James Franco as Franco himself.

We all have our reasons for falling in love with an actor or actress. Whether it is their incredibly handsome and gorgeous self (Paul Walker, Chris Hemsworth), their award winning role in one of your favorites (Julia Roberts, Channing Tatum - haha), their sexy accent (Edward Norton), or their ability to out perform each time they're on stage (JGL, Nicholson, Jennifer Lawrence)...we have our favorites.

And then there are those who do not quite fall under these criteria. You can't really pinpoint what the hell attracts you to them. The talent weighs in at about a 5 out of 10 and attraction is a 7.5 out of 10, on a no-stache day. But there is something...it's like the pineapple and Canadian bacon on pizza - you just like it. More on some days than others.

James Franco is my unusual indulgence. I never caught the Freaks and Geeks failure, but I liked his talent in the 2002 Spider-Man movie. It was not until his appearance in General Hospital that I started to really pay attention. It was a gift having Franco star in my admitted television weakness. And then for it to be revealed that he played the fraternal twin of my favorite character on the soap - the attraction was undeniable. You really have no idea.

The actor/director/student/teacher took quite a hit when he co-hosted the 2011 Oscars. I, myself, was somewhat critical of his performance. I wanted him to win others over so that they could see what I saw in him. Videos started to pop up with "Top 10 James Franco is Stoned Oscar Moments." To which Franco responded, "I love her, but Anne Hathaway is so energetic I think the Tasmanian Devil would look stoned standing next to her." James Franco was given a once in a lifetime opportunity and it was not his cup of tea. Those who follow Franco's work should not have been too surprised by his lack of enthusiasm - he's no Billy Crystal.


The Academy isn't the only one criticizing Franco's work. The latest artist unhappy with Franco's performance - Justin Bieber. Earlier this year, Franco filmed himself lip-synching to Bieber's 'Boyfriend.' The video parody...

A silly parody makes him just like the rest of us. He's weird...and different. And people cannot accept weird and different with public open arms. He was recently invited to be the Grand Marshall of the 2013 Daytona 500.

Fans and writers said he butchered the most famous words in NASCAR. His shoutout to Danica was viewed as an intentional separation of the woman from the sport. Come on! He was giving recognition to a female athlete that had just made historic pole position! There was absolutely no disrespect meant by tweaking the drivers' command. But people don't like it when you try to get fancy or cute.

Franco is the ultimate artist in my eyes. Basic art cannot be explained. It has been said that Franco is a workaholic, always has his hands in school, movies, literature...the arts. The world truly is his canvas, and I am always eager to discover his next creation. Oz the Great and Powerful got bad reviews. Critics are calling Franco "withdrawn" and unable to sell his character as a mighty wizard. The audience isn't buying Franco's style; they don't share the same vision. I quote Oscar Wilde, "No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist." Those who do not take to Franco's work, do not share the same palette.


-bObD.