John Travolta has had one of the amazing careers filled with ups and downs. His first film role was in 1975 and it wasn’t long before he made an impact with Grease and Saturday Night Fever. While the 80’s wasn’t his best decade with limited film roles it was Quentin Tarantino who came into his life given him a brand new chance in Pulp Fiction which put Travolta back on the map. While his career has never really reached its full potential he is one of the most popular guys in Hollywood being able to play both the good and the bad guy. I am going to pick my favorite five roles of his career, there is no Pulp Fiction, Grease or Saturday Night Fever on this list. These are not the best but these are just ones I enjoy.
5. Charlie – Old Dogs (2009)
Charlie is one of the two friends the other Dan (Robin Williams) whose lives are turned upside down when they have to look after twin children, as their business dealings come under pressure. I liked this film because it showed a new comedy level for Travolta accepting his age.
4. Frank Morrison – Domestic Disturbance (2001)
Frank is the concerned father that watches his ex-wife remarry what seems like a successful good guy only for Frank’s son to witness his darker side leading to a thriller between the two as Frank tries to discover the truth. This was a thriller I have enjoyed a few times it also has a great supporting cast of Vince Vaughn and Steve Buscemi.
3. Warr. Off. Paul Brenner – The General’s Daughter (1999)
Paul investigate crimes on military bases, in this one the General’s daughter is murdered he just figure out what is going on where he uncovers a web of conspiracies within the base and just how high does it go up. I always have a liking towards murder investigation movies and this was one of the first more adult one I ever saw.
2. Chili Palmer – Get Shorty (1995)
Chili is a mobster who ends up in Hollywood to collect debts only to find that making movies will give him more money. This is a crime comedy that really uses the character created in Pulp Fiction.
1. Sean Archer & Castor Troy – Face/Off (1997)
Sean is the good FBI agent who goes under surgery to become the villainous Caster Troy only for Troy too wake up and taking Sean Archer’s body. This is a body switching action film that really is one of the best action thrillers from the 90s and Travolta gets to play the both the good guy and the bad guy opposite Nicolas Cage.