Favorite Actress of 2006

Idina Menzel played Vera Rivkin in director Robert Towne's Ask the Dust (2006). It's not an especially glamourous role nor does it help that she has an unflattering nude scene as well. But she does manage to not only make the role seem believable but to make it seem sympathetic as well. Indeed, despite sharing the screen with the likes of Colin Farrell and Salma Hayek, Idina is very easily the most memorable cast member of Ask the Dust -- and one of the few reasons I don't consider that film to be a disappointment.

Sadly, Ms. Menzel hasn't had the chance to play any memorable parts since then -- and it's especially odd to see this actress -- who has earned major praise for her singing roles in such Broadway musicals as Rent and Wicked -- to be missing from the cast of an animated musical like Happy Feet.

Perhaps she'll get a chance at a similar project in the future. Or maybe she'll get a chance at something better.

I hope so.