Tom Cruise's Greatest Films

Having spent my youth and adolescence during much of the 90s, Tom Cruise has always been one of my favorite actors. Please don't misinterpret my remarks. I said one of my favorite actors, not one of the most talented. However, that doesn't mean that Cruise hasn't delivered a long list of fantastic roles in even greater films, because he has. Cruise's filmography flourishes with some of the most notable drama and action titles in cinematic history.

In honor of his newest release, Edge of Tomorrow, and a mammoth career in the industry, I've decided to devote June's Movie List of the Month (click here for May's List) to Tom Cruise's greatest films. With so many spectacular features to choose from, this was clearly a daunting task. Another key criteria was that Cruise had to possess a major role in the movie. That means The Outsiders and Tropic Thunder were deemed ineligible.

Honorable Mention: Interview with the Vampire, Mission: Impossible, Minority Report, Born on the Fourth of July and Top Gun (yes, I went there).

#5. Magnolia (1999)

Back on Super Bowl Sunday, February 2nd, we lost a great American icon when Philip Seymour Hoffman tragically passed. I devoted that month's list to The Greatest Philip Seymour Hoffman Performances. Upon looking back on Hoffman's illustrious career, I was forced to rediscover the compelling magic surrounding Paul Thomas Anderson's Oscar-Nominated film, Magnolia. Bombarded with a star-studded cast, only one performance was recognized by the Academy Awards and it was Tom Cruise's. In the film he plays Frank Mackey, a narcissist offering an ever-growing self-help course for men. Magnolia helped spawn the recent outburst of Hyperlink Cinema, a phrase used to describe the interconnection of multiple seemingly disjoint stories (for example Crash and Traffic). With a hefty three hour running time that whisks by surprisingly quick, Magnolia is a must-see feature on all accounts. 

#4. Jerry Maguire (1996)

"Show me the money" and "You complete me", Jerry Maguire is an extremely quotable Best Picture Nominee starring Tom Cruise in the title role. After a sleepless night sparks a moral epiphany in a sports agent, Maguire is fired from his powerhouse company. Left with only one remaining client, the vocal diva Rod Tidwell (played by Cuba Gooding Jr. in an Oscar-Winning role), Maguire tries desperately to secure a new lucrative contract for the NFL wide receiver. After turning a reasonable $50 million budget into a world-wide gross of around $270 million, Jerry Maguire is a premier example of top-flight filmmaking. And although Cuba Gooding Jr. walked away from the final product as the most decorated cast member, let's not forget that Cruise was just as spectacular in an Oscar-Nominated role himself.

#3. The Last Samurai (2003)

I've always felt that Edward Zwick's epic tale, The Last Samurai, has become a forgotten and overlooked masterpiece. Cruise stars as a drunken Civil War hero named Nathan Algren who accepts a profitable deal to venture to Japan and train the Emperor's newly formed army about military tactics and how to use firearms. While overseas, Algren is captured by a band of samurai warriors during a battle with Japan's new armed forces. As a prisoner to these loyal sword-yielding combatants, Algren learns and gains a deep-rooted respect for the samurai way. After the turn of the millennium, Cruise tried his hand at an epic war film and, although he never garnered any awards season recognition himself, The Last Samurai went on to capture 4 Academy Award Nominations and the hearts of many. Beautifully shot and what the late Roger Ebert described as "an uncommonly thoughtful epic", The Last Samurai is a beyond-worthwhile and underrated feature.

#2. Rain Man (1988)

With the inclusion of Barry Levinson's Best Picture Winner, Rain Man, Cruise's list has now spanned three different decades. While such an accomplishment is rare and deserving of praise, you're probably asking yourself, "how is Rain Man not the #1 movie on the list"? It's certainly a fair question. Winner of 4 Oscars and nominated for an astounding 8 in total, Rain Man is an undeniable American classic. Cruise stars as Charlie Babbitt, a financially strapped luxury car dealer who receives word that his wealthy estranged father has passed away. Charlie and his girlfriend travel to Ohio to settle the estate and learn that $3 million has been entrusted to an unnamed source. Through social engineering Charlie discovers that he has an autistic brother named Raymond who is the beneficiary of his father's fortune. With an unforgettable and compassionate character arc delivered by Cruise in an overlooked performance, Rain Man will always be an American masterpiece.

#1. A Few Good Men (1992)

If you've had the opportunity to really sit down and discuss movies with me, chances are I've pronounced Rob Reiner's A Few Good Men as my favorite film of all-time. This captivating courtroom drama finds Tom Cruise in the role of military lawyer Lt. Daniel Kaffee. After two marines accidentally kill a fellow officer during a late night prank, they receive a court-martial and stand trial for their actions. Always quick to reach a plea bargain, Kaffee is assigned to their case and discovers that there's more than meets the eye. But rather than have his clients admit to murder, Kaffee takes the case to trial and challenges many high-ranking officers in the process. A Few Good Men has it all, a stellar script, a brilliant cast and enough thrills to keep the entire two-plus hours engaging for the audience. With no shortage of quotable moments and a charismatic Cruise in one of the finest roles of his career, A Few Good Men takes the top spot on this month's list.

Edge of Tomorrow

Film: Edge of Tomorrow

Starring: Tom Cruise (Oblivion) and Emily Blunt (Looper)

Director: Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity)

U.S. Release: June 6th, 2014 (Rated PG-13)

Genre: Action

Runtime: 113 minutes


Make no mistake about it, the hype surrounding Edge of Tomorrow, from both critics and moviegoers alike, continues to grow throughout the film's opening weekend. With an estimated $30 million in box-office revenue in the works and nearly 9 out of 10 critics voicing their approval, Tom Cruise proves he is still a major attraction. But is the megastar's latest blockbuster collaboration with The Bourne Identity director, Doug Liman, worthy of all this adoration? Absolutely not!

Tom Cruise stars as Cage, a marketer-turned-Army Recruiter after an unexplained alien invasion threatens the survival of humankind. However, Cage has zero interest in actually setting foot on the battlefield. That is, until his commanding officer orders the under-qualified and cowardly soldier to attack the enemy with the first wave of fighters. Caught in the midst of war, Cage becomes trapped in a time-loop and uses the opportunity to team up with a Special Forces warrior named Rita (Emily Blunt) who transforms him into a killing machine determined to destroy the opposing forces.

Allow me to precede my arguments with a declaration that the latest sci-fi blockbuster, Edge of Tommorow, is a well-crafted and highly rationalized idea. Yet, Doug Liman's action adventure is over-pursued and misguided. The whole "time travel" or "time loop" idea is by no means uncharted territory. Somewhat recent comparables such as Duncan Jones' Source Code or Rian Johnson's Looper use this scientific anomaly as a far more impressive backdrop to their better executed stories. With Edge of Tomorrow, the audience is asked to buy into an often-used, but convincing, character arc surrounding Tom Cruise's onscreen personae, Cage. But to the film's detriment, an unjust finale sells that transformation short and tears down the flimsy foundation it spends nearly two hours building.

Although Doug Liman's Edge of Tomorrow contains a mediocre plot and a collection of performances that neither benefit nor detract from the final product, the blockbuster delivers an abundance of remarkably-shot scenes. The camera work and editing are superb enough to satisfy any action junkie imaginable, further demonstrating a need to applaud Liman's effort for the movie's sound technical achievements. However, at the end of the day, there's no escaping a long list of basic fundamental blunders that ultimately confine Edge of Tomorrow to being a run-of-the-mill feature.

Sporting a balanced sheet of pros and cons, the latest sci-fi tale, Edge of Tomorrow, fails to stand out among a long list of similarly-molded films. Its "groundhog day" approach feels long-winded through a moderately engaging story. And although the special effects and captured shots are likely to be marveled at, there isn't much else elevating Edge of Tomorrow to mainstream blockbuster glory.


Stars: 2 stars out of 4

Grade: C+

Obvious Child

Film: Obvious Child

Starring: Jenny Slate (HBO's Girls) and Jake Lacy

Director: Gillian Robespierre

U.S. Release: June 6th, 2014 (Limited Release - Rated R)

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 83 minutes


It's become a bit of the norm lately, a blueprint for young aspiring filmmakers to follow. Many recent debut features out of the Sundance Film Festival, including one of 2013's Top Ten Movies, Short Term 12, and 2014 Grand Jury Prize Winner, Whiplash, represent successful full-length projects that have been adapted from short films. It's time to add another well-regarded festival darling to that list, writer/director Gillian Robespierre's Obvious Child.

Donna Stern (played by Jenny Slate) is a twenty-something small-time comedienne whose life is turned upside-down after being dumped by her boyfriend and discovering that the bookstore where she works is closing. The hard-hitting realities of life bombard her all at once, leading to a horrendous performance on stage and an evening of binge-drinking. But during this moment of self deprecation, she meets a genuinely nice guy named Max (Jake Lacy) which leads to a one night stand. A few weeks later Donna learns that she's pregnant and decides to have an abortion, all while Max tries to reconnect her.

The taboo label of an "abortion comedy" is somewhat unjust, mainly because Gillian Robespierre's Obvious Child lacks the uproarious hilarity one might expect. Instead, the indie darling relies on sincere and honest performances from its leading pair to help guide this peculiar film to attainable heights. Although I'm uncertain of Jenny Slate's ability as a stand-up comic, her acting chops are certainly on display with a wide array of emotions. Her onscreen counterpart, performed admirably by Jake Lacy, completes an endearing 1-2 punch that breeds a tremendous amount of life to the feature. Convincing acting paired with a tender and soulful screenplay proves to be all that's needed with Robespierre's winning directorial debut.

Despite being an earnest effort, Obvious Child misses the mark with under-achieving humor and a thinly written story. While the characters all feel authentic, a simple plotline requires that the jokes carry you along from scene to scene. However, the self-mocking Jewish punchlines and cringe-worthy onstage misfires during painful stand-up comedy routines result in bumpy transitions throughout the film. Thankfully, Robespierre refuses to prolong the experience and wraps up her female-agenda tale in a reasonable 83 minutes. Therefore, Obvious Child resides as another serviceable and heartwarming indie drama from the 2014 Sundance Film Festival class.

Modern times have not been kind to the young-adults in the United States. Difficulties finding employment, purpose and sustainability have been recent trends that our country is yet to escape. Gillian Robespierre's passion-fueled project, Obvious Child, uses these components as a backdrop to a larger self-discovery story. And although the film clearly targets a female audience, there's still more than enough for everyone to enjoy.


Stars: 3 stars out of 4

Grade: B

DVD Outlook: June 2014

As we cross over from the Spring to Summer season, we're given a stellar crop of DVD releases this month. Normally, once May rolls around, no distribution company is looking to compete for money with the big blockbusters that arrive in theatres every weekend. However, this June we're given  some fine titles to choose from, including my number one choice from 2013's Top Ten Films.




Lone Survivor - 4 stars out of 4 - (Read my full review here)

As a college instructor and a movie critic, people who know me are aware that I'm far from an "easy A". While many moviegoers and cinephiles labeled 2013 as an amazing year for movies, I'll agree that there were an enormous amount of strong titles, but very few moved me and stirred my passion. Enter the late-year release, Lone Survivor, from director Peter Berg. Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Ben Foster and Emile Hirsch star as members of a Navy Seal team sent into the mountains of Afghanistan on a mission to kill a high ranking Taliban leader. While doing their reconnaissance work the mission becomes compromised and the choices the soldiers make will effect whether they live or die, in this retelling of the true story behind Operation Red Wings. Lone Survivor is more than just a shoot-em-up war movie, it tells a truly amazing story that goes well beyond the battlefields. You definitely shouldn't pass up on 2013's most inspiring film. (June 3rd)




The Grand Budapest Hotel - 2 and a half stars out of 4 - (Read my full review here)

Wes Anderson, the acclaimed director of hits such as Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums and Moonrise Kingdom, returned in 2014 with the early-year release, The Grand Budapest Hotel. Ralph Fiennes gives his finest performance in years as hotel concierge M. Gustave, a charasmatic fellow who takes a young lobby boy named Zero Moustafa under his wing. Their relationship takes a unique turn after one of the hotel's most wealthy guests passes away and leaves a priceless painting to Gustave. The concierge becomes the focus of the old woman's murder and hilarity ensues. Flooded with high-profile cameos and the typical stylistic approach we've grown to love and admire from director, Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel is yet another winning effort from the filmmaker. (June 17th)




Alan Partridge - 2 and a half stars out of 4 - (No Review Available)

Although actor/writer Steve Coogan broke onto the scene in a big way throughout 2013, thanks to his writing and supporting turn in the Best Picture Nominee, Philomena, the comedy performer's return to a regularly assumed role as radio host, Alan Partridge, generated laughter world-wide. Named for its title character, Alan Partridge finally made its way to the states in late February. However, I had the pleasure of catching this little British comedy gem at the Philadelphia Film Festival back in October. Partridge stars as a egotistical disc jockey who learns that new management is coming to the radio station and planning to make some changes. Rather than risk his own job, Partridge desperately lobbies for upper management to terminate his colleague, Pat Farrell. The higher-ups follow Partridge's suggestion and a disgruntled Farrell takes matters into his own hands by holding the entire radio station at gunpoint. Leaving only the dim-witted Partridge to save the day. Alan Partridge is an "out-there" British comedy filled with plenty of humor and outlandishness. If you have a sweet tooth for such films, it's worth giving Alan Partridge a try. (June 10th)


Honorable Mention: My secondary choices are mostly filled with titles I haven't seen myself, but ones that I've heard mixed-reviews about from friends of mine. The Robocop reboot (6/3) finds its way to DVD this month as well as other action titles such as Non-Stop (6/10) starring Liam Neeson and Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (6/10) starring Chris Pine. The raved about family film The Lego Movie (6/17) also arrives this month, as well as the festival darling Joe (6/17) starring Nicolas Cage and Tye Sheridan. Fans of premium channel shows may also want to check out Showtime's Ray Donovan (6/10) and HBO's True Detective (6/10) which are both new to DVD this month as well.

Borgman

Film: Borgman

Starring: Jan Bijvoet and Hadewych Minis

Director: Alex van Warmerdam

U.S. Release: June 6th, 2014 (Limited Release - Not Yet Rated)

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 113 minutes


As a Spotlight Circle member of the Philadelphia Film Society, the same group responsible for running the city's annual film festival, I've had many opportunities to discuss the selection process with various board members. They literally search the globe for the most enticing and unforgettable films, in hopes of compiling the strongest collection of movies possible. Last year, the Philadelphia Film Festival selected a dark and disturbing feature out of the Netherlands called Borgman. Although I missed a chance to view the movie last October, Borgman's finally making its way to the art-house circuit in limited release.

Jan Bijvoet stars as the title character, Borgman, a vagrant chased from his crafty underground dwelling by a priest and a team of hunters. The homeless man wanders off to the lavish residence of a wealthy family asking to use their bathing facilities in order to freshen up. This leads to a severe altercation between a battered Borgman and the patriarch of the family. Feeling guilty for her husband's actions, Marina (played by Hadewych Minis) secretly provides food for the vagrant and allows him to take shelter in their unused guest house.

Director Alex van Warmerdam creates a surreal examination of evil in an innocent suburban setting. By allowing this drifter into her home, Marina and her family begin to experience dark psychological nightmares that drive them to the brink of madness. Somewhat reminiscent of a recent foreign film out of Greece called, Dogtooth (which is far more over the top and bizarre than this newer title), Borgman delivers a captivating and haunting experience through a crawling 113 minute journey into the face of evil. Although it becomes virtually impossible to turn away or lose interest in Borgman, its greatest disappointment lies the fact that this slow-building film culminates in anti-climactic fashion. With this self-motivated and demonic figure tearing apart a seemingly perfect suburban family scene after scene, an unsatisfying resolve remains as the feature's lasting impression.

Don't be fooled, however, because Borgman has many redeeming qualities that make it a sure-fire successful indie art-house film. Wonderfully shot and edited, Alex van Warmerdam's effort is fundamentally sound. And on top of being a well-made movie, Borgman benefits from a wide collection of prominently-acted roles. Both Jan Bijvoet and Hadewych Minis give worthwhile character-defining performances that add to the feature's escalating tension. But all in all, no matter how sturdy a foundation, Borgman is unable to escape an undeniably flat finale.

Eerie, creepy, peculiar and off-beat, there's no shortage of words to describe the latest Drafthouse Films release, Borgman. A niche audience of cinephiles will certainly rejoice over this fine-tuned example of modest filmmaking. Yet, based on story and poor pacing alone, the average movie-goer should probably look elsewhere.


Stars: 2 stars out of 4

Grade: C+

A Million Ways to Die in the West

Film: A Million Ways to Die in the West

Starring: Seth MacFarlane and Charlize Theron (Prometheus)

Director: Seth MacFarlane (Ted)

U.S. Release: May 30th, 2014 (Rated R)

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 116 minutes


I want to preface this review by saying I've thoroughly enjoyed the previous work of writer/director and star, Seth MacFarlane. However, such a warning is about as pointless as someone who begins a rant by clarifying, "No offense, but ... ", because what's sure to follow any such introduction is clearly an offensive remark. And by now I'm sure you can rationalize exactly where I stand on A Million Ways to Die in the West, MacFarlane's anticipated follow-up to the 2012 comedy hit, Ted. Simply stated, it's an excruciating two-hour experience.

Albert (MacFarlane) is a cowardly sheep farmer who falls into depression after his long-time girlfriend dumps him for a wealthier and more courageous man. But once the druthers of frontier living in 1882 push him to the brink of trekking to California in search of a new life, a mysterious woman named Anna (Chalize Theron) arrives in town. The head-scratching duo form an unlikely bond as Anna helps Albert overcome his cowardly ways.

Seth MacFarlane has never been one for tasteful humor, and the trend continues with his latest work. In fact, with A Million Ways to Die in the West, you begin to wonder if MacFarlane has any sense of humor at all. I've been a lifelong fan of his hit animated show, Family Guy, and a supporter of the computer-generated comedy, Ted. That's why, even after witnessing the awful theatrical trailer for his newest release, I still ventured off to the movie theatre to give his film a fair assessment. If only I could turn back time, keep my $10.50 and relive those precious 2 hours of my life that I sadly lost.

My first general assumption was a cloudy skepticism that MacFarlane might not be able to act. Sure he's had an illustrious career as a comedic writer, but taking center stage is a completely different animal. But to his credit, MacFarlane actually performed quite well in the feature alongside the extremely talented and always stunning, Charlize Theron. Surprisingly, the biggest issues with A Million Ways to Die in the West revolve around a generic, overused template of a love story and a lack of substantial laughs. The film's first joke also happens to be its funniest, which remains all too fitting for a comedic blunder such as this.

As if misguided humor and a regurgitated story aren't bad enough, MacFarlane then decides to outstretch his laugh-less farce of a film to nearly two full hours. And what begins as a summer comedy flop, turns into an unbearable never-ending plea for the feature's closing credits. Seth MacFarlane's A Million Ways to Die in the West was supposed to be one of this blockbuster season's biggest hopefuls, unfortunately it's one you'll want to avoid at all costs.


Stars: 1 star out of 4

Grade: D+