12) Rita Vrataski – Edge of Tomorrow
It’s a sorry state of affairs over in Hollywood when one of the main critical praises of a movie is the presence of a strong female character. Shouldn’t that be the case for all movies? No?
Well, our list here certainly makes a case for everything female AND badass – and Edge of Tomorrow star Emily Blunt is the embodiment of such a description. Rita – aptly nicknamed the Angel of Verdun for her heroics on the battlefield – is both a mentor and an obstacle for Tom Cruise’s protagonist to overcome. She also kicks some serious alien butt, though that’s beside the point. She’s unwavering in her dedication to the cause and unflinching when it comes to putting a bullet in Cruise’s head – obviously, because she knows he will reset himself, but it’s great to see that conviction.
Her character in Looper was similarly strong and it is because of these two roles that Blunt has started making waves in the acting community. Despite being beautiful, she is shying away from roles that rely completely on her looks and is taking on projects that test her resolve and acting ability – may we see more of her in this light in the future.
– Dale Barham