Watch woman

I haven't seen “Watchmen” yet. But one of the things I love about these big, showy movies is that sometimes some of the very deserving, under appreciated ladies in their casts finally get some spotlight love. And, for “Watchmen,” that lovely is Carla Gugino. You know Carla, she has been acting steadily for the past 20 years. And, whether you realize it or not, she has always had a spot somewhere on your sexy list. She's the girl next door who keeps handcuffs in the dresser drawer. Gosh, who can resist that? Seriously, just try doing simple addition while looking at her in that first photo. Yep, 2 + 2 = hot damn. [Hat tip, Liz!]

Her work spans the starring role in the all-too-short “Karen Sisco” on the small screen to a varied assortment of films from kiddie stuff (“Spy Kids” I & II) to grown-up fare (“American Gangster,” “Righteous Kill”) and, yes, even a Pauly Shore movie (“Son in Law”). Along the way, she has also become a sort of go-to lesbian stand-in for movies large and small. “Jaded.” Lesbian victim. “Center of the World.” Lesbian stripper. “Sin City.” Lesbian (and naked) parole officer. “Rise: Blood Hunter.” Lesbian vampire who makes out with Lucy Liu.

Sure, not all of those films were winners (sadly I've seen them all). But Carla, well, she has always been worth watching. Here's hoping her work as the original Silk Spectre in “Watchmen” means she will finally be in more movies where we stop pressing the fast forward button and just enjoy the sexy.