I’m not even sure when I first took notice of Michelle Monaghan. It might have been some bullshit tv show or movie early in her career. I know a mark was made in Gone Baby Gone before I was bulldozed by her in Trucker. Those are among my top five films from this beautiful and talented actress of Irish and German descent.

In no particular order

Trucker

2008 – I’ve seen a lot of 18-wheelers on the road, but I’ve never seen any of them driven by a gal like this.

Michelle’s character in this gritty flick drives, drinks and sexes. And what more is there, really? I haven’t seen an actress look that good in a wife-beater since Sarah Michelle Gellar in “Buffy.”

The movie was a critical hit (4 stars by Roger Ebert) and Michelle really, really should have been nominated for an Academy Award.

Gone Baby Gone

2007 – I liked this film but wouldn’t see it again, except for the Monaghan parts. I certainly agreed with her character as for the fate of that baby.

Mission: Impossible III

2006 – This movie was laden with three fantastic gals – Michelle, Keri “Felicity” Russell, and Maggie Q. Michelle has a small role in this as Ethan Hunt’s wife. But she kicks ass in it…literally. I haven’t seen part IV yet but hear she has  cameo and that her character is dead now. Bollocks to that, I say.

Source Code

2011 – Impending danger on a train in Chicago and Michelle is aboard. ‘Nuff said.

Somewhere

2010 – One of my favorite movies of that year, and of all-time. I won’t go too much into this Sofia Coppola minimalist film, but it’s a beauty. I’d like to dedicate a future post about the movie. It’s currently showing on HBO, and is what gave me the idea for this list. Michelle is only in the film for a brief few minutes but it’s memorable. I wouldn’t mind partying at the Chateau Marmont with her.

I have yet to see Made of Honor, North Country and Eagle Eye. Maybe when I do one of those will make the list. She had a  nice little part in “Due Date” and one of the best lines: “Wait, did you just say you have a perm?”