by Cookie N Screen
There was a time, long before Edge of Tomorrow (which is in cinemas today), when Tom Cruise was known for more things than just running to save the world. There was a time when he was known for more things than being teeny tiny, part of the Scientologist religion and having a couple of failed marriages (that are unfair because the guy is actually awesome). In fact, the actor has had a career full of longevity that anyone can be envious of. Starting off in 1981, he has appeared in hundreds of movies and has become one of the most famous actors of all time, yet still doesn’t have an Oscar.
Departing from the classic 80s garb such as Top Gun and Days of Thunder, which are basically the same film anyway, here are some Tom Cruise movies you need to watch.
There was a time, long before Edge of Tomorrow (which is in cinemas today), when Tom Cruise was known for more things than just running to save the world. There was a time when he was known for more things than being teeny tiny, part of the Scientologist religion and having a couple of failed marriages (that are unfair because the guy is actually awesome). In fact, the actor has had a career full of longevity that anyone can be envious of. Starting off in 1981, he has appeared in hundreds of movies and has become one of the most famous actors of all time, yet still doesn’t have an Oscar.
Departing from the classic 80s garb such as Top Gun and Days of Thunder, which are basically the same film anyway, here are some Tom Cruise movies you need to watch.
Interview With A Vampire
Before vampires glowed in the daylight with sparkly silliness, there was a time when they were terrifying and greatly homoerotic. None of this was more apparent than in Interview With A Vampire, which revolves around Louis (a long haired Brad Pitt), who gets turned into a vampire after longing for death. He soon forms a nocturnal bromance with the one who turned him, Lestat and their antics transcend time. Lestat is played by Cruise, and with his super coiffed hair, evil doings and blood lust, he is the more delectable of the villains in this movie (though perhaps not the most terrifying).
Before vampires glowed in the daylight with sparkly silliness, there was a time when they were terrifying and greatly homoerotic. None of this was more apparent than in Interview With A Vampire, which revolves around Louis (a long haired Brad Pitt), who gets turned into a vampire after longing for death. He soon forms a nocturnal bromance with the one who turned him, Lestat and their antics transcend time. Lestat is played by Cruise, and with his super coiffed hair, evil doings and blood lust, he is the more delectable of the villains in this movie (though perhaps not the most terrifying).
A Few Good Men
It takes a lot of balls to level off against a great actor when you are relatively young to the game. It takes a lot more balls for the great actor to be Jack Nicholson, but Cruise does it incredibly well in 1992’ s A Few Good Men. Starring as Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee whose job is to investigate the court martial of two U.S. Marines who murdered a fellow soldier. If you don’t believe that Cruise is an magnificent actor then just watch the final climatic scene as Colonel Jessup (Nicholson) and Kaffee spar off with the immortal line “you can’t handle the truth” bellowing from the former's mouth.
It takes a lot of balls to level off against a great actor when you are relatively young to the game. It takes a lot more balls for the great actor to be Jack Nicholson, but Cruise does it incredibly well in 1992’ s A Few Good Men. Starring as Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee whose job is to investigate the court martial of two U.S. Marines who murdered a fellow soldier. If you don’t believe that Cruise is an magnificent actor then just watch the final climatic scene as Colonel Jessup (Nicholson) and Kaffee spar off with the immortal line “you can’t handle the truth” bellowing from the former's mouth.
Jerry Maguire
Aging from a youthful young actor and into a mature, but impeccable and Oscar-worthy (ha, nope) actor. Here his skills are blinding as Jerry Maguire, a sports agent who has a stroke of morals and is soon fired when he expresses it. Alongside cracking performances by Renee Zellweger and Cuba Gooding, Jr., Cruise was unforgettable and even earned an Oscar nomination. Granted he lost (Gooding, Jr. won with an utterly memorable speech), but Jerry Maguire showcases a new side to Cruise as his Hollywood beacon glowed happily into the late 90s. It is also one of the most quoted films of all time. If you don’t believe me, just “show me the money!”
Aging from a youthful young actor and into a mature, but impeccable and Oscar-worthy (ha, nope) actor. Here his skills are blinding as Jerry Maguire, a sports agent who has a stroke of morals and is soon fired when he expresses it. Alongside cracking performances by Renee Zellweger and Cuba Gooding, Jr., Cruise was unforgettable and even earned an Oscar nomination. Granted he lost (Gooding, Jr. won with an utterly memorable speech), but Jerry Maguire showcases a new side to Cruise as his Hollywood beacon glowed happily into the late 90s. It is also one of the most quoted films of all time. If you don’t believe me, just “show me the money!”
Rain Man
Perhaps the movie where Cruise should have at least been nominated for because he is unforgettable. True, it’s Dustin Hoffman’s star-stealing turn as Raymond Babbitt, an autistic savant, is compelling and earnest. But Cruise as a brattish and misguided man just after his father's inheritance is brilliantly real. He showcases desperation, an emotional shock and a need for his financial woes to be cleared. As he turns to show compassion to Raymond, the multi-layered performance from Cruise is endearing to watch, although he is often overshadowed by Hoffman’s excellent role.
Perhaps the movie where Cruise should have at least been nominated for because he is unforgettable. True, it’s Dustin Hoffman’s star-stealing turn as Raymond Babbitt, an autistic savant, is compelling and earnest. But Cruise as a brattish and misguided man just after his father's inheritance is brilliantly real. He showcases desperation, an emotional shock and a need for his financial woes to be cleared. As he turns to show compassion to Raymond, the multi-layered performance from Cruise is endearing to watch, although he is often overshadowed by Hoffman’s excellent role.
Magnolia
Well, at least this time he garnered a nomination but at this point, it is anyone’s wonder as to why a golden statuette isn’t sitting on Cruise’s shelf. Where is it? SHOW ME THE OSCAR! Ahem, anyway, if there was one role that will solidify Cruise as an infallible actor, it’s his role here in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia. He plays Frank, the epitome of misogyny, where his problems centre on women stealing his masculinity away. Luckily, he is there to help others with his regular talks. Cruise seriously showcases some outstanding toils and troubles, especially as he is interviewed and his past comes spiraling out of his control.
Watch Tom Cruise in Edge of Tomorrow in cinemas now!
Well, at least this time he garnered a nomination but at this point, it is anyone’s wonder as to why a golden statuette isn’t sitting on Cruise’s shelf. Where is it? SHOW ME THE OSCAR! Ahem, anyway, if there was one role that will solidify Cruise as an infallible actor, it’s his role here in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia. He plays Frank, the epitome of misogyny, where his problems centre on women stealing his masculinity away. Luckily, he is there to help others with his regular talks. Cruise seriously showcases some outstanding toils and troubles, especially as he is interviewed and his past comes spiraling out of his control.
Watch Tom Cruise in Edge of Tomorrow in cinemas now!
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