The situation: While he never seemed like the superstar type, Brody really needs to start being more choosy. After picking up an Oscar in 2003 for his fine work in "The Pianist," Brody's alternated between quirky small films and bigger budget misfires. Hits in the former category (like Wes Anderson's "Darjeeling Limited") bring acclaim but few bucks, while attempts at bigger films like "Predators" have fizzled. Then there's the string of barely-seen films littering his recent resume: "Cadillac Records," "Splice," "High School," "The Experiment," "Giallo," and "Wrecked." You're forgiven if the only thing you've seen of Brody in the last few years is his Gillette commercial.

Why there's hope: He was one of the best parts of Woody Allen's  "Midnight in Paris" as Salvador Dali, and leads a stellar ensemble cast in "Detachment," from "American History X" producer Tony Kaye.