The Rat Pack 2010?

In the years after World War II, Americans had had enough of the rules. After so much sacrifice, it was time to have some serious fun. And fans turned to Hollywood Stars who knew how to do it right. Through them, we could live out our own dreams of thumbing our noses at convention. Thus, The Rat Pack was born.

The lucky, talented 5 who broke through on a level never seen before, ran with the privilege and milked it for all it was worth for decades. But we’ve never seen their like since. Shadows of their greatness have been hinted at with bunches like “The Brat Pack” in the ’80s and “The Frat Pack” in the last decade, but the douchebags who populated those classes didn’t really have the juice. Whose couch is Judd Nelson crashing on this week?

That’s why we hope the New Studio System can revive the glory days when Hollywood actors made their own rules and burned through them just as fast. We’ve got our eye on these 5 guys who, just maybe, might relight the flame in 2010 and beyond. Check ‘em out.

The Leader

Frank Sinatra was a natural for the role, since he’d been the undisputed star of the world from the first time he hit the stage at the age of 19, and would be until he left it in his 80’s. Zac Efron rules that spot right now, proving he can act as well as sing and dance. Let’s just see if he can shake the Disney goody-two-shoes image as he grows into the slot. He just hit legal drinking age last year. That’s a start.

The Crooner

Dean Martin never caught on as big as Sinatra, even though he was a world-class entertainer himself. That probably helped, since Frankie loved to hog the spotlight. Chace Crawford certainly has the heartthrob looks to steal away the Boss’ babes, and when he stars in the remake of Footloose next year, his well-proven dancing skills will be sorely tested. But can he sing? We’ll find out.

The Entertainer

Sammy Davis, Jr. had to endure some pretty stiff ridicule for tagging along with this bunch when he first started slumming with the Pack. But after audiences got a look at him getting and giving just as good, everybody shut their traps. He simply was the best all-around entertainer of the 20th Century. Those are big shoes to fill, but Elijah Kelley should be up to the task. He’s just been cast to play the man himself in a film opening next summer.

The Sidekick

With all that musical talent crowding the stage, an audience could happily wait for a good belly laugh. Although the Big 3 were no slouches in the comedy section, Joey Bishop never minded playing the funny-looking Fop who snagged some of the best lines in the act. Just the kind of role Michael Cera was born to play. The slightly geeky-looking funny guy who might just end up with the girl in the end. So far, so good.

The Dork

Peter Lawford got the least attention in The Rat Pack, and rightfully so. Included more because of his Kennedy Family connections rather than any real talent, he slowly dwindled from the action until he quietly slipped away. Nobody noticed. Maybe Ryan Reynolds can turn that skill to his advantage by using his smashing good lucks and understated comedic skill to round out the new Rat Pack and take the Lawford role to the next level. King Rat anyone?

Good Luck Fellas!

Here’s to the ‘010’s…