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2. Eddie Murphy

Someone should really put Eddie Murphy and Will Ferrell in a movie together. It would be a fascinating pairing to watch. Because while Ferrell succeeds thanks to a quality of befuddled amiability, Murphy serves up his brand of comedy with an edge of danger and ... moreeven hostility. On "SNL," his Gumby was hilarious because Gumby was angry and bitter. Grown-up Buckwheat seemed absurd but he could snap at any moment. Mister Robinson plainly stated his intention to break into your house. That edge is present in much of Murphy's best big-screen work, including "Trading Places," "48 Hrs.," "Beverly Hills Cop" and "Dreamgirls." Take the edge away and you get "Daddy Day Care," "Norbit" and "The Nutty Professor." (Sara DeBoer/Retna Ltd.)