Michael J. Fox is Back to the Future franchise to his role as a werewolf in the 80s classic Teen Wolf, Fox has a career jam-packed with memorable and classic characters.
But like any actor's resume with enough credits, Fox has some movies that today's audience may not know, some for good reason, while others seem to fade into obscurity for no real cause. It is time to give these underrated gems some attention that is long overdue.
Doc Hollywood (1991) - Ben Stone
In Doc Hollywood, an ambitious doctor takes off for California in hopes of becoming a plastic surgeon to the rich and famous. However, a fender bender in a podunk town forces the doctor to serve the colorful characters at the local hospital. Fox portrays the titular Doctor as a fast-talking and cheerful young doctor ambitious for money and glory.
While this fish out of water story is not as well known as Fox's other comedies, his ability to ingrain himself in every character he plays is on full display as he brings an affable air to the character of Ben Stone that one could not see with any other actor in the same part.
Bright Lights, Big City (1988) - Jamie Conway
Aspiring writer Jamie works as a fact-checker in New York City while leaning on drugs and alcohol to cope with his mother's death and his wife leaving him in Bright Lights, Big City. Fox stars as Jamie, who sees his life being overtaken by his hard-partying lifestyle and heavy drug consumption.
The film is not one of Fox's most famous roles but, Bright Lights, Big City and his role as Jamie helps shed a light on the hedonism of the '80s, as well as on the era's surge of cocaine use.
Greedy (1994) - Daniel "Danny" McTeague
Greedy follows the scheming relatives of rich, old Uncle Joe, who try to backstab their way into the elderly man's heart and will. Arguably one of Fox's most forgotten films, it is interesting to note that many viewers of Greedy highly regard it as a clever and even hysterical film that is deserving of hidden gem status.
In Greedy, Michael J. Fox plays Daniel, a professional bowler and Joe's favorite nephew, who the gold-digging cousins drag back into the mix to curry Uncle Joe's good favor. Fox's chemistry with the hilarious ensemble cast grounds the kookiness of the film, making the film's far-fetched situations palpable.
The Hard Way (1991) - Nick Lang
In The Hard Way, an action star wanting to gain a new cop role teams up with a hardboiled detective on the trail of a serial killer. Fox portrays actor turned apprentice Nick Lang. The character is a diva who desperately wants to be taken seriously.
Fox does a great job of showing a character that could easily be unlikable and, instead, making the role someone audiences like and laugh at. Fox has been praised for his performance in The Hard Way and the way it pokes fun at overly serious method actors. Despite critical and commercial success when it was released, The Hard Way has more or less become forgotten over the years. However, many find that it is one of Fox's funniest performances.
Life With Mikey (1993) - Michael Chapman
A former child star meets a rough around the edges but talented young girl who changes his life and revitalizes his tanking kids' talent agency in the comedy Life with Mikey. In the film, Fox is Michael "Mikey" Chapman, the has-been child star who didn't seem to ever grow up.
Irresponsible and flighty, Fox gives the character the air of a devil-may-care attitude. Expertly done, Fox shows Mikey's growth from raffish man child to determined, conscientious guardian. Even though the film did not do well with critics, Life with Mikey is easily enjoyable thanks to Fox's scene-stealing talents.
Light Of Day (1987) - Joe Rasnick
A brother and sister are torn between touring with their rock band or staying in their Ohio hometown and ing their blue-collar family in Light of Day.
Starring real-life rock star, Joan Jett, alongside Fox as the brother-sister duo, Fox plays guitarist Joe. The character of Joe is levelheaded, caring, and dedicated, the complete opposite and a counterbalance to Jett's impulsive and unruly character. The role was a departure for Fox, as it marked his first time as the lead in a drama.
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) - Milo James Thatch
Linguist/cartographer Milo s a group of explorers to find the famed lost continent of Atlantis in the animated Disney movie Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Fox plays the brainy Milo in an exceptional voice-over performance. Giving the character the idealism so often associated with his characters, Fox gives Milo an energy and verve that adds to the adventurous spirit of the movie.
The film came out at an awkward time as 2-D animation was becoming e with audiences, explaining Atlantis: The Lost Empire's modest success when it was released. However, the film is now a cult classic, with Princess Kida ranking as a fan favorite Disney character.
Class Of 1984 (1982) - Arthur
In Class of 1984, a new teacher at a troubled inner-city school and the deranged leader of a Punk influenced gang clash in an increasingly dangerous test of wills. Fox plays smart aleck band nerd Arthur who finds himself at the receiving end of the psychotic gang.
On paper, the role of Arthur would be a throwaway character. However, Fox infuses his characteristic guileless charm and earnestness into the role that the audience actually feels a connection to Arthur and genuinely cares about the character when he is faced with danger from the punks. This film was made so early in Fox's career that he is billed as Michael Fox instead of the Micheal J. Fox moniker that is familiar to audiences. Criminally ignored, Class of 1984 is one of the most underrated horror movies of the '80s.
Casualties Of War (1989) - Private First Class Max Eriksson
Casualties of War follows Pvt. Max Eriksson, a soldier in the Vietnam war, who becomes an outsider among his squad when he refuses to take part in the kidnapping and rape of a Vietnamese villager.
Directed by Scarface director Brian De Palma, the film is gritty and troubling; probably not the first words to come to mind to describe a Michael J. Fox movie. In the film, Fox portrays Pvt. Eriksson, in one of, if not the most, challenging role of Fox's career. Playing a man horrified by his platoon , Fox gives Casualties of War its conscience.
The Secret Of My Success (1987) - Brantley Foster
Despite being one of Fox's most successful films, this movie has not had the longevity and fan base that Fox's other more famous works have like, Family Ties.
However, The Secret of My Success's comedy, acting, cinematography, and optimistic spirit makes this film notable. Fox plays Brantley Foster, a recent college graduate who works his way up from the mailroom to the boardroom by posing as an executive. Brantley is a wide-eyed and bushy-tailed man from Kansas who is awestruck by the hubbub of New York City. Fox does a great job of communicating this through his acting and gives charm to a well-worn character trope.
