Terry Crews

Terry Crews has an imposing build and an expressive face, and his comedy depends on using both. The pleasure is in how readily he can make that size seem friendly, rather than in the size itself. White Chicks (2004), in which he plays Latrell Spencer, helped establish him as a physical comedian, with the timing to make a supporting part count. We like his willingness to look ridiculous; he does not treat being formidable as something that must be protected.

Television gave that warmth more room in Julius Rock, his role in Everybody Hates Chris (2005–2009), and Terry Jeffords in Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021). The latter's mixture of physical comedy and family-man warmth is a particularly good use of him. Alongside those sitcoms came Hale Caesar in The Expendables (2010), working with director and co-star Sylvester Stallone, and further parts in the series. The tendency to cast him for his physique makes sense, but it can leave the performance with little to do once he has arrived.

In Cal Brunker's 2026 PAW Patrol film, he voices Alistair Stonewall, joining a cast that also includes Jennifer Hudson. Our objection to the film is that the actors' familiarity seems to be counted on to make thin material entertaining. We were frustrated by how little the writing gave accompanying adults to enjoy. There is some dinosaur diversion, and Rex is treated with care, but neither amounts to a good reason to recommend it beyond families already devoted to the pups. A clearly told funny situation would do more than another recognisable name.

That disappointment gives us little reason to dismiss Crews's comic ability. His energy needs a situation that can support it, rather than an invitation to supply all the amusement himself. We would like more parts that make use of his warmth, and fewer that ask us to be entertained simply because he has turned up. Start with Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and do not expect his name in the credits to rescue a family film.