Summer's Five Young Stars to Watch

July 1, 2008 -- This summer's stars to watch push the boundaries of summer films and give audiences a welcome departure from the seemingly endless slate of action and comic book movies.

In films that go beyond simple popcorn fare, they play compelling characters, including friendly pot dealers and an ex-Playboy model.

ABCNews talked to two industry insiders -- senior film columnist Borys Kit of The Hollywood Reporter and film critic Jeffrey Wells of HollywoodElsewhere.com -- to get the scoop on the summer movie season's rising stars.

Wells and Kit say these five stars are representatives of a new generation of talent in Hollywood, willing to take on difficult, boundary-pushing roles at the early stages of their careers.

1. Josh Peck

The Nickelodeon regular looks to shed his "good boy" image in the indie film "The Wackness." Peck moves away from kid-friendly fare and gives a compelling and introspective performance as the pot dealer to Ben Kingsley's troubled therapist. Wells said that although he hasn't seen the film, the role has the potential to bring Peck to prominence.

Wells: "He's definitely in that orbit. He's a very lively, spunky, sharp personality, which growing up in any big city (New York City) will do. He's done so well that it's become who he is."

2. Anna Faris

Seyfried stars in July's music-filled adaptation of "Mamma Mia!" alongside established actors Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan. Best known for her roles in "Mean Girls" and "Alpha Dog," insiders said this movie musical will give Seyfried the chance to show her range and hold her own against Hollywood's old guard.

Kit: "Seyfried is another one who could break out huge because she is in a very high profile movie, and she's surrounded by great actors and actresses. She managed to nab that lead and people are going to see her for the first time. And she's managed to get this movie made called "Jennifer's Body." That's a movie that could propel her. She is a fresh face and a star to watch."