Role models for models in roles

Jason Momoa, star of the new "Conan the Barbarian," is probably tired of seeing himself described as a "model turned actor." The phrase is accurate, but it also has certain connotations.

Models, be they male or female, have a reputation for good looks and little else. And when one steps onto a movie set, expectations often are unfairly high. Or are they? Here are five models who tried to act, with varying results. You be the judge.

ALEX PETTYFER -- As an 8-year-old, Pettyfer was spotted by none other than Ralph Lauren and soon began modeling. As an adult, he's starred in the tweener fantasies "I Am Number Four" and "Beastly." Sample reviews: "bland," "wooden," "fine to look at."

ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY -- The Victoria's Secret model had some tall stilettos to fill when she replaced Megan Fox in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon." She was nominated for the rather narrow-sounding Teen Choice Award for Summer Movie Star (Female), but did not win.

CHANNING TATUM -- Once the face (and body) of Abercrombie & Fitch, Tatum has tackled a wide range of movies, from the action flick "G.I. Joe" to the Ron Howard comedy "The Dilemma." Brainy director Steven Soderbergh also cast him in the upcoming thriller "Haywire."

MILLA JOVOVICH -- The Serbian-Russian model worked with Herb Ritts and Richard Avedon before trying a film career. Surprisingly, she's become a bankable action heroine in the "Resident Evil" franchise.

ASHTON KUTCHER -- A onetime Calvin Klein jeans model, Kutcher moved into television ("That '70s Show") and then movies ("Valentine's Day"). He's back on TV as the highest-paid sitcom star, making $700,000 an episode as Charlie Sheen's replacement on "Two and a Half Men."