The Ironside Awards: Supporting actors who make action movies better

I was enjoying the final act of the solid "X-Men: First Class," when an unexpected familiar face appeared. Captaining an American warship, in a role that must have lasted a combined 45 seconds, was veteran supporting actor Michael Ironside. Suddenly the theater seat was a little more comfy, the effects a little more special and the Cherry Coke a little more delicious.

Ironside has that effect on mainstream action and sci-fi movies. While I've never seen him get higher than fifth or sixth billing, he's always an asset. Just having Michael Ironside walk across the screen makes your movie 10 percent better.

History is a factor. Ironside was in "Scanners," "Top...