and Again, ......... -- Part 3

Tell you what, I found it's just a very good way to learn english, seeing posts that attract you, make you thinking and smiling, and of course getting used to the language.

It's probably something similar to "Conor Oberst syndrome"- a guy who is thoughtful and emotionally vulnerable in an artistic/theatrical way is like a lightning rod for sympathetic women. "Macho" guys don't get this and are annoyed because they feel like these guys aren't "playing by the rules" and they seem to be getting girls by being more like them. Now I could speculate on what causes that (ie, childhood, upbringing, traumatic experience/sensitivity/spirituality) - but really, the question was much simpler, and my answer is that James and people like him tap into that instant nurturing instinct many of us have- the ability to sympathize. Why is it you don't have that? Maybe you're more focused on being competitive than empathetic. Yeah, James is a fine actor. But what puts him on a level beyond even a great actor is his emotional immediacy- something very rarely seen on screen, and something which requires (as others have said before me) an incredible capacity for selflessness, which in itself is practically Messianic lol - he is the sacrificial lamb, and we get it.

I'VE GOT YOUR INTELLIGENT RESPONSE! Initially, I was wondering the same thing as you - "Who is this guy, and why is he in everything all of sudden? It's not like he is gorgeous." But then I saw him in "Wanted". I think that the story of Wanted called for an ordinary man. It wouldn't have worked if the guy had been amazing looking - he needed to be the everyman who could transform into something amazing. And I think he pulled that off well. Sometimes appeal is hard to quantify, but some people have a magnetism that transcends their appearance - not just a "great personality", but an intensity or passion, or even an internal conflict or vulnerability that makes them captivating. Maybe it's intelligence, cleverness, charm or wit - maybe it's a combination of all of those things - or maybe it's none of those things. But whatever IT is it's something that comes across on screen, through their characters, but not so much in photographs. Christian Bale is a good example of this - he is attractive, but there are alot of men are more perfect looking, yet he has this intensity that makes him compelling. An even better example is Shia Lebeouf, okay looking, but he has a charm and wit that makes him attractive. The other reason for James McAvoy's appeal, particularly to young girls, is that he has been in period piece romance movies. I think that once you get a part like that, even if you're ordinary looking, your status as a heartthrob is sealed. And that's because you see this man being passionate and romantic and loving and sensitive on the big screen for two hours and women love that crap (by the way, I'm a woman). I also think the fact that he is a talented actor adds to his appeal because he can pull off the role of the "hero" or "antihero" so believably. So here's why all of this is good news for you and your sex, Einhander211: woman like substance, not just looks. Sure there are women out there who want a guy with a pretty face or big wallet or music career, but most women go for personality - not neccessarily "nice", but interesting (funny, clever, compassionate, confident, etc...).

But what the hell is James McAvoy doing in a movie like Atonement. Wouldn't that role be more suited to someone like Orlando Bloom.
Seriously? I like Orlando Bloom, but I d on't think he would have been half as good. McAvoy was perfect in that part. He really understood the character, he suited the personality of the character, and he's a fine actor. You don't have to have a square jaw to be a convincing romantic interest. He wasn't a war hero, he was just a normal guy in love.
I also don't understand why he was cast in Wanted. He is not the action star type. Let's face it, the guy seems like a dork.
I think you've just answered your own questions. I'm sure he was intentionally cast against type in Wanted. He's supposed to be believable as a loser. Would you buy Brad Pitt as a self-pitying dork in shirt sleeves? Also, dorkiness often holds a huge amount of charm for many people.
It seems like the toughest person in this movie is Angelina Jolie. If you're the lead actor in an action movie and the lead actress is cooler and stronger than you, you're doing it wrong.
I think that's more than a bit sexist, and it's also cliche. Anyway, again, Fox was one of the people teaching Wesley. It wouldn't make sense for him to be tougher than the people who are training him to be badass. In the end he's supposed to surpass them, I suppose, but he only fails to be convincing of you cling to type-casting cliches.

There's an interesting interview with Kiera Knightley where she explains how James was cast. She said she had discussed the role of Robbie with the director beforehand and was there when James auditioned. She said they had already seen a number of auditions and that even though JM didn't necessarily fit what the director had in mind physically, James' audition left them speechless for 10 minutes. I can say personally that James' portrayal of Robbie really made this film for me. Knightley's certainly didn't. He was the emotional core of the film. idk I think we all agree that OP is being quite superficial. I mean, come on, these aren't Harlequin romances! Orlando Bloom is not a dramatic actor. None of the "pretty boys" really are... (Although, personally, I think James is quite pretty :) He just has that sort of rosy cheek angel look. w/e) I mean if you want movies populated with male and female models.... uh, you don't understand acting. Personality really trumps looks in this. I mean imagine if they started casting operas by looks rather than ability.... wouldn't that be the end of it all? I don't know why I'm ranting. If there's anything to say, I'm sure we've all said it!

now why are there 99 intelligent responses but not even a single "SHUT THE BLEEP UP JAMES IS MCSEXY" rant from some teenage girl?? let me work towards fulfilling that quota. JAMES IS MCSEXY, U @#$%#$^@! i'm a guy, and i get it. that might be because i totally want to BANG JAMES BADLY!@!! but thats beside the point. at the beginning when he's googling his name in the office, those "baby blue eyes", as he calls them, they get to you, theres just something about those eyes and the way he carries himself. i didn't even need to see the scene where he emerges from his bathtub dripping wet in only his jeans, to know that it was a major hottie on the screen. or, it could be that some people prefer something a little different other than the cookie-cutter-perfect types. one thing- i dont understand though how u feel that "alphamales" like brad, orlando, etc are infintitely more attractive/desirable to women. have u been around any lately? haven't u considered the possibility, that having to take care of their egos is kinda tiresome? hope that helps.

Dude, I'm a guy and I can see the attraction. If you watch "The Last King of Scotland" you'll see the attraction. Most guys fumble around Europe, broke, can't get laid, too drunk after college. Yet, this guy goes to Africa, a Doctor, gets a hot Black babe, and is excited about life. Now you get it....he's a winner that will make coin. That's a bigger turn on in the long run then a big dick. No chick wants to be broke, especially when she can buy king size in any porn shop. This isn't a "Bro-Mance" but what I was told when I got dumped. Start workin on your Scottish accent, my man!

OK I am not a teenage girl and I won't tell you to shut up, so here goes :) He just has a charisma that few actors his age have. Beyond the obvious piercing blue eyes and Scottish accent (swoon), it has a lot to do with the way he carries himself and presents himself. He may be of a relatively small stature, but he has a presence much larger. So many articles about him make reference to his size - how interviewers are regularly surprised to find how short he is...because he projects this aura of quiet confidence. He's incredibly expressive...despite an imperfect smile, it's just that expression that draws so many in. He's just plain INTENSE but can have a good laugh at himself, as well. Just watch any of his films - he's so committed to the roles and getting inside the audience's head. Whether he's playing a purely good human being--Robbie, in Atonement--or a "nerd"--Brian in Starter for Ten or Gibson in Wanted--or a morally questionable character--Garrigan in Last King, Lefroy in Becoming Jane, the great MacBeth in BBC's adaptation of the play, or again...Gibson in Wanted--you can't help but be intrigued by him. It's just very hard to put into words. As a hetero guy, if you don't get it, you don't get it, I suppose, and that doesn't really matter. I must say I agree he doesn't fit the "heart-throb" title that's been used...he's just handsome in a way one doesn't see too often these days :) All that matters is that you can acknowledge him as a talented actor--that's really all he'd care about, anyway ;)