CHRISTOPHER MELONI, Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
From David Hyde Pierce's awkward advances on Janeane Garofalo to Paul Rudd's too-cool-for-camp 'tude, this quintessential '80s-revival camp movie has many bizarre and irreverent moments. But one performance that never ceases to amaze me is Christopher Meloni's turn as the deranged camp chef Gene. Best known as Det. Elliott Stabler on Law & Order, Meloni displays a natural comedic touch with his insane non-sequiturs (''Now finish up them taters, I'm gonna go fondle my sweaters'') and ability to carry himself in an unthinkably small sleeveless t-shirt. Whether he's talking to a can of vegetables, humping a fridge, or commandeering one of the greatest ''vision quest'' montages in cinematic history, Meloni truly makes his presence felt. — Chris Schonberger
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