8 Milestones in the Evolution of Jennifer Aniston

Office Space (1999)

Aniston wasn't the star of Office Space, but this film proved she could help carry a modestly successful comedy (and eventual cult classic) that wasn't a romantic comedy. Aniston plays Joanna, a server at a T.G.I. Friday's clone, Chotskies, who becomes romantically involved with an office drone, Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston). Even though she's never really made use of this post-Office Space, it also proved that Aniston can play a smaller part and have just as lasting of an effect on a film.

The Good Girl (2002)

Aniston plays Justine, a semi-depressed Texas woman who begins an affair with a younger co-worker (played by Jake Gyllenhaal). Miguel Arteta's film broke completely away from what Aniston had done to that point and, with maybe one or two exceptions (Derailed and Friends with Money), anything she would do in the future. It remains Aniston's best role, and it's a shame she hasn't had an opportunity to challenge herself like this more often.

The Break-Up (2006)

The Break-Up was hailed for doing what The Dilemma failed to do earlier this year: deliver a serious look at a relationship falling apart surrounded by comedic moments. The Break-Up is Aniston's most successful film to date where she's featured as a legitimate co-star (not playing second fiddle to Jim Carrey or a dog), but her career trajectory now seems mired in a neverending parade of poor-man's versions of what she tried to accomplish here with Vince Vaughn.

The Switch (2010)

Wait -- how can The Switch be on this list? You know what? It certainly doesn't have to be The Switch; pick any of Aniston's more recent films. Would you prefer The Bounty Hunter? Or He's Just Not That Into You? Perhaps you're a fan of Love Happens? The point is, The Switch reflects Aniston's current career rut as definitively as any other of her recent efforts, a cascade of mediocre-to-bad romantic comedies with little identity of their own. Aniston has proven she's a talented actress underserved by her career trajectory; it remains to be seen if or how Just Go With It might make any of us think differently. Don't hold your breath.

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