Image credit: MGM, Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros. Animation, Cataland Films, Starz, DI Love, Holedigger Films, Sony Pictures
She won our hearts in "Firefly" and "Deadpool" – now let's see what's next!
1. "Stargate: The Ark of Truth" (2008) Remember the Stargate franchise? This direct-to-video movie is part of that universe, and it's a rollercoaster. An interstellar team led by Daniel Jackson goes on a quest to find the Ark of Truth to defeat the villainous Ori. They time-travel to a different galaxy and eventually discover the Ark, only to learn that its activation could brainwash everyone. In the end, they use it to expose the lies of the Ori and save the day.
It's a mind-bending trip into the cosmos.
2. "Spy" (2015) Hold your horses, this ain't your typical spy flick. Melissa McCarthy is Susan, a CIA analyst who volunteers to go undercover when her partner, Bradley Fine, botches a mission. Morena plays Karen Walker, a villainous operative. She tries to sell a nuclear bomb to terrorists but gets double-crossed and killed. Susan takes down the real traitor and saves the day.
Action-packed and laced with humor, this one's a crowd-pleaser.
3. "Son of Batman" (2014) For the animation lovers, here's one for you. Damian Wayne, Batman's biological son, is trained by the League of Assassins. When his grandfather Ra's al Ghul is killed, Damian comes to Gotham to find his dad. Batman and Damian form a shaky alliance to defeat Deathstroke, who was behind the murder. They ultimately succeed, but not before Damian gets a harsh lesson about justice versus vengeance.
Comic book lore at its finest.
4. "Sands of Oblivion" (2007) Ancient curses, anyone? An archeological team discovers a buried set from Cecil B. DeMille's 1923 film "The Ten Commandments." It turns out that the set is cursed by the Egyptian god Anubis. A series of murders occur as the god awakens to seek a human vessel. Eventually, the curse is lifted when the heroes use the Staff of Ra to banish Anubis.
A cool blend of Hollywood history and mythological horror.
5. "Death in Love" (2008) This one's heavy, so prepare yourselves. The movie unfolds in two timelines: one during WWII, focusing on a woman's affair with a Nazi doctor, and another set in the '90s, honing in on her dysfunctional family. Morena plays the girlfriend of one of the sons, who are both severely impacted by their mom's past. The climax involves a chaotic family dinner that exposes hidden traumas.
It's a dark drama that delves deep into the complexity of love and deceit.
6. "Roger Dodger" (2002) Ever seen a comedy that's also kind of depressing? This movie's about Roger, a cynical advertising copywriter teaching his 16-year-old nephew Nick how to pick up women. Joyce is one of Roger's failed romantic conquests. The climax is a painfully awkward double date where both Roger and Nick try to seduce their respective dates and fail miserably. Joyce is the voice of reason, essentially driving the point home that Roger needs to grow up.
7. "The Red Tent" (2014) Not a movie, but a miniseries that's too good to leave off the list. Morena plays Rachel, one of Jacob's wives in this Biblical tale. After giving birth to Joseph, she passes away, but her presence is felt throughout. It's an epic story that spans years, covering Jacob's complex relationships with his wives and children. The crux is the sibling rivalry between Joseph and his brothers, leading to his sale into slavery.
Rich in historical and emotional layers, this one is not to be missed.
8. "Way Off Broadway" (2001) In this indie drama, Morena plays Rebecca, an aspiring actress trying to make it big in New York. The film introduces us into the lives of a group of friends, all struggling artists, as they navigate love, friendships, and their careers. Rebecca gets a big break when she's cast in a play but grapples with the tough demands of the director and complexities in her love life.
