Friends with Benefits will surely exhibit more of Justin Timberlake's comic brio, but is anyone worried that we're forgetting what's really important? I'm talking about keeping pop stars where they belong -- in melodramatic music videos. In honor of Timberlake's new film and the 2011 Video Music Award nominations, Movieline is reinspecting the careers of seven pop stars who also act, and picking their single best performances in music videos. Bring your leafy skirt, Beyonce fans.
Justin Timberlake
Best Performance: "Cry Me a River"
In Friends with Benefits, TImberlake establishes an emotions-free sexual relationship with Mila Kunis, but in "Cry Me a River," his passions were one-sided, perverse, and laid bare. As a jilted lover who invades his ex's residence, peers into her shower like a crooning Norman Bates, and films a naughty tape with a new girl, Timberlake is convincing as a vindictively unhinged paramour. The song aids Timberlake's creepiness with weird, operatic beats.
Runners-Up: "What Goes Around, Comes Around," "Gone" (with 'N Sync)
Madonna
Best Performance: "Take a Bow"
It's hard to pick Madonna's finest acting moment in music videos -- as she's veered from youthful angst ("Papa Don't Preach") to fiery revolt ("Like a Prayer") to utter solemnity ("The Power of Goodbye") -- but "Take a Bow" combines a bit of everything. Madonna insisted on a Spanish theme since she was lobbying for the title role in Evita at the time, but her performance in "Take a Bow" is somehow more commanding than her stint as Eva Peron: She's a lonely, miserable, and desperate bullfighter's wife whose isolation leads her to one memorable lovemaking session with a television set. It helps that the video (along with Madonna, here) is gorgeous.
Runners-Up: "Open Your Heart," "Express Yourself," "I Want You"
Beyonce
Best Performance: "Deja Vu"
Not all great music video performances have to be dramatic, and in the case of Beyonce (who has failed to connect on the big screen way in any significant way, thus far), her best work is in the resplendent, convulsive "Deja Vu." As she bobbles from setting to setting in slinky looks ranging from a silk gown to a tribal Josephine Baker costume, she is so compelling and ferocious that it's hard to believe the single failed to catch on like her bigger hits. An unbelievable dance video.
Runners-Up: "Lose My Breath" (with Destiny's Child), "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)
Jennifer Lopez
Best Performance: "Ain't It Funny" (original)
When Jennifer Lopez commits to ferocity, good things happen. She may have enjoyed cinematic success with fine performances in Out of Sight and Selena, but she's most compelling when she unleashes that hard-jiving Flygirl edge. In "Ain't It Funny," she undergoes a Spanish transformation (very "La Isla Bonita") and clacks it up in a major choreographed breakdown. Ja Rule, your assistance is not necessary.
Runners-Up: "Feelin' So Good," "Get Right"
Mariah Carey
Best Performance: "Honey"
Yes, Mariah is an unrepentant killer of ballads ("Vision of Love," "Love Takes Time," and "Always Be My Baby" remain unforgettable), but she was always at her best in the throes of fun and freedom. In "Honey," she plays a Ski-Doo-savvy James Bond type who evades the terrifying grasp of Eddie Griffin. Her beige bikini should've been nominated for Best Supporting Support at the '97 VMAs. If only Precious could've escaped her dour home situation on a Yamaha waverunner!
Runners-Up: "Fantasy," "We Belong Together"
Rihanna
Best Performance: "Hate That I Love You"
Controversial choice, but Rihanna's simple, sincere camera charisma elevates this video to an above-average breakup clip. And the song, a collaboration with Ne-Yo, remains one of two massively underrated songs in her oeuvre (along with "If It's Lovin' That You Want"). Hopefully she bring this level of subtlety to her upcoming role in Battleship.
Runners-Up: "Take a Bow," "Unfaithful"
Katy Perry
Best Performance: "Last Friday Night"
We're still waiting on her scintillating voiceover debut in The Smurfs, but Katy Perry already gives silly, even good comic performances in her music videos. In her newest video "Last Friday Night," she dons glasses, a denim monstrosity, and some major orthodontia to play the nerdy girl who accidentally threw the party of the year. Adorable.
Runners-Up: "Waking Up in Vegas"