Quaid, Russell, Paxton, or Pullman?

In my ongoing quest to see all the movies, I watched the science fiction classic Enemy Mine Wednesday night. Certainly it prompted many deep thoughts about war, humanity, compassion, and brotherhood, and while any of those might make for an enlightening post, I'm instead going to focus on something more shallow. I tried to think of other films I've seen starring Dennis Quaid, and while I found at least six, after looking online, I kept thinking of other “generic brown-haired white guy” actors like Bill Paxton. Sometimes, stars resemble other stars and people make mistakes. Watching the original trailer for Enemy Mine, I noticed that the announcer credited Louis Gossett, Jr. when the screen flashed a shot of Bumper Robinson. In their defense, the much younger actor, known to me from his role on Night Court and other sitcoms, was heavily made up as an alien from the same race as Gossett's character.

I've also heard that people can't always distinguish Bill Paxton from Bill Pullman. Thanks to watching Spaceballs to the point of memorization in my youth, I never had much trouble keeping track of Pullman. Paxton is a different story, and I find Kurt Russell's resume escapes me from time to time as well.

With four actors of not unremarkable talent blurring together, there's only one logical course of action available to me: a quiz. I'm going to describe various movie scenarios. After each one, can you guess whether I'm describing Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman? No prizes will be awarded, but bonus points to anyone who can name the films as well. Be warned: I'm going to be vague with some of these...

1) A brave firefighter miraculously makes contact with his son across an impossible gap.
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

2) An American college professor working in Japan steps out of his apartment for some air after a horrific discovery.
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

3) In an historically significant science fiction adventure, an army colonel takes on alien forces after venturing into unknown territory.
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

4) In an historically significant science fiction adventure, a marine private takes on aliens after venturing into unknown territory.
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

5) In an historically significant science fiction adventure, a fighter pilot befriends an alien after crashing in unknown territory.
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

6) A truck driver drives down the wrong alley, forcing him to pit stubbornness and swagger against martial arts and magic.
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

7) On a tropical island paradise, this musical entertainer is one of many potential victims for a serial killer.
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

8) He's the love interest for a girl whose best friend has an excess of body hair.
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

9) His best friend has an excess of body hair.
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

10) His best friend is a dragon with a familiar Scottish accent.
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

11) He has to compete with his comatose brother for the affections of the beautiful leading lady.
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

12) Can he cope with a new boss half his age when, amid layoffs and other disruptions, his boss pursues his daughter?
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

13) Can Steven Seagal help him retake a hijacked airplane? Steven who?
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

14) A used car salesman seduces women by telling them he's a spy. What could go wrong?
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

15) Superior alien forces are no match for this United States president. They also fare poorly against Macintosh laptops and, apparently, spears.
Quaid, Russell, Paxton or Pullman?

* * * * *

There, maybe Randy won't be the only Quaid I remember from now on...