4 Actors I Want to See in a Romantic Comedy

Leonardo DiCaprio. I've loved him since Growing Pains and I'll watch just about anything he's in. But, just once, I want him in a role where he cracks his heart-melting smile to woo a pretty lady and fumbles a little along the way. And, you know, doesn't die in some epic tragedy or end up otherwise wrecked by the time the credits roll. It makes my soul a little sad that the lightest film of his career thusfar was Titanic.

Would he be good? Maybe. He's charming, easy on the eyes and has a track record of good chemistry with most actresses. We know he can do romance, but can he deliver the comedy? I'm venturing a yes here. He's great with accents, so if all else fails, he can just throw one of those in for good measure.

Christian Bale. Brilliant actor, makes movies I love. But "why so serious?" All the time! I'd like to see him lighten up, humanize himself a little. You know, laugh?

I'm not sure he'd be believable as a romantic comedy lead, but I have faith he'd at least be memorable. Maybe it'd be a so-bad-it's-good kind of thing. Maybe he'd go ape poo on his co-star in the middle of a tender moment. I'm sure it'd be entertaining. Plus, I get the giggles whenever I picture him as the least bit hapless, romantic or vulnerable.

Sean Penn. Hey, he's funny! Remember how great he was as Ursula/Phoebe's naive boyfriend with a heart of gold on Friends? And he's definitely got screen presence. He might enjoy a breather from his usual heavy lifting, which one of my friends refers to as: "Sean Penn: ACTING!!!"

I think he'd be great in the right role — the quirkier the better. I see...a blocked writer, re-entering the dating scene after many years. I see...someone sweet but tough — Rachel McAdams, perhaps — easing the transition.

Jon Hamm. He's super swoon-worthy. Plus, we already know he's funny, thanks to his semi-recurring role on 30 Rock and his deadpan delivery of all things Don Draper.

He would be so good! Just don't throw him opposite Kate Hudson and I'm there.


You have my picks. Now, let's hear some of yours.