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Between last year's Iron Man (soon to have a sequel), his Oscar-nominated turn in 2008's Tropic Thunder, and the upcoming Sherlock Holmes (opening Christmas day), Robert Downey Jr. is officially one of the Hollywood's hottest action stars. It's the latest evolution in Downey's long and eclectic career, which began with bratty roles in '80s teen flicks such as Weird Science and The Pick-Up Artist, evolved with dramas (Chaplin, his first Academy Award nomination) and offbeat indies (Natural Born Killers, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.) For a brief phase in the early '90s, Downey even took a spin at romantic comedy -- which brings us to today's free movie.
In 1993's Heart and Souls, Downey Jr. plays a self-absorbed, commitment-phobic businessman who doesn't appreciate his fabulous girlfriend (Elizabeth Shue) because he's traumatized by the loss of his childhood imaginary friends. Little does he realize that those imaginary friends -- played by Kyra Sedgwick, Alfre Woodard, Charles Grodin and Tom Sizemore -- are actually ghosts, and they're about to re-enter his life. Downey Jr. has a week to help each of the ghosts fulfill a last wish on Earth before heading into the afterlife. Along the way, he learns to appreciate what he has--and the woman he loves. This sweet, surprisingly moving film is a great comedic showcase for Downey, who plays 4 different characters (as he's "possessed" by each of the ghosts in turn.)
And you can watch it for free! The whole movie is streaming below, courtesy of Hulu. If you don't have time for the whole thing, at least skip the 50 minute mark to watch Downey "become" Kyra Sedgwick. (Do you think they considered casting him as The Closer?)
Chime In: Will you be seeing Robert Downey Jr. in Sherlock Holmes?
