Brendan Fraser’s 12 Best Performances: From ‘The Mummy’ to ‘Encino Man’

variety.com:

Clayton Davis Ahead of the Venice Film Festival premiere of Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale,” it feels like the entire world is rooting for Brendan Fraser this upcoming Oscar season.

It’s hard to recall a recent performer entering the awards race with a wave of support from industry and consumer audiences.

Instead, everyone just wants to see Fraser succeed. While we anticipate reviews declaring Fraser’s worthiness of acclaim and Oscar attention, one point should not be lost: He has always been a gifted actor and a bonafide movie star.

With his deep voice and tall stature, the American-Canadian actor began his career charming movie fans everywhere as the resurrected frozen caveman Link in 90s classic comedy “Encino Man.” He then showed his dramatic acting chops with characters like a Jewish high school student who experiences antisemitism in “School Ties” or a Harvard student who befriends a homeless man (Joe Pesci) in “With Honors.” Never holding back on the laughs, he rocked out as Chazz in “Airheads” and changed the devil’s heart in “Bedazzled.” Then, he seemed to own the world when he took the lead role of adventurer Rick O’Connell in “The Mummy” franchise.