Today, Hollywood is full of young movie stars who don’t really have any talent besides looking pretty. Megan Fox is queen of such movie stars. But there are some young actors (young meaning under 30) who have that spark and who have proved (or are on their way to proving) that they are here to stay.

Amanda Seyfried, 24 (Letters to Juliet, the upcoming Red Riding Hood)

I’m not ashamed to say I think Letters to Juliet is the best romantic-comedy of the year. And that is mainly because Seyfried lights up the screen and uses her natural talent to enliven what could have been a very typical movie. She did the same in Mamma Mia!, Dear John and the little-seen erotic thriller Chloe.

Carey Mulligan, 25 (An Education, the upcoming Never Let Me Go)

Mulligan has all the qualities that made Audrey Hepburn such a beloved star: raven-black hair, natural charisma, a sharp wit, a sense of comic timing and an ability to delightfully underplay melodrama. She may have lost her first Oscar to Sandra Bullock but she will win it back someday.

Aaron Johnson, 20 (Kick-Ass, the upcoming Nowhere Boy)

Kick-Ass would not have been the success it was without Johnson being both a hero and a loser. It’s a tough balance because too much of one totally negates the other. Johnson showed he could not only carry a movie but that he could handle such a genre-switching superhero movie. I’m excited for this kid’s bright future.

Scarlett Johansson, 25 (Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Match Point)

Johansson has worked with such directors as Robert Redford and Brian de Palma. She served as a muse for Woody Allen for the 3 best of his 21st Century films. She’s won a BAFTA and a Tony award and has been nominated for numerous other awards. Scarlett Johansson is the love of my life but she’s also one of Hollywood’s top young talents. Now, where is that Oscar of hers?

Keira Knightley, 25 (Pride & Prejudice, the upcoming Never Let Me Go)

Whenever I watch what I call the Awesome Keira Knightley Trilogy (that is, Pride & Prejudice, Atonement and The Duchess), I just can’t help but marvel at her expressive face, restrained body language and her subtly gorgeous looks. She may have lost her Oscar to Reese Witherspoon but, like with Carey Mulligan, I have no doubt she will win one eventually.

Jesse Eisenberg, 26 (Zombieland, The upcoming The Social Network)

I think a lot of people want to call Eisenberg a “Michael Cera-wannabe” but I think he has more range than Michael Cera. Zombieland is more than just a teen horror-comedy; it’s actually pretty insightful about today’s America and its uncertain future. Eisenberg really sells the metaphorical screenplay with his un-ironic and thoughtful performance.

Who are some other young actors with bright futures? Leave your comments below!