Tom Cruise is one of the world’s most beloved movie stars, having starred in numerous high-profile projects such as Mission: Impossible, Jack Reacher, and Top Gun.
Tom Cruise is renowned for his desire to keep his personal life private. Additionally, he staunchly supports the Church of Scientology.
1. Mission: Impossible – Fallout
Mission: Impossible – Fallout is the latest installment in the beloved franchise, featuring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, a former secret agent who has become an iconic hero in his own right. In this thrilling storyline, Ethan Hunt must attempt to retrieve plutonium that has fallen into the hands of an evil terrorist group intent on wreaking havoc around the globe.
The Mission: Impossible franchise has long been known for its daring action sequences, and Tom Cruise is adding his own special touch to the series by performing some of his most awe-inspiring stunts ever.
If you watched the trailer for Fallout, then you might recall its thrilling helicopter chase through Kashmir. Shot in IMAX, this action movie demands to be seen in theaters to fully appreciate all its detail and scale.
What’s more, the story doesn’t take a backseat to the spectacle. Director Christopher McQuarrie is credited with writing the narrative and making sure all of the action flows cohesively. Additionally, he ensures that the plot line is captivating enough to keep viewers engaged while still keeping them guessing.
McQuarrie continues to amaze me with some of his most incredible and breathtaking action set pieces I’ve seen in a long time. The climactic helicopter chase, where Ethan Hunt uses a weaponized baseball bat to fly past snow-capped peaks, is just one example.
Though Ethan Hunt may no longer be the most complex character in cinema, his strengths, weaknesses, and drive remain central to this film. He possesses an intense moral code that serves him well during his mission with his team.
2. Jack Reacher
Tom Cruise has been a Hollywood mainstay for decades, earning himself recognition as an action hero who can deliver thrilling thrillers. His roles as secret agent Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible and fighter pilot Maverick in Top Gun have cemented his legacy as one of Hollywood’s premier leading men.
In 2005, Cruise’s production company acquired the film rights to Jack Reacher novels and enlisted Oscar-winning screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie to adapt One Shot – the ninth novel in the series. While some readers weren’t thrilled with Cruise’s casting, the film eventually made it and did quite well at the box office.
Though not quite six feet tall as described in the books, Cruise has made Reacher fit his frame like a glove in an engaging turn that could launch a new franchise for him. Furthermore, acclaimed director Michael Bay has assembled an impressive cast to back him up.
The new Amazon series Jack Reacher: Killing Floor is based on the first book in Child’s Jack Reacher series, Killing Floor. Starring Alan Ritchson who stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and looks just like Jack Reacher from Child’s books, this adaptation can be enjoyed by fans worldwide.
In this eight-episode TV adaptation of Jack Reacher’s memoir, Reacher finds himself in a small Georgian town after being accused of murder. To defend himself and prove his innocence, Reacher must fight to prove his innocence.
The show Jack Reacher is an adaptation of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels, published in 1997. Jack Reacher stars as a former US Army Special Forces operator who works in internal investigations. With keen deductive reasoning skills and knowledge gained through years of traveling the world, Jack uses these insights to solve crimes.
3. Edge of Tomorrow
Tom Cruise is a star who always manages to deliver an exciting action movie. In Edge of Tomorrow, he stars as Major William Cage who is thrust into a battle for the first time in his life. Despite having limited combat experience, he is ordered out and documents the first wave of landing operations against alien invaders.
He initially resists but is sent to the front with no way back. When shot during landing, he wakes up back at base and his day begins again. To escape this cycle, he must kill an Alpha alien which grants him the power of resetting time – something which must be learned how to use effectively if he hopes to survive.
Edge of Tomorrow is one of Cruise’s most enjoyable films, boasting a twisty plotline, clever sense of humor, and thrilling mix of action, science fiction, romance, and propulsive plotting. It also represents his comeback in career – reestablishing him as an important actor who can bring plenty to the screen while giving audiences plenty of reasons to come see him no matter where he goes.
Liman’s direction, in addition to the excellent acting, is a real treat. He expertly uses the concept of resetting the day to craft an engaging storyline with plenty of thrilling battle scenes.
Though the film wasn’t a major hit at the box office, it earned critical acclaim for its inventive, exciting, and unexpected take on familiar battle tropes. Plus, it broke a streak of cookie-cutter blockbusters. Overall, this fun and original film deserves repeat viewings; perfect for movie buffs on a budget!
4. Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages, based on the Broadway musical, features cover bands performing songs by artists such as Journey, Def Leppard, Whitesnake, and REO Speedwagon. Unfortunately, this movie failed to hit theaters and received mixed reviews.
Sherrie Christian (Julianne Hough) steps off a bus in Los Angeles, determined to pursue her dreams. She meets Drew (Diego Boneta) outside the club Bourbon Room and they immediately click. Soon they realize they’re in love but an unfortunate incident involving Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise), the booze-fueled frontman of mega-band Arsenal, threatens to tear them apart. Ultimately, Sherrie and Drew must decide whether to abandon their dreams or follow their hearts and risk everything for love.
The plot of this film is somewhat disjointed. Its chemistry is weak, and the characters don’t seem well-rounded. Julianne Hough is a capable actress but her voice sounds whiny and nasal; furthermore, she doesn’t possess much range either.
Tom Cruise is a great actor, and his role as rock star Stacee Jaxx is the standout moment of the movie. His outfit mimics Axl Rose’s, though Cruise makes the most of his limited screen time by extracting laughs from an unimpressive script. He gives Jaxx a real run for her money when it comes to on-stage talent and off-stage debauchery alike.
Rock of Ages is an enjoyable movie for music fans who appreciate classic 80’s pop-rock and heavy metal hits reinterpreted. Tom Cruise can also be seen writhing and whispering throughout. Although the music may be cheesy, it’s still worth spending two hours here.
5. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
Tom Cruise returns in Mission: Impossible 5, facing off against The Syndicate – a group of former intelligence agents determined to destroy the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
After being labeled a rogue agent by CIA director Hunley (Alec Baldwin), Hunt embarks on his own quest to take down the Syndicate. However, he soon finds himself under international pressure to dissolve the IMF. With growing strength within the Syndicate, a British secret agent who had worked as an undercover operative within it joins Hunt in an attempt to finally bring down this organization.
The story begins when a team of IMF agents intercepts a shipment of nerve gas being transported by the Syndicate. They witness a station operative being killed by someone wearing glasses, and after Hunt is rendered unconscious by his debrief from the Syndicate, which confirms their mission was to track down Solomon Lane (Sean Harris) from within their ranks.
When Hunt’s fiancee Julia Meade is taken hostage by a black market arms dealer, Hunt agrees to join a rescue operation even though he knows it won’t be successful. Additionally, he assembles an elite team to hunt down Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman) – who wants to sell an inherently dangerous item known as The Rabbit’s Foot.
Aside from a complex plotline, the movie features some amazing action sequences and spy gadgets. One highlight is when Hunt scales an Airbus A400M plane five thousand feet in the air without visual effects or a stunt double. It’s an example of Cruise’s signature stunts as well as his acting prowess put to the test.
