REESE WITHERSPOON MOVIES
“The Man in the Moon” (1991) An auspicious big-screen debut by Witherspoon, as an older sister’s rival for a boy’s affection, is a hallmark of this understated drama. “Fear” (1996) A staple of cable channels, this tight and effective thriller casts Witherspoon as the object of affection for a dangerous young man (Mark Wahlberg) who doesn’t take being forbidden from seeing her very well ... to put it mildly.
“Pleasantville” (1998) The premise of modern siblings plopped into a nostalgic sitcom is ideal for Witherspoon, whose timeless, all-american look is a huge bonus here.
“Election” (1999) Witherspoon’s first standout role, a maddeningly overachieving candidate for student government president, fits her like a glove.
“Cruel Intentions” (1999) The modernized “Dangerous Liaisons” makes Witherspoon the innocent in a sinister scheme. Ryan Phillippe, the actress’ former husband, plays the young man involved. “Legally Blonde” (2001) Valley-girllike law student Elle Woods arguably is Witherspoon’s signature role, and for good reason – she’s great here. (A third movie in the franchise, which also has yielded a hit stage musical, currently is in development.) “Sweet Home Alabama” (2002) A thoroughly engaging Witherspoon plays a fashion wunderkind caught between the man who wants to marry her and the man she’s not completely divorced from.
“Walk the Line” (2005) Scarcely a doubt existed that Witherspoon would win an Oscar for her fully felt work as June Carter, wife-to-be of talented but troubled Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix).
“Rendition” (2007) This drama gives Witherspoon wrenching moments to play – and lets her match skills with Meryl Streep – as a woman trying to get her Egyptian husband freed from custody after a terrorist incident. “Four Christmases” (2008) With Vince Vaughn as her main partner in humor here, Witherspoon supplies seasonal fun in the saga of a couple reluctantly visiting various relatives.
“Water for Elephants” (2011) Witherspoon is affecting in this adaptation of Sara Gruen’s novel as a circus ringmaster’s wife who attracts the troupe’s newest employee (Robert Pattinson).
“This Means War” (2012) There’s fun to be had as Witherspoon plays a woman courted by professional as well as personal rivals, CIA agents (Chris Pine, Tom Hardy) vying to be the best at their game in every way.
“Wild” (2014) An outstanding, Oscarnominated Witherspoon holds the screen by herself for long stretches in the true story of Cheryl Strayed’s odyssey along the Pacific Crest Trail.
“The Good Lie” (2014):Witherspoon does heartfelt work as an employment adviser with a special interest in three young Sudanese men who have been relocated to Kansas City. “Sing” (2016) Even in voice only, Witherspoon is entertaining in this animated tale of a talent competition among animals.