Cusack heaps praise on 'gifted' Duff

John Cusack has claimed that Hilary Duff is "charismatic and wonderful" in his new film War, Inc.

Cusack said he was surprised by the acting talents of the popstar, claiming that she held her own against established thespians like Marisa Tomei and Sir Ben Kingsley.

"We didn't know her," Cusack told LA Confidential. "We knew she wanted to do the movie, which takes a lot of courage for a young girl who's already got huge fan base, who's a big popstar."

He added: "If you think about it, if you want to hold the screen with Sir Ben Kingsley, Marisa Tomei, and Joan Cusack, you’d better be good.

"And not only did she hold her own, I think she’s every bit as charismatic and wonderful as those other three actors."