Harsh words from movie critics are already labeling Cameron Diaz’s new flick The Box a bust rather than a blockbuster. Lucky for Cameron, the cynics are hurling disapproval at the story line, not her acting, so it’s likely that the Cameron Diaz we all know and love on the big screen will bounce back with her next flick!

Cameron Diaz was born in San Diego, California, and attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School in California. By 16 years of age, this teen model signed with Elite Model Management and enjoyed a career in fashion. It wasn’t long before Cameron headed for Hollywood, auditioning for The Mask. Despite the fact she had no previous acting experience, she landed the leading female role and began taking acting lessons.

A few years and a few films later, big screen hits like My Best Friend’s Wedding and There’s Something About Mary secured her place in Hollywood. She earned nominations and awards for several movie roles, earning her the credit of the third actress to ever earn $20 million for a movie role (which she earned for Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle).

This People Magazine’s Best Dressed Female Celebrity for 2007 also topped Forbes Magazine’s highest paid actress in Hollywood list. So, even if The Box is a box office flop, Cameron is sure to survive until her next cool $20 million.

[photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images North America]

How do you rate Cameron Diaz as an actress? Better to have stuck to the runways, or a natural performer?