There's a long tradition of hot "Saturday Night Live" actors trying to find fame and future on the big screen. To say the results have been mixed is a huge understatement. After Andy Samberg exploded on the scene after the cultural phenomenon that became "The Chronic(what?)cles of Narnia" digital short, Hollywood came knocking. Variety reports that Sandberg will star as an accident-prone daredevil in the Paramount comedy "Hot Dog." The plot isn't that important (can't imagine there is much of one) -- the bigger question is whether Sandberg can beat the odds that have faced other "SNL" alumni in the movies. We all know about the superstars exceptions such as Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Bill Murray and Will Ferrell, but what about the road to Hollywood littered with not-ready-for-big-screen players? Luckily for Sandberg, he can always learn from these "SNL" alums that made the leap to the big screen.

Tim Meadows
Break: "The Ladies Man"
Downfall: "The Ladies Man"
Lesson: A popular "SNL" character designed for five-minute sketches will never work in a 90-minute movie. It also tends to pigeonhole your career (for example, Al Franken, Dana Carvey and Molly Shannon).

David Spade
Break: "Tommy Boy"
Downfall: "Lost & Found"
Lesson: If you shine as a supporting sidekick, don't pretend to be a leading man.

Rob Schneider
Break: "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo"
Downfall: "The Animal"
Lesson: It never hurts to work in a few movies that someone other than a horny 14-year-old boy might appreciate.

Jim Belushi
Break: "Red Heat" (though you could debate "K-9")
Downfall: "Mr. Destiny"
Lesson: See David Spade and then smartly consider a sitcom career.

Jimmy Fallon
Break: "Almost Famous"
Downfall: "Taxi"
Lesson: If teaming up with big female co-stars such as Drew Barrymore and Queen Latifah doesn't work, try going the indie route as a supporting player (the upcoming "Factory Girl").

Al Franken
Break: "Stuart Saves His Family"
Downfall: "Stuart Saves His Family"
Lesson: Stick to radio, best-selling books and politics.

Jon Lovitz
Break: "Jumpin' Jack Flash"
Downfall: "Trapped in Paradise"
Lesson: Don't take everything you're offered because you're afraid you may not be offered anything again. Otherwise, the next thing you know, you'll be pitching sandwiches for "Subway."

Jay Mohr
Break: "Picture Perfect"
Downfall: "Paulie"
Lesson: When you go from starring opposite Jennifer Aniston to playing the voice of a talking parrot, your movie career is pretty much over.

Chris Kattan
Break: "A Night at the Roxbury"
Downfall: "Undercover Brother" (which is actually hilarious)
Lesson: It might be funny, but if it isn't a hit, you might not find work for years.

Joe Piscopo
Break: "Wise Guys"
Downfall: "Dead Heat"
Lesson: Avoid steroids and too much time at the gym.

Further reading: Norm MacDonald, Tracy Morgan and Kevin Nealon