The John Goodman Moment: Proof the Actor Can Elevate a Film in Any Genre

John Goodman in “King Ralph” Photo: Universal Pictures

It’s happened to us all. We’re watching a movie, the plot’s moving along, the characters are taking appropriate actions for their respective situations, and then something changes. The stakes are raised. The energy is higher. A John Goodman moment has just occurred.

You know that moment: the unique burst of personality and energy that suddenly kicks a film up a notch (or 12). It’s occasionally accompanied by an inner-reaction of “Oh sweet, John Goodman’s in this!” And here’s the thing: the John Goodman Moment works in every genre, which is a true testament to the career, appeal, and versatility of the man himself.

Need proof? Here are a few examples of John Goodman Moments across seven (yes, SEVEN) different film genres.

Genre: Comedy

Occurs In: “King Ralph” (1991)

John Goodman Moment: King Ralph plays “Good Golly, Miss Molly”

See Also: “The Hangover Part III” (2013), “Revenge of the Nerds” (1984)

Genre: Romantic Comedy/Dramedy

Occurs In: “Coyote Ugly” (2000)

John Goodman Moment: Bill Sanford dances on the bar for his daughter’s bachelor auction.

See Also: “Punchline” (1988), “Always” (1989), “Pie In The Sky” (1996)

Genre: Coen Brothers Film

Occurs In: “Barton Fink” (1991)

John Goodman Moment: Madman Mundt’s rampage.

See Also: “Raising Arizona” (1987), “The Big Lebowski” (1998), “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (2000), “Inside Llewyn Davis” (2013)

Genre: Horror

Occurs In: “Arachnophobia” (1991)

John Goodman Moment: Delbert’s showdown with one clever arachnid.

See Also: “C.H.U.D.” (1984), and get excited for “10 Cloverfield Lane” (2016).

Genre: Drama

Occurs In: “Flight” (2013)

John Goodman Moment: That “Sympathy For The Devil”-set entrance.

See Also: “The Babe” (1992), “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” (2011), “Argo” (2013), “Trumbo” (2015)

Genre: Family Film

Occurs In: “Monsters Inc.” (2001)

John Goodman Moment: Sully watches Boo in the trash room.

See Also: “The Flintstones” (1994), “The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000), “The Princess and the Frog” (2009), “ParaNorman” (2012)

Genre: Silent French Film

Occurs In: “The Artist” (2011)

John Goodman Moment: The mere fact that John Goodman’s in this.

Photo: Warner Bros.

See Also: No other Silent French Films in his repertoire just yet. Fingers crossed.

There’ll be plenty of John Goodman moments in his new movie “10 Cloverfield Lane,” in theaters March 11.

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