I thought a little appreciation, a little respect (Erasure) was needed for the unsung movie heroes who support act on our screens, showing bravery or love and often helping to defeat the bad guy. We can’t always see them hiding behind Dwayne the Rock Johnson or Tom Fucking Cruise, so let’s remember some now.

Here are my Top Five in no particular order (and please beware of spoilers):

1. Ollie Weeks – The Mist (2007)

Why is he cool?  Ollie is a kick arse bad arse who can shoot a gun like no tomorrow. I like him because no-one expects him to be as smart or brave as he is and let’s face it, he is a rather unlikely hero. But when fighting off giant monsters from another dimension, Ollie’s rational thinking and gun skills could just save your lives. And for better or worse – he’s up for a beer.

2. Doctor – Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Doctor in Pan’s Labyrinth shows a huge amount of integrity as he bravely lives a double life, deceiving the evil Captain Vidal who believes him to be his trusted compassion. Even to his very last breath Doctor shows his class and integrity and refuses to act as the Captain wishes, losing his life in the process. A true gentleman and hero.

“But captain to obey – just like that – for obedience’s sake… without questioning… That’s something only people like you can do.”

3. Gigolo Joe – A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Sometimes help comes in an unlikely form and Gigolo Joe was a friend to David when he needed a friend more than anything else. A true breath of fresh air.

4. Kate Fuller – From Dusk till Dawn (1996)

Why movie lists of Kick Arse Female Characters always leave out Kate I have no idea. Let’s look at the facts here – she’s one of only two people (alongside Seth) who survives the night in the Titty Twister having been kidnapped and subsequently orphaned in the process. She watches her last remaining family members get chewed up, bloodied, turned into vampires and killed – and she still fights to the end.

5. Lt. Archie Hicox – Inglourious Basterds

Archie is another brilliant chap who ends up murdered for his cause. He’s fantastically British but if only he had known the German three. I like Archie because he’s classy, polite and charming and there is a real quiet confidence about him. Though not in the film for very long he is my favourite character alongside Shosanna. Even when staring death in the face he is unshakable and goes out “peaking the King’s old chap”. Marvellous.