From Clueless to Ant-Man, a Paul Rudd appreciation

Clueless

We first meet Josh — dark locks and sideburns, plaid shirt and backpack — raiding the fridge. Your average law-school dude, he likes Radiohead, Amnesty International and free food. His charms are simple: winning smirk, sarcasm mixed with sweetness and flirty teasing. It's a formula that works whether Rudd's playing the boyfriend, husband, brother, best friend or a miniature superhero. 

The Object of My Affection

The flannel shirt and sideburns are gone but the backpack remains. Rudd plays George Hanson, a gay kindergarten teacher, who platonically woos a straight Jennifer Aniston with ballroom dancing (not to mention Clueless-type teasing and tickling). He's so sweet it hurts — and Aniston's Ninah falls hopelessly in love. When she asks if he misses men, he replies: "Sometimes, yeah. But I don’t miss them when I’m with you." Sigh.

Friends

Mike Hannigan is a parka-wearing East Coast version of Josh — and one of Rudd's greatest guy-next-door roles. As Phoebe's boyfriend, Mike's a former lawyer turned piano player, who's goofy, sweet and self-deprecating — although he turns seriously cocky when playing table tennis against Monica. And as in Clueless, Rudd nails the big wedding kiss scene.

Wet Hot American Summer

Rudd spoofs all his Josh-like qualities in this summer-camp satire. Andy's locks are extra long and unruly, his smirk is grossly exaggerated and he kisses with way too much tongue. Dressed in double denim and a Puka shell necklace, he's the dumb cool guy with the best lines: "My butt itches" and "You French great." 

Knocked Up and This Is 40

Pete is like a grown-up Josh except he's a music exec instead of a lawyer. Pete's got the trademark sarcasm, but is completely disillusioned and has traded sweetness for occasional meanness. Good thing for that endearing smirk. As Seth Rogen's character points out: "How can you fight with him? Look at his face, I just want to kiss it."

I Love You, Man

Forget any of that Josh-like confidence, Pete Klaven is "a girlfriend guy" who's sweet but completely tongue tied around dudes — until he buddies up with Sydney Fife (Jason Segal). After a few fish tacos, manly heart-to-hearts and epic Rush rock-outs (insert "slappin' the bass" joke here), Pete is a new man's man.

My Idiot Brother

Ned wears flannel shirts, has the same commitment to family and is a do-gooder like Josh. But his music tastes run more toward Willie Nelson than Radiohead — and he's much hairier and dopier. After being sent to jail for selling pot to a uniformed policeman, he was released on good behaviour: "I won most cooperative inmate four months running." Adorbs.

Ant-Man

Like all his best roles, Rudd's Scott Lang straddles goofy-cocky line — as he goes from doing time at San Quentin to working at Baskin Robbins to leading a herd of ants in saving the world. With his Josh-like sideburns and backpack — although this time it's full of techy gear — he's the kind of superhero who breaks mid-battle to greet his daughter with a "Hi, Peanut." Well played, Paul Rudd, well-played.

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