Paul Rudd shines on Parks and Recreation

For the past decade I’ve noticed that Paul Rudd has played two primary types of characters: the cuddly yet charmingly affable second choice romantic comedy lead (I Could Never Be Your Woman , How Do You Know, Clueless) or the charmingly affable stoner (Our Idiot Brother). It always annoyed me that half of the romantic comedies he starred in (or 98%) pretended he was the stereotypical guy next door. Sure, compared to James Marsden he might not have a 10-pack of steel, but compared to the REAL guy next door, let’s be honest. If Paul Rudd walked into any bar in Manhattan, he’d probably pull down 80% (if not 120%) of the numbers from the women (and men) in the bar.

I love that Parks and Rec hasn’t given him the aw-shucks-I-understand-if-the-beautiful-girl-next-door-doesn’t-want-to-date-me-because-I’m-clearly-chopped-liver role. No, they gave him a role to challenge him and let him cut his teeth on. Honestly, if a good-looking guy like that grew up in a middle-class town with an unflaggingly supportive upper-middle-class family, holds an easy charm with a side of frat boy humour, and contains a personality appealing to both men and woman, he could easily become an entitled twat. (Unfortunately, that describes most of my college friends). So, yes, it’s refreshing to see Rudd play a role he probably should have played more often.

This week, I loved watching him blandly misremember Leslie and then do what the popular jock running for high school president might do to the nerdy girl who deserves to win by asking her to “not run” and he’ll make her cool in return. Also, he looked so alive and engaged in the role, that I look forward to seeing the character again. How about you?

Clacked by An Nicholson
on Jan 20, 2012 @ 14:00 EST5EDT