There's a line in "Crazy Stupid Love" where Steve Carell's lovesick character wistfully refers to his wife Julianne Moore as that "perfect blend of sexy and cute." Add "hilarious" to the equation and the description is precisely what makes Kristen Bell such an irresistibly charming performer.
However, despite her winning charisma, she isn't nearly as big a star as we imagined she'd become when she was melting fanboys' hearts on her painfully short-lived girl-detective series, "Veronica Mars."
Bell, 32, headlines the action-comedy "Hit & Run" in a role specifically written for her by her on- and off-screen love, comedian Dax Shepard. Although the action comedy has received mixed reviews, one thing most critics agree on is just how genuinely awesome Bell is as a goodie-two-shoes conflict resolution professor with a bad-boy gearhead boyfriend (Shepard).
So why isn't Bell on a Reese Witherspoon or Emma Stone level of fame, and what does she have to do to get on Hollywood's A-list where we feel she belongs?
1. Better Lead Roles: Unfortunately for Bell, her two leading performances were in the forgettable "You Again" and the even more forgettable rom-com "When in Rome." Although she has shined in supporting performances ("Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and TV's "House of Lies"), she needs to remind directors and casting agents that she's still leading lady material.
"I don't think she's gotten a major role — aside from 'Veronica Mars,' which obviously wasn't major enough — that really speaks to her talents," says Jen Chaney of the Washington Post's Celebritology. "I feel like Bell suffers from the Anna Faris problem — she's a very pretty actress who has the potential to sparkle in comedies but doesn't seem to find the roles that push her to the next level."
Also check out: Q&A with Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard on Committing 'Hit & Run'
2. More Comedy Please: Clearly Bell has proven her comedic chops, but somehow she hasn't gotten the kind of cred that Mila Kunis and Emma Stone have — a reputation that lands those ladies a variety of funny lady parts.
"I would like to see her flex her comedic muscles more often, like in a good teen comedy like 'Easy A' or in a good romantic comedy like 'Crazy Stupid Love.' No, it's not a coincidence that both movies I mentioned are Emma Stone specials; Bell and Stone have a lot of similarities in the lovely and just-plain-likable categories," says Kara Warner of MTV News.
3. Join Prestige Ensembles: There's nothing wrong with producing and starring in a labor of love like "Hit & Run," and obviously Shepard has a keen eye for highlighting what makes his fiancee a genuine joy to watch on screen. But Bell should get on the radar of a respected auteur so she can join some festival opening, award-worthy ensembles.
"Bell also is a dramatically trained actress. Some supporting turns in films helmed by actorly directors — a Clint Eastwood or a Paul Thomas Anderson, someone who routinely gets good performances from his or her casts — would also be a great boost for her," Chaney says. "She doesn't have that one film on her resume yet that gives her the clout she needs to get some of those kinds of roles."
4. Pretty (Every)Woman: Standing at 5-foot-1, Bell is a tiny actress in a sea of Hollywood Amazons, but that shouldn't be a reason to discount her as a fabulously fierce performer. "I think in a glut of gorgeous female leads she absolutely holds her own and even stands out as someone unique, most of all because there's something about her that's accessible and empowering," says Jen Doll of The Atlantic Wire.
Warner adds that Joss Whedon would make a good collaborator to highlight Bell's smart-ass, kick-ass qualities. "I think she'd be great in anything written/directed by Joss Whedon. I'm not talking superheroes necessarily, but if anyone knows how to work with and write for smart, independent, witty women, it's Whedon."
Bell is so supremely likable she manages to endear audiences even when she's being bitchy, and that's a difficult feat. She can play sassy, sweet, whip-smart and slightly intimidating but never overwhelmingly so, like Angelina Jolie or Charlize Theron. "You're a little bit in awe of and afraid of her, but you also really just want her to be your best friend," Doll explains.
And while we don't expect to be added to Bell's speed dial any time soon, we do fully expect her to land a film role as suited to her as her breakout performance in "Veronica Mars." Hopefully, it'll be sooner rather than later.
