Shia Bebeouf

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Shia Leboeuf is smart and talented, all right, but he's a little too exotic to be the next Tom Hanks, despite notions to the contrary on the latest Vanity Fair cover. Unless Leboeuf gets really lucky with a perfect role in the right film (and I'm not predicting this won't happen), five years from now he'll be the new Bill Pullman.

The 21 year-old actor is mainly getting the Big Attention because he's Harrison Ford's son in the fourth Indy film, but three weeks after this film opens next year people will be saying "that's it?" and asking what's next. At the very least I think it's fair to ask for a small punishment to be meted out to Leboeuf for playing the pseudo lead role in Transformers. I honestly believe that right now his stock is a tad lower than it was in the wake of Disturbia's surprise success earlier this year.

And to this very minute I'm still undecided about how to pronounce his name. I think the "i" in Shia is pronounced like "eye", and the last name is Leboaf as in "loaf of bread." Quick -- bring up a blank e-mail screen and try to spell the last name. Oh-ee-you, oh-ee-you, oh-ee-you.

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Posted by Jeffrey Wells on July 4, 2007 at 2:24 PM

comment #1

Joe Leydon says ...

You know, Jeff, it's really amusing when you go all batshit on some movie and start claiming/predicting/hoping that everyone involved with it will suffer a career setback, or face the wrath of an enraged public, or suddenly burst into flame, or...

Posted by Joe Leydon at July 4, 2007 3:03 PM

comment #2

lazarus says ...

I'll tell you right now: no way a guy with the name Shia LaBoeuf is going to be the next star. Just not going to happen. I can only imagine the stress his representation was feeling upon learning their client had no desire to change either of his names for the screen.

Not only will most people have trouble pronouncing the name, but it just doesn't look right on paper, either. When I first saw it I was convinced it was the name of a new black actress. For a guy, it just looks like a sissy name, for lack of a better term, especially when it's pronounced "Shee-ya LaBoof", which is what most are going to initially think.

This may sound petty, but can you think of an equally exotic household name? Hell, Djimon Hounsou has been given some prominent roles, and an Oscar nomination, and he's not even that big. And while you can't pronounce Chiwetel Ejiofor easily, at least he doesn't have the name of a ballerina.

Posted by lazarus at July 4, 2007 3:07 PM

comment #3

D.Z. says ...

"Shia Leboeuf is smart and talented, all right, but he's a little too exotic to be the next Tom Hanks,"

He'll need to reach puberty before that happens.

Posted by D.Z. at July 4, 2007 3:26 PM

comment #4

Wrecktum says ...

I remember the good old dates when people with stupid or furrin sounding names changed them before they stepped foot on a movie set. The world would be a worse place with stars named William Beedle, Archibald Leach, Charles Buchinsky and Issur Demsky.

Posted by Wrecktum at July 4, 2007 3:27 PM

comment #5

MoisesChiu says ...

The most damning thing for any artist is being called "the next XXXXXXX". Remember when Shyamalan was "the next Spielberg"?

There's never been a superstar name better than Dick Armey, and it was wasted on a worthless Republican congressman.

Posted by MoisesChiu at July 4, 2007 3:29 PM

comment #6

actionman says ...

yeah. starring in transformers, a global box office smash that will increase his visibility all around the world is a bad idea. truly dumb. jeff--what weed are u smoking and where can i get it because I thought I had the head-dome.

Posted by actionman at July 4, 2007 3:36 PM

comment #7

christian says ...

schwarzennwhateva?

Posted by christian at July 4, 2007 3:53 PM

comment #8

Dellamorte says ...

Uh. He starred in a picture that got to 80 million with nothing else, he's in- if not the biggest grosser of the summer - then one of the top 5 grossing films of the year, and will have a spotlight role in Steven Spielberg's biggest film in 18 years (yeah, I'd say it's bigger than War of the Worlds or Jurassic Park), and has signed on to do more work with Dreamworks/Spielberg. You could say Colin Farrell or Orlando Bloom, but Shia's not going away for a while, and considering who likes him, he's likely rather good at what he does.

Posted by Dellamorte at July 4, 2007 4:06 PM

comment #9

le corbeau says ...

"I'll tell you right now: no way a guy with the name Shia LaBoeuf is going to be the next star."

Yeah, he needs a normal name like Keanu, Joaquin or Humphrey.

Posted by le corbeau at July 4, 2007 4:16 PM

comment #10

Ms. M says ...

Keanu, Joaquin, and Humphrey did all have very bad first names for stars. But they had easy to pronounce last names, which LeBoeuf certainly does not.

I don't see him as a star unless he matures both well and quickly. He will have success in young adult parts, but he can only keep playing those for a few more years. Then what? But growing out of boyishness is not impossible - DiCaprio seems to have done it in the last couple of years.

Posted by Ms. M at July 4, 2007 4:24 PM

comment #11

Noah says ...

This is one of the dumber things that Wells has posted. Tell me the last time Bill Pullman opened a movie (by himself) that grossed 80 million dollars. More than anything, though, Shia has a ton of charisma and people just like him (maybe not you, Wells, but most people) because he carries himself quite well, especially in comparison to the Lindsay Lohans of the world. Hopefully he makes the right choices, but you can't blame him for taking the lead role in a huge summer tentpole film exec produced by Spielberg when he's a 20 year old kid trying to hit it big.

Posted by Noah at July 4, 2007 4:25 PM

comment #12

lazarus says ...

Yeah, people went to see Disturbia because they heard "Shia LeBoeuf" was in it. Right. Every once in a while a thriller or horror film with no obvious selling points breaks through and does well at the box office. Usually it's because it's something a bit different and gets good word of mouth. While Shia can certainly be complimented for contributing to the successful film, don't make any wild claims as to his ownership of it.

And it's already been said, but Keanu is a lot easier to swallow when it's followed by Reeves, a pretty common name. Joaquin ain't so uncommon either, and it kind of helped that his surname was shared by his brother, a pretty famous dead celebrity. As for Bogart, you're kidding, right? I imagine Humphrey didn't sound as funny in the late 30's as it does now.

I also doubt that the people who thought Transformers was awesome think he had anything to do with it. Put LeBoeuf in a romantic comedy and see if people come running because "It's the guy from Transformers and Disturbia!"

But hey, when I made a solid argument I didn't expect people to come up with much in response except delusional bullshit, or comparisons that aren't even close.

BTW Dellamorte, in no way is the new Indy film bigger than Jurassic Park. No way. It's long awaited and part of a huge franchise, but the original dinosaur film was a phenomenon that was only matched in popular hype by The Phantom Menace. It also didn't have to live up to massive expectations, either. There is no moment or shot from Indiana Jones that is going to contain the awe of showing audiences CGI dinosaurs. Spielberg will never make a "bigger" film.

Posted by lazarus at July 4, 2007 4:49 PM

comment #13

Moneypenny says ...

Wells, that's pretty silly-- even for you. Are you drunk right now? Why are you so bitter?

Posted by Moneypenny at July 4, 2007 4:55 PM

comment #14

nyscreenwriter says ...

that Ralph Fiennes is in trouble too.

Posted by nyscreenwriter at July 4, 2007 5:12 PM

comment #15

cinemascopian says ...

I've seen Transformers. It's not so much a dumb movie as it is a movie a the stupidity of America, circa 2007. As such it's even quite clever and to a point even satirical, more Spielberg than Bay. It's also great fun. But the shocker, Jeff: Shia is phenomenal in this movie, sweet, clever, really appealing, he is saving the movie, carrying its weight on his charm and wit. He'll be huge after this. And quick, someone get him to play Depeche Mode's frontman Dave Gahan in a biopic. They are like identical twins (or at least Shia looks exactly as Gahan looked when he was 21).

Posted by cinemascopian at July 4, 2007 5:14 PM

comment #16

dre says ...

another embarrassing post. his stock is lower now than disturbia? where do these thoughts come from? you got it...crazy pills.

Posted by dre at July 4, 2007 5:20 PM

comment #17

erniesouchak says ...

The name is a problem, but who knows -- maybe he will be more interesting than Tom Hanks. It's not hard to imagine.

Posted by erniesouchak at July 4, 2007 6:33 PM

comment #18

Noah says ...

Shia LaBeouf has a strong following amongst young people because of his work on the Disney sitcom "Even Stevens", which is similar to Tom Hanks toiling for a while on "Bosom Buddies".

Posted by Noah at July 4, 2007 6:48 PM

comment #19

truefaith says ...

I wouldn't be surprised if Shia LeBoeuf makes it big because of one little factor that not many people have hit on yet: he's damn talented. He was good in "The Greatest Game Ever Played" and considering the role that he was given, equally good in "Disturbia." Not only that--he appears to be liked in Hollywood. According to imdb, Jon Voight is his second father and Steven Spielberg seems to have taken a liking to him too. (I wonder if he's broken into Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's circle via Jon Voight?) Finally, the guy is level-headed. I bet he won't be like Lindsay Lohan and show up to the set late and wasted.

Posted by truefaith at July 4, 2007 6:51 PM

comment #20

JaySmack says ...

I don't care what his name is, a dork by any name is still stupid. And wasn't his fifteen minutes of fame up ten minutes ago? I don't care how much money Disturbia made, it barely overperformed, and isn't anywhere near a blockbuster. why that movie is touted as proof-postive he's some sort of phenom is beyond me. Howard Stern's Private Parts made over 100 mil by the end of it's theatrical run, is Stern a great actor now too?

Shia LeBoof's no great talent, it's just that Spielberg took him under his wing and is clearly trying to manufacture a career for the guy. Hell, if Kevin Spacey had gotten this kind of backing this early in his career he wouldn't have had to wait until The Usual Suspects to get noticed. Show me how Shis fares with St Spielberg pimping him THEN I'll believe he can stand on his own two feet.

And Jeff is right, This guy is NOT the next Tom Hanks. He'd need depth, talent and to not have such a funny-looking face. He'd also need range and subltely. This kid's as subtle as a jackhammer. I wouldn't call him the next Bill Pullman, maybe the next Jeff Daniels...if Daniels were more annoying and less talented.

Posted by JaySmack at July 4, 2007 7:56 PM

comment #21

Wrecktum says ...

Having Jon Voight as a creepy daddy figure hasn't helped Skyler Shaye.

Posted by Wrecktum at July 4, 2007 7:56 PM

comment #22

scooterzz says ...

i've been interviewing this kid since 'even stevens' and have always been impressed with his humor, charm and (yes) talent....he's had a major hit disney series,he starred in the hit movie version of an iconic young adult novel, he charmed the socks off letterman's audience a few days ago, he's starring in what will probably be this summer's biggie, he's gonna be in 'indy 4'....he started out playing the 'geek' but he's totally buffed out and looks pretty good (at least he did a couple of weeks ago).....oh, and he's not yet 21....just out of curiosity, what was your latest accomplishment jaysmack?

Posted by scooterzz at July 4, 2007 8:50 PM

comment #23

le corbeau says ...

This fixation on his name reminds me of something an ad guy I knew used to say about the importance of the right name for your brand. Which was, if it's so goddam important, how come the bestselling jeans have a Jewish name, the cigarette for cowboys is named for an English duke and everybody's favorite soft drink is named for a narcotic? If he's good he'll make it as a star. If he isn't, he won't. Fixating on his name is silly-- we live in an age when something called The Rock can get top billing, why should an actual name be a problem?

Posted by le corbeau at July 4, 2007 8:50 PM

comment #24

EDouglas says ...

"five years from now he'll be the new Bill Pullman."

Wow, Jeff, you really know how to hurt a guy. If Shia commits suicide in the next five years, I'm totally blaming you. :) (Sorry, I'm in a particularly dark humor mood, and I guess that might be too dark for some)

I interviewed Shia for Greatest Game Ever Played and I wasn't impressed with him in the movie or at the interviews..but I met him right after seeing Disturbia for the first time and a few times after and the guy really has blossomed. He really has gotten himself a certain charm and nice guy humor that's very much like Tom Hanks in his early days. If you compare Hanks' early movies to Shia's and then see some of his more dramatic moments in Disturbia, you can see that he really does have something. I honestly think he's on his way.

Posted by EDouglas at July 4, 2007 9:04 PM

comment #25

scooterzz says ...

i thought he was really good in 'greatest game' but, you're right, he was in a snarky/snotty mood for the interviews...but, he was a kid and seems to have been schooled since then....

Posted by scooterzz at July 4, 2007 9:35 PM

comment #26

D.Z. says ...

nyscreenwriter: Going from Schindler's List to Maid in Manhattan would be considered a career-killer to most...

Noah: Bosom Buddies wasn't a tween show, though.
And Hanks wasn't a teen idol. He wasn't even pegged as an "it" guy off the bat. At best, he probably ranked fourth in awareness after the SNL comedians, John Candy and Robin Williams. What eventually made him successful was taking on more high-profile films with heart. Shia's just taking the money, and even if he's got his act together, he could still get typecast if he doesn't play his cards right.

true: He might be talented, but if he wastes his time on b-movies like Disturbia and Transformers, he could be another Corey.

Posted by D.Z. at July 4, 2007 9:50 PM

comment #27

erikwithak says ...

i cannot stand him. there's this thing certain people have called "punch face" wherein you wish to consistently be punching them in the face... dude has some major punchface.

secondly, transformers, no matter how big it may be, is a resounding piece of shit. and make no mistake, i desperately wanted to enjoy this movie. i wanted it to be big and dumb and stupid but I also wanted it to be entertaining... I didn't think Michael Bay could make a movie about Giant Robots kicking the living hell out of each other boring but he did. I got bored. That's the biggest sin of all for a movie like this.

Posted by erikwithak at July 4, 2007 10:03 PM

comment #28

scooterzz says ...

with all due respect, dz.....he's still a kid...and he is talented....and b-movies are a swell training ground....but to call 'transformers' a b-movie is to not understand what the term means.....

Posted by scooterzz at July 4, 2007 10:04 PM

comment #29

BurmaShave says ...

DZ Ralph Fiennes had a big comeback in the Fall of 2005 with THE CONSTANT GARDENER and as Voldemort. Doesn't everyone know that? He's back in the game.

And as scooterz said, to call TRANSFORMERS a b movie is absurd, and an insult to b movies.

Posted by BurmaShave at July 4, 2007 10:27 PM

comment #30

BurmaShave says ...

By the way, no one seems to have mentioned it yet, but the cover of Vanity Fair for a rising star is death. I'm surprised his agents let it happen. It's seriously the Madden NFL cover of Hollywood. McConaughey, Gretchen Mol...

Posted by BurmaShave at July 4, 2007 10:29 PM

comment #31

D.Z. says ...

Burma: "DZ Ralph Fiennes had a big comeback in the Fall of 2005 with THE CONSTANT GARDENER and as Voldemort. Doesn't everyone know that?"

Nope, since no one saw the former, and kids watch Harry Potter don't know who he is, anyway. Hell, I'm just content there are still people young enough to recognize John Cleese.

As for Transformers, the fact that it's being compared to ID4 and Godzilla at BOM makes it a b-movie.

Posted by D.Z. at July 4, 2007 10:40 PM

comment #32

BurmaShave says ...

You really just need to stop. Please stop.

Posted by BurmaShave at July 4, 2007 10:47 PM

comment #33

scooterzz says ...

ummm.....i have a slight problem with your bs post (how appropriate is that!?)...i did suggest that to call 'transformers' a b-movie is absurd...i never said, however, that it was an insult to b-movies...

Posted by scooterzz at July 4, 2007 10:48 PM

comment #34

BurmaShave says ...

I didn't mean to imply you said it was an insult to b movies. I just meant to quote you on the first part. I'm calling bs on your problem with my bs post about your b movies quote.

Enemies all around me!

Posted by BurmaShave at July 4, 2007 10:53 PM

comment #35

christian says ...

JP might have been a brief summer phenom, but in no way has it displaced indy jones in the cultural consciousness.

ergo, indy bigger than dino.

Posted by christian at July 4, 2007 10:55 PM

comment #36

Moneypenny says ...

D.Z. = Dick Zit.

Man, you've got a LOT of time on your hands.

Burma: you're definately on to something about the cover... It actually made me think that Gretchen Mol completely got the shaft due to it. "...Bettie Page" is an uneven movie at best, but the girl really showed that she can act in that film. Its sad because I've always liked her... especially in the astonishingly underrated "The Shape of Things".

Posted by Moneypenny at July 4, 2007 11:00 PM

comment #37

BurmaShave says ...

Yeah she definetly got the shaft. I was about to say she's having a comeback, but as D.Z. would say, nobody saw it and the kids don't know who she is. Because of course visibility within the industry means nothing.

Posted by BurmaShave at July 4, 2007 11:07 PM

comment #38

PanTheFaun says ...

1) "Transformers" is a tremendous piece of shit, and not a fun one.

2) Despite the funny name, and playing the same character in every film so far, LaBeaouf will inexplicably become a big star/box office draw.

Posted by PanTheFaun at July 4, 2007 11:18 PM

comment #39

Moneypenny says ...

Mol needs a (can't believe I'm saying this...) a tentpole movie (and not something along the lines of "The Thirteenth Floor"). I can see where her agent was trying to get her into indie films and build up a sort of cred based on that... but its not working. Aside from "Shape" mostly every movie she's done has been crap.

Again, can't believe I'm saying this... but I'm hoping someone will cast her in a horror film so she's get herself some recognition with the masses.

Posted by Moneypenny at July 4, 2007 11:29 PM

comment #40

Silverscreenvideos says ...

The reason that Transformers works as well as it does is because of LaBoeuf. He puts humor and humanity into the role and makes the film a lot of fun to watch. In most CGI-fests, we endure the expositional scenes as necessary time killers until the next big set piece. Here, they hold their own with the robotics. I predict that Transformers will be the one summer film to have any legs because people will be willing to go back and see it again because of him.

Comparing LaBoeuf to Bill Pullman, who didn't get started in films until his 30's and whose first decade of work produced two leads of any note, Spaceballs and The Serpent and The Rainbow, neither of which he could turn into a hit. LaBoeuf will make Transformers a big hit, and he turned a piece of by-the-numbers PG-13 teen horror Rear Window ripoff into practically the only hit of the spring. And to top it off, he gets the plum role of any newcomer. I guarantee you that LaBoeuf will fare better opposite Harrison Ford than Justin Long did opposite "mentor" Bruce Willis in Die Hard 4.

Transformers is fun to watch, the best of the big summer films by far. It's no classic, but it's so much more entertaining than it easily could have been. And LaBoeuf also had another entertaining film, Surf's Up, no hit, but better than Shrek 3.

LaBoeuf has made some shrewd choices that capitalize on his character strengths. It's hard to say what his acting range is because he hasn't had a huge range of roles, but he's handled what he's been given.

The reaction to LaBoeuf is similar to that given Leonardo DiCaprio a decade ago. For some reason, a lot of men feel threatened when a young actor who they don't consider macho enough has a lot of women ga ga overhim. DiCaprio had this presence and LaBoeuf has it now. Some of the guys who want to punch his lights out could probably get parts in his films playing jocks with names like Biff and Turk or, in Transformers, Trent.

Posted by Silverscreenvideos at July 5, 2007 12:40 AM

comment #41

D.Z. says ...

Silverscreen: Actually, Dicaprio was taking on the serious roles. He didn't get into genre films until Titanic. And the teen idols we hated back then were Ryan Philippe and Freddie Prinze Jr. But thankfully, Reese dumped the former's sorry ass, while the latter's fifteen minutes ended a long time ago. With the exception of The Aviator, I wasn't a fan of Dicaprio, or his films, but I admire him for taking on meatier parts than the competition.

Posted by D.Z. at July 5, 2007 1:02 AM

comment #42

Ogami Itto says ...

Wasn't Zach Braff supposed to be the New Tom Hanks?

Posted by Ogami Itto at July 5, 2007 2:10 AM

comment #43

Moneypenny says ...

D.Z. just shut the fuck up... DiCaprio was taking on seriously roles? He didn't take on genre films until Titanic? How's "Quick and the Dead" for ya?

Christ, you are SO fucking annoying. If you took half the time you spend on this site and dedicated it to something worthwhile... the world would STILL be fucked.

Posted by Moneypenny at July 5, 2007 2:47 AM

comment #44

aspiringcrackaddict says ...

Did shia fuck some of your wives? How can you hate and dismiss someone based on his name?? pretty silly, I thought I was the crack addict on this site.

Posted by aspiringcrackaddict at July 5, 2007 3:52 AM

comment #45

EOTW says ...

Braf is the new Garry Shandling. Although, I think that's an insult to Garry.

Posted by EOTW at July 5, 2007 4:25 AM

comment #46

wayne76 says ...

Whoa, whoa, let's keep the wives and Garry Shandling out of this. Shandling did The Larry Sanders Show. He doesn't have to answer to shit.

Carry on.

Posted by wayne76 at July 5, 2007 4:37 AM

comment #47

JaySmack says ...

Leonardo DiCaprio was doing Romeo & Juliet and What's Eating Gilbert Grape at this point in his career. So far Shia's done...Transformers.

If Brad Pitt had gotten half the undue (and underserved) attention Shia's getting his career would have taken off a lot sooner. LaBoof is the metrosexual poster boy for this year (Ryan Philippe was last year's) and he's maing the rounds before he is mercifuly forgotten and returns to the gaybars from which he spawned.

Posted by JaySmack at July 5, 2007 4:51 AM

comment #48

scooterzz says ...

jaysmack--calm down...toss the red bull...scroll back to the question i asked you earlier...you'll see labeouf has done more than 'transformers'......and, just for the record, do you have a problem with 'gaybars'?...jus' askin'.......

Posted by scooterzz at July 5, 2007 6:08 AM

comment #49

corey3rd says ...

He's going to be the new Jeff Goldblum.

I'm still trying to figure out why Shia wasn't cast in that Bob Dylan biopic? He's got the hair for it.

Posted by corey3rd at July 5, 2007 7:25 AM

comment #50

D.Z. says ...

Moneypenny: "He didn't take on genre films until Titanic? How's "Quick and the Dead" for ya?"

By "genre", I mean a type of film which is still commercially viable, and not just on life support.

Posted by D.Z. at July 5, 2007 7:53 AM

comment #51

The Winchester says ...

I loved Leo's meaty performances on Growing Pains, and Critters 3. Hard core acting there, with a capital A.

Posted by The Winchester at July 5, 2007 8:16 AM

comment #52

Burke says ...

I actually enjoyed Transformers. I mean, it's a fun, mindless, summer film. Not every film needs to be high art.

As for Shia, claiming he won't make it big because of his name? Look at Boris Karloff... there are tons of oddball names in film... he'll make it on talent, smart career choices and (as is usually the case in Hollywood) a bit of luck, if he's going to 'make it' at all.

Posted by Burke at July 5, 2007 8:17 AM

comment #53

Wrecktum says ...

"Look at Boris Karloff... there are tons of oddball names in film...."

Boris Karloff? That's all you can come up with? Karloff was never a star...he was a horror film character actor.

No Hollywood star has ever had a name as unusual as Shia Leboeuf. Period.

Posted by Wrecktum at July 5, 2007 9:08 AM

comment #54

BurmaShave says ...

Well there's a first time for everything.

Posted by BurmaShave at July 5, 2007 9:29 AM

comment #55

George Prager says ...

Marjoe Gortner

Posted by George Prager at July 5, 2007 9:34 AM

comment #56

Wrecktum says ...

Mamie Gummer!

Posted by Wrecktum at July 5, 2007 9:37 AM

comment #57

Mike Schaefer says ...

What's being missed here in the whole name argument, is that this isn't 1955 or even 1995 -- the under-30s don't have issues with "weird names" the way their parents did. We're living in a time when one of the most popular names for baby girls is Madison, fer chrissakes. And the typical American kid goes to school surrounded by LeBrons, LaPrells, and Shaqualeeshas.

Posted by Mike Schaefer at July 5, 2007 9:55 AM

comment #58

BurmaShave says ...

A boy named LeBron Laboeuf would undoubtably be the biggest star the world has ever seen.

Posted by BurmaShave at July 5, 2007 10:02 AM

comment #59

Jay T. says ...

He won't be a huge star for big reason: Shia LaBoeuf is too hard to remember how to spell. Hell, I just copy and pasted it for this comment.

Posted by Jay T. at July 5, 2007 10:20 AM

comment #60

sweet_billy says ...

he aint going to be a big star until he does something with that hair. he has terrible, terrible hair and doesn't know what to do with it.

Posted by sweet_billy at July 5, 2007 10:22 AM

comment #61

Arizona Joe says ...

Too many vowels, not enough consonants. And the hair is an issue. It makes him epicene in an ethnic way.

Old School progressive Jeff Wells is right on target with this guy.

Posted by Arizona Joe at July 5, 2007 10:41 AM

comment #62

DavidF says ...

sweet-billy's comment takes this tread right back to the start: Tom Hanks.

That dude has never had good hair and I haven't seen shots from Charlie Wilson's War yet but I hope he didn't persist with the look he had in the DaVinci Code....never had great hair but he went way wrong there.

Laboeuf's Jewfro puts him in good stead in that regard. And combine his low-lying Jewfro with Seth Rogen's more ambitious version and you can see that variations thereof are about to become the cool hairdo of the next 5 years.

Posted by DavidF at July 5, 2007 11:34 AM

comment #63

Ghost072 says ...

Does anyone really believe that an actor's name determines whether or not he or she becomes a star? Talent, looks, luck, timing and choices - those are the things that will truly affect whether or not Shia becomes a star, not his name.

Posted by Ghost072 at July 5, 2007 11:51 AM

comment #64

corey3rd says ...

you're not a true star until you make your Cocktail movie. A movie that the biggest effect and storyline is your shining mug.

Posted by corey3rd at July 5, 2007 12:33 PM

comment #65

Aunt Sassy says ...

Ah summer, and a bitter showbiz blogger's repressed desires turn to resentment.

Seriously Jeff, this approach didn't work with Peter or Eddie. What makes you think it will work for Shia?

They're just not that into you.

Posted by Aunt Sassy at July 6, 2007 2:21 AM

comment #66

JaySmack says ...

Scooterzz

I don't recall pointing any of my posts at you. You'll know when I'm talking to you because I'll tell you.

What I'm doing is none of your business, unless I'm doing your wife, or given the defensive tone of your last missive at me, your husband/partner.

Now, if you're through interviewing Shia for the next issue of "Out" magazine, stop trying to be an annoying pain the ass (pun fully intended) and please STFU.

Posted by JaySmack at July 6, 2007 6:32 PM

comment #67

Deege says ...

"Shy-a La-Buff" is the next big thing, despite what Jeff and some other commenters might think. He's got a legion of 14 to 20 year old girls that watched him on Even Stevens that will go see anything he's in at least twice. And they don't have a problem with his name or ethnicity. In fact, it adds to his "it" factor. The fact that he doesn't look or act like your traditional male lead makes him more accessible to them (and to their moms). They blog and post and dedicate their facebook pages to him. He, and actors like him, with "weird names" and ethnic backgrounds that aren't necessarily instantly recognizable, but with talent, and humor, and 21st Century kid next door sensibility, are the future.

Posted by Deege at July 7, 2007 3:42 PM

comment #68

t says ...

Dakota; Val; Ving; Vin; Ali; Bobcat; Whoopie; Demi; Beyonce; Ashton; Charlize. To say that an actor is not going to "make it big" due to their unique name is pure idiocy. The more original the name the more it stands out in the mind. And, that has NOTHING to do with talent!! As for Keanu Reeves, the poor man will be forever mocked. The man cannot act. He has been truly lucky in his career by working in great movies. If one were to actually pay attention to him they would not be able to get past his lack of skills. Every film I watch I hear that voice and wonder where he and his friend will be headed next in their "excellent adventure" (whoa).

Posted by t at July 8, 2007 9:25 PM

comment #69

t says ...

Shia is not an uncommon Hebrew name and his last is French. Is it up tp us to mock foreighn names because it is "unAmerican"? How strange do you think our names must be to other countries?

Posted by t at July 8, 2007 9:28 PM

comment #70