We Love Us Some Kathryn Hahn

One of the films opening Christmas Day, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty has quite the dreamy cast. Fitting, given that it's a movie about daydreams. Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott, and Patton Oswalt? YES. Shirley Maclaine and Sean Penn? YES. What a team. I think I'm forgetting someone… someone who brings me joy every time she's in a movie or on a television show… someone named… KATHRYN HAHN. Whoa buddy, do I love me some Kathryn Hahn. My left hand high-fived my right hand when I read that Hahn plays Odessa Mitty, the title character's sister. You may call it "a clap" but I call it "a one person high five."

Hahn is consistently brilliant. There's something so centered about her. Even the wackiest of her characters manage to be grounded and believable. And though many of her roles may be supporting parts, that doesn't mean they aren't memorable (yes, she was a main character on the show Crossing Jordan and she was incredible as the lead in Afternoon Delight, but a lot of her roles have been minor/supporting). She has that thing that makes you want to see what she'll do next. The "it" factor or whatever you want to call it. She's just so gosh darn likable and good and hilarious. Please go look at her IMDB page. I guarantee you'll say "Hahn is so great in that" after you read each TV show and movie title. You may not realize it, but you totally adore Hahn as much as I do.

A few of my favorite Kathryn Hahn performances:

Michelle in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Stop judging. You love this movie. And you know you love Hahn as Andie Anderson's heartbroken BFF who poses as a relationship therapist. Also, remember when Kate Hudson played a character named "Andie Anderson?" Remember when that name manages to make me laugh every time I watch the movie?

Katherine Lavoyt in Girls

The confrontation between Hahn's Katherine and Jemima Kirke's Jessa is one of the best scenes in the series. Hahn wrenches all of my guts.

Jennifer Barkley in Parks and Recreation

I used to say I didn't think the Parks and Rec cast could get any better. "How can you perfect perfection? THIS IS THE PERFECT CAST," I'd mutter into my coffee. Well, I was shown exactly how you can perfect perfection when Hahn appeared as Jennifer Barkley, campaign manager to Bobby Newport. So genius.

Milly Campbell in Revolutionary Road

If you're looking to have a hearty chuckle, don't watch this movie. This movie is not a comedy. It is the opposite of a comedy. But Hahn can do anything. I remember thinking, WHOA she's in this? But it was such a good surprise. Her performance as Frank and April's neighbor is so nuanced and real.

Alice in Step Brothers

No words. Just this NSFW super cut:

You're welcome.

Image: andrewdwyer/tumblr