3 movies on Prime Video that will change the way you think about their stars

Seeing an actor cast against type can be startling and rewarding: it surprises audiences and lets performers show range. The piece cites examples like Bryan Cranston, Michael Chiklis and Leslie Nielsen and then looks to Prime Video for three films that flip familiar personas.

The Perfect Host pairs David Hyde Pierce with Clayne Crawford’s bank robber John Taylor. Pierce’s Warwick Wilson pours drugged wine, and Taylor awakens tied to a chair as a supposed party—populated by Warwick’s imaginary guests—unfolds, with John’s torment as the main entertainment.

The role plays off the familiar Niles Crane mannerisms to mislead viewers before revealing a menacing, unpredictable psychopath. Pacific Heights follows a young couple played by Melanie Griffith and Matthew Modine restoring a San Francisco multi-family house who rent to Carter Hayes, played by Michael Keaton.

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