Iron Man 2 is coming out soon, with Scarlett Johansson playing the Black Widow. I haven't seen the movie, obviously, so I could be wrong, but I have a hard time believing that ScarJo could kick my ass. She's just too soft and girly. It's not the first time I've had reservations about an actress playing the bad ass--I couldn't really buy Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft either; those legs look
awesome in an evening gown slit up to mid-thigh, but they looked spindly in lycra pants. Kate Beckinsale is another; I just don't think she is really intimidating. So which actresses
do make believable action heroines?
My list, in no particular order and incomplete--
Michelle Yeoh--she cut her teeth in martial arts films, and can sell the bad ass.
Summer Glau--she surprised the hell out of me in Serenity; she doesn't strike you as "powerful", but she displayed remarkable flexibility, balance and control in the bar scene.
Linda Hamilton--Famously butched up and bad ass for T2.
Michelle Rodriguez--Has that "tuff chick" vibe down to a science. She made Kristanna Loken look like a girl scout in Bloodrayne.
Carrie Anne Moss--Even knowing it was all done with wire work and camera trickery, Trinity was a believable bad ass.
Milla Jovovich--There was a time when I put her in the Jolie/Beckinsale camp; I think she's much better at "tough" now.
My number one tuff chick--
Zoe Bell--Okay, it's a bit of a cheat. She's a stunt woman first, and an actress second. But there is absolutely, positively no doubt in my mind that Zoe Bell, or any character she is playing, can kick my ass, easily; probably with one, or both, hands tied behind her back.