There is no question that when it comes to doing kind things for others and being the nicest guy in Hollywood, Keanu Reeves is at the top of the list. From anonymously donating millions of dollars to children’s hospitals over the years to always being generous enough to take time with his fans, and always being a class act with his co-stars, there is nothing bad that can be said about the John Wick star.

The humbleness that Reeves exhibits and has always exhibited is why fans love him so much. Despite his success in Hollywood, The Matrix star has never acted like a big movie star. He instead chooses to live life simply and somewhat out of the public eye. Yet, he is not a recluse, nor does he refuse to interact with fans when approached. This makes Reeves endearing to audiences decades after making a splash in Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

However, being a wonderful person does not necessarily correlate to being a good actor. Because of this, some fans marvel at the fact that Reeves has been not only cast in so many films but that most of his films do fairly well at the box office. Perhaps it is because Reeves has one way of acting that plays well for the roles he is cast in. Perhaps it is because when casting directors want Reeves in their films, it is because they want Reeves and his box office draw. But whatever it is, not all who have watched his films believe that the Speed star is worth the hype. As such, they are perplexed as to how Reeves has risen to the level of fame he enjoys today.

While fans think that Keanu Reeves is a “wonderful human being” some are on the fence about his acting ability.

Keanu Reeves “Excels At Certain Roles”

There are certain roles that many can agree Reeves excels at. As such, fans of the Always Be My Maybe star can agree that Keanu’s iconic films such as The Matrix, John Wick, The Replacements, Speed, and Constantine showcase his talents.

This is because, according to fans, if audiences look closely, a relatively similar character is portrayed in these movies. And it is as a result of this that Reeves continues to get cast in these types of roles.

“Limited range but excels at certain roles,” one Reddit user stated. “A lot of his ability to carry a movie comes from the fact that he just looks really damn cool standing around with a neutral expression on his face, being stoic and not showing much emotion. So roles like Neo or John Wick make sense for him.”

“Don’t really consider him an amazing actor but he definitely had iconic roles in great movies. Speed, Matrix, John Wick, Point Break were all very good,” another user explained.

“I think his issue is, he speaks with a natural monotone,” a third Reddit user said. “So it’s not that he’s not emoting or reacting appropriately, it’s just that he sounds flat no matter what he says.”

While Reeves has had his hits and misses, the same can be said for other celebrities who are known for excelling at some roles, while not necessarily being the best choice for others.

But as long as audiences continue to come and Reeves’ films continue to be box office smashes, he, and the casting directors are obviously doing something right.

Keanu Reeves Movies Are Successful “Despite Him Not Because Of Him”

Fans of Reeves believe that while some of the films he has starred in are worthy of their acclaim as a result of Reeves carrying the movie, others would have been a success even if the Siberia star was not in them. A fact that many actors cannot rebound from. And yet, Reeves has managed to have a decades-long career despite fans feeling this way.

“His successful movies tend to succeed despite him, not because of him,” one Reddit user stated.

A Quora user explained, “Hollywood is very conservative. If a movie makes money, they reuse whatever and whomever is in that movie as much as possible. They don’t know what made the movie a success, so they try not to rock the boat. ‘That movie made millions and Reeves was in it. I want my movie to make millions, so I’m going to try to get Reeves. I don’t care if he’s talented or not!'”

It could be the reason that fans have a hard time wrapping their heads around why some of Reeves’ movies are successful is that they are still anticipating Ted to show up and deliver lines with a Valley accent.

After all, many first discovered Reeves as a result of Bill and Ted. And with the laid-back demeanor Reeves approaches life with, it is easy to see why fans would believe this is who Reeves truly is.

As such, when fans see Reeves’ successful films as “anomalies — or viewed as successes despite his presence in them,” perhaps they have not moved past the roles that portrayed the Destination Wedding star in this light.

And maybe, just maybe, if the films are seen without the Bill and Ted lens, more fans could understand why success was had.

Keanu Reeves Is More Of A “Movie Star” Than A Versatile Actor

When Reddit fans say they see Reeves as more of a “movie star” than they do an actor, what does that really mean? The two are interchangeable titles, right? Actually, there is a very real difference between the two. And the definition could be the precise thing that has made Reeves so famous over the years.

“Actors find the character inside themselves; stars find themselves in the character. Actors work within a genre; a star is their own genre.”

What this means is that while there are certain actors who are able to constantly be believable in countless roles that are night and day of one another, regardless of genre, there are movie stars that are able to only “play one part, but with endless variations.” And if fans look honestly at Reeves’ work, this definition makes sense.

The stumbles in Reeves’ career came when it appeared that he was over-extending his acting. His successes came when the same type of character was played but with a twist. As such, perhaps, those Reddit users who say, “I view him more as a movie star than an actor,” are right on the money with their assessments.

Reeves is genuinely adored by his fans and everyone in Hollywood. As such, he continues to be hired.

As one Quora user put it, “when actors get a reputation for professionalism, it helps them get cast. They generally need some talent, too, but they will often beat-out more talented people who no one wants to work with.”

“According to everything I’ve heard about him, Reeves is both extremely professional and one of the nicest guys in Hollywood. He’s legendarily kind to everyone he’s collaborating with—cast and crew. He’s also humble and generous.”

All these things factor into having a successful career and prove without a doubt that nice guys do not always finish last.