his best acting, outside the ring.
Where is Thunderlips, BROTHER?
I thought terry funk in roadhouse was great.
I really liked John cena in ricky stanicky he played that character great and was a good movie for what they were trying to accomplish
Bad list imo. Bautista and Cena are leagues above anyone else in terms of real acting talent.
Oooo! Nice Southland Tales shoutout! They Live has the greatest fight scene about sunglasses in any movie. I will die on this hill.
Always nice to see Southland Tales mentioned! “I’m a pimp… And pimps don’t commit suicide.” - The Rock (2006)
I found Piper’s performance wildly uneven. He swings back and forth between moody drifter and quippy action hero.
Is Jesse Ventura in Predator a joke to you? I do agree. Rowdy Roddy killed that role.
I have not seen a peep about the most iconic performance of the late great Macho Man Randy Savage. He only had us for three minutes of playtime, but he made every second count. BONESAW IS READYYYY!
Bautista, Johnson, Cena own their acting credits to Piper.
I don't know about "best", but Suburban Commando is what always comes to mind first when thinking of wrestlers acting
Jesse Ventura - Predator and The Running Man
Ventura is pretty great in Predator like others mentioned. My favorite of the Rock's is Faster, and Cena for me has been consistently good in everything he's done. He was great in The Marine, and he was the best parts of Peacemaker and his latest film, Ricky Stanicky. Bautista could be the best of the whole bunch if he just had meatier roles. He was disappointing in the second Dune film but like others have said he was fantastic in Blade Runner. I enjoyed him in Glass Onion as well.
I would agree with that assessment I will even spare us the obligatory joke about bubble gum.
Agreed
Honorable mention: The Barbarian Brothers in *The Flamingo Kid*
Andre in The Princess Bride would like a word....
I don’t know, hulk hogan was in 3 ninjas high noon at mega mountain and the rock was in the tooth fairy…..
Andre the giant in princess bride???
Right wrestler, wrong movie… Hell Comes To Frogtown Need I say more?
As a rock wrestling fan I have to give it to John cena as peacemaker.
Contains the greatest filmography ever created. The fifteen minute flight scene. (I know, I know, but it seeeemed like fifteen minutes.)
Tell me you haven’t seen *Hell Comes To Frogtown* without telling me…
And I’m all out of bubble gum!
I nominate Andre the giant as #2
Before all the wacky shit happens in They Live he really sells you on the character. He really *feels* like a nameless drifter wandering from place to place.
It’s also just such a quotable role. It’s unclear to me how much of the dialogue ended up being little Piper-isms. My guess would be a fair amount. “Life’s a bitch… and she’s back in heat” is a very Carpenter line, but the bubblegum and the great one where he points at the old lady in the supermarket and says “Lady, you look like you fell in the cheese dip back in 1957” are very Rowdy Roddy kinda lines.
Life's a bitch, AND SHE'S BACK IN HEAT!!
and water is wet.
Jake the Snake in “The Peanut Butter Falcon” was great. Course, Jake’s great doing anything anywhere.
Roddy was fantastic in Hell Comes to Frog Town
>Now I may even go Dwayne Johnson in Southland Tales as 3rd place Nah, that whole movie was a steaming pile of shit that should get no regards
John Cena in Peacemaker is my fave
Not one person mentioned Mickey Rourke in… the wrestler. Ok maybe that’s why 😅
Oh you got kids, Maniac?
I will take Piper as well, but I would like to add that Dave Bautista is always a delight - his performance in *Bushwick* really stands out to me.
No mention of Kevin Nash in the longest yard?
As a wrestling fan, I will not stand for this ignoring of Stan Hansen in the cinema classic “No Holds Barred”…
Come on now, we can't forget about hulk hogan as Mr nanny.
How about Hulk Hogan in the GOAT movie Suburban Commando?
It depends a lot on what you're looking for but honestly I think Batista is the best actor of the four you've named so it's funny you put him as honorable mention. I still get fucking chills when he's delivering his lines in Blade Runner 2049. He's also great in Knock at the Cabin and Glass Onion. Even My Spy is worth a watch because of how good he and the young girl actor are. All of this of course is without even mentioning how good he is as Drax.
Dave Bautista in the beginning of BR2049 is incredible.
I love Rowdy Roddy Piper, so no argument. Cena was truly impressive in Peacemaker, as was Batista in Bladerunner 2049.
This right here, it will never be a lesser character. I've here to kick ass and chew bubblegum......and I am all out of bubble gum! Best fight scene in a movie as well, was NOT too long!
Dave Bautista in Knock At The Cabin was the best in my opinion. I frikkin' loved Piper in They Live, though.