"Spy" is Melissa McCarthy's Best Work To Date

When Melissa McCarthy first took Hollywood by storm in 2011, it was as the loveably raunchy Megan in "Bridesmaids". The film was a surprising critical and box office behemoth, landing two Academy Award nominations (including one for McCarthy) and more than $250 million at the box office. Since then, McCarthy has proved to be a continued box office draw; her films ("Identity Thief", "The Heat" and even "Tammy") have all grossed at least $100 million.

McCarthy the actress, however, has not had a role since Megan that has challenged her. Outside of her very nuanced and solid performance in last year's "St. Vincent", she's continued to rely on the loud mouthed, not 'conventionally' attractive woman while putting a comedic spin on her weight. And while there's nothing wrong with that, it would be nice to see McCarthy flex those acting muscles we know she has.

Her third outing with "Bridesmaids" and "The Heat" director Paul Feig, is the very vehicle McCarthy needed not only to establish herself as more than a one trick pony, but a true movie star. We knew she could carry films before, but never like this. "Spy" is McCarthy's magnum opus.

Happy (Belated) Birthday Natalie Portman! 5 Quintessential Performances

Yes, it's that time of the year again: screen goddess Natalie Portman has turned another year older; 33 years old. Can you believe she's been working since she was just 12 years old?

In honor of my favorite actresses birthday (it was 2 days ago, but I've been busy busy busy), I've decided to rank her 5 best performances.

Nat's next scheduled film is the yet to be titled musical-drama Terrance Malick project (co-starring Ryan Gosling, Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Christian Bale and Val Kilmer) which is set to be out later this year (though that will most likely change, knowing Malick) and the heavily troubled "Jane Got A Gun" out early next year.

Natalie Portman's "Jane Got A Gun FINALLY Has a Release Date

It's been a long time since we've seen Natalie Portman challenge herself as an actress. After delivering the performance of a lifetime in the smash-hit "Black Swan" (and winning an Oscar for Best Actress in the process), Portman took some (much) needed time off after she announced she was pregnant with her first child. The Oscar win inspired interest in projects she had filmed prior to Black Swan's release, but were never put out to the public. Following Black Swan's success, "No Strings Attached", "Thor" "The Other Woman" and "Your Highness" were released all in 2011 right as she began her hiatus.

After giving birth, Portman (contractually) appeared in "Thor 2", while filming her directorial debut (entitled "A Tale of Love and Darkness in which she plays the protagonist's mother as well) and 2 yet-to-be-seen Terrence Malick films. Though she's been a busy bee,  it's been awhile since we've actually seen a compelling Natalie Portman performance.