The MovieGoer

Well, I agree, there aren't a ton of well known 30 somethings out there right now, but that's not for a lack of talent. Witherspoon has the statue and therefore the glow, she is very good and very competent, though some of her dramatic work leaves me wishing for a little more edge or exposure. If I were Mr. Svetlkey, I would remind my readers there are actresses out there who may give Witherspoon a run for her money in coming years. Claire Danes, one of the best, I think, in the biz, who hasn't found that grown up role yet; Gwyneth Paltrow, who also has a golden man, though not really for the right film, still a fine and versatile actress, Amanda Pete, can do both and is on the verge of a huge career; Kate Hudson shows promise but a lack of interest in a big career, and Jennifer Gardner, watch out, that's the total package, she has already shown range beyond most of these ladies with Alias, I look for her to continue to grow and grow. The the likes of Anne Hathaway, Kirsten Dunst and my personal favorite young actress in the 20 somethings, Natalie Portman, who is hysterical, but is rarely cast in those kind of roles, though Where the Heart is was pretty good and her two upcoming releases, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium and The Darjeeling Limited , may help that leading lady status, esp. since she's working with some more of the heavy hitters in Hollywood.

Now, I didn't read the article, blocked by the old server because its interesting and fun, but it would be remiss not to mention these fine actresses in the same breath. Reese is good, but she's still gonna have to work for it.

MOVIEGOER: You identify some quality actresses. I've been a fan of Witherspoon's work since she appeared in "The Man in the Moon" and Disney's "A Far Off Place." I think she has enormous talent. I'll agree with you about Natalie Portman, although I can't figure out where's she's going with her career. She was dynamite in "Closer" and "Garden State." I can appreciate the Star Wars work because of the money. She has several films in release this year (she's easily the Maggie Gyllenhaal of this year, and someone I would add to your list). "Goya's Ghost" has had a rough ride, but it will be here at some point. "My Blueberry Nights" received luke warm reviews out of Cannes. "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium" is either going to be delightful or dreadfully annoying. "The Other Boleyn Girl" sounds like an attractive project, but it also stars Scarlett Johansson, and she's had a string of really bad films.

Unfortunately, I can't agree with you about Kirsten Dunst or Anne Hathaway - at least not yet. Kiera Knightly, despite my personal feelings, is a superior talent at this point. Kate Hudson could be great (her Penny Lane will be remembered forever), but what's she been doing? Seriously, take a look at the films she made after "Almost Famous." "The Four Feathers," "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," "Alex & Emma," "Le Divorce," "Raising Helen," "The Skelton Key" and "You, Me and Dupree." Yuck.

It's interesting that you would say Jennifer Garner has the total package. I like her, don't get me wrong, but she always seems to have the same facial expression. I don't know. "Catch and Release" was pretty weak. But she has "The Kingdom" out in a few weeks and it looks great. If she can hang with Jamie Foxx and Chris Cooper, you may be right.

If I were you, I'd also take a look at Australian actress Abbie Cornish. She's in two outstanding indy films "Somersault" and "Candy" (opposite Heath Ledger). She's got a big role in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" and next year she stars in Jane Campion's film about the romance between John Keats and Fanny Brawne titled "Bright Star" and Kimberly Pierce's film "Stop Loss" about an Iraq war vet who refuses to return to Iraq and fight. Pierce directed "Boy's Don't Cry" and this film stars Ryan Phillipe in the title role (I admit, that gives me pause).

I like Sarah Polley as well, but we'll see what she decides to do. Her work as the writer and director of "Away from Her" was brilliant.

Brittany Murphy was very good in a film last year titled "The Dead Girl."

Claire Danes - yes, I agree. She's fabulous. I didn't really enjoy "Evening" as much as I did the book, but it was a mighty fine cast, and Danes really shined. I still think "Romeo and Juliet" was her finest work, although "Shopgirl," and a small film titled "Igby Goes Down" (which also stars Amanda Peet) was fine too.