For many fans, Jon Hamm will always be remembered as Don Draper in Mad Men. Hamm has been working steadily in the film and television business for years before landing the lead in the acclaimed series, but he became a massive star playing the mysterious advertising man.
Since the series ended, Hamm has been focusing on his movie career. While he seems like the ideal leading man, Hamm has shown he’s willing to be a part of the ensemble when needed and seems comfortable in a variety of genres. This has led to him appearing in some interesting projects. Here are Jon Hamm’s best roles, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Space Cowboys (78%)
It’s interesting to see such a recognizable star as Hamm popping up in bit roles early in his career as he does in Space Cowboys. The adventure film stars screen legends Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, and James Garner as aging former astronauts called upon for one more mission in space. Hamm has a tiny role as a pilot.
The movie may not have the most plausible premise, but critics seemed to find it a fun ride. The space adventure aspects of the film were pointed to as surprisingly effective and the iconic cast has a lot of fun sharing the screen.
The Report (83%)
The Report has only been released this year and is already one of Hamm’s most acclaimed films. The thriller is based on real-life events concerning the Senate Intelligence Committee investigating the United States’ use of torture in interrogations following the 9/11 terror attacks. Hamm plays White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough.
Critics praised the film for its handling of a particularly dark period in American history and the way it addressed these hard issues. The solid cast helps this sobering tale and the script presents the matter in an extremely compelling way.
Kissing Jessica Stein (83%)
As Hamm was still looking for his big-break he found interesting work in the indie film world. Kissing Jessica Stein is a small romantic comedy about a woman who is desperately trying to find the right man but suddenly finds herself interested in another woman. Hamm plays one of her would-be suitors
The light and breezy comedy seemed to work its charm on critics. While they noted that it wasn’t anything groundbreaking, many critics enjoyed it for its wittiness and likable cast of indie actors.
Beirut (83%)
Hamm has never been shy about taking roles in films with challenging stories. In Beirut, he stars as a former US Diplomat who is recruited by CIA operatives to negotiate for the life of his friend who was taken captive in hostile territories.
The thriller allowed Hamm to show off his leading man skills and critics were quick to praise him for his strong central performance. The film itself was also applauded for its tense and complex story that is well-told and gripping from beginning to end.
7 Days In Hell (86%)
Hamm’s distinct and authoritative voice can be put to great use in voice-over roles. Although this is an admittedly silly story that utilizes his impressive vocals. Hamm serves as narrator for this ridiculous and over-the-top mockumentary about a legendary match between two rival tennis players, played by Andy Samberg and Kit Harrington.
The film is not shy about completely embracing the insanity of the story and critics were largely appreciative of that. The film, while bizarre, provided some truly laugh-out-loud moments and hilarious performances from its all-star cast, especially Samberg and Harrington.
Marjorie Prime (90%)
Hamm has appeared in some high-profile projects, but he often seeks out smaller films as well. Marjorie Prime is a science fiction drama set in a future in which an elderly woman is able to connect with a hologram of her deceased husband and revisit for memories from her past.
Critics applauded the film’s ability to tell quite an ambitious story in a relatively small and intimate way. The performances from the cast were praised for adding a lot of heart to this moving story of memory and love that has some insightful things to say.
Bridesmaids (90%)
Hamm has proven he can be extremely hilarious when he embraces his goofy side. He didn’t get to do it much on Mad Men, but he really went for it in Bridesmaids. The comedy stars Kristen Wiig as a woman jumping from disaster to disaster while serving as maid of honor for her best friend’s wedding. Hamm has an uncredited put significant role as Wiig’s obnoxious friend with benefits.
Wiig’s script was praised for avoiding clichés and delivering huge laughs throughout. The cast of gifted comedy actors were also given credit for bringing a lot of life to the movie, especially Melissa McCarthy in a star-making role.
The Town (93%)
Hamm has a talent for playing authority types and isn’t afraid to be unlikable. In The Town, Hamm stars as an FBI agent tracking down a daring thief (Ben Affleck) and his crew who are planning a major heist in Boston.
For Affleck’s second feature as a director, he continued to prove his skills behind the camera in the minds of critics. His slick directing and tense storytelling coupled with fine performances from a very strong cast made for a thrilling and entertaining crime film.
Richard Jewell (93%)
Richard Jewell is Hamm’s latest film which hasn’t even had its wide release yet. But the Clint Eastwood film has already been praised by many critics. The film tells the true story of a security guard who discovered a bomb in a park and helped save people’s lives only to later be considered a suspect.
Critics called this film a return to form for Eastwood as a director who takes a simple and intimate approach to the captivating true story. The impressive ensemble also received a lot of positive reactions, especially Sam Rockwell and Paul Walter Hauser as the titular character.
Baby Driver (93%)
Edgar Wright is a filmmaker who seems incapable of making a dull movie. Baby Driver continued his hot streak with an inventive and fun crime comedy. The movie follows a getaway driver named Baby, who uses music to help him drive. Hamm plays Buddy, a cool but threatening criminal who joins Baby on his heists.
Once again, Wright’s high-energy style of filmmaking impressed critics immensely. The soundtrack also got many special mentions along with fun action sequences and funny script.
