While it might be hard to consider that no fictional character Tom Cruise has ever played can contend with the actor’s real life eccentricity he has managed to produce some steller performances during his 30-odd years in showbiz.
As Tom prepares to celebrate his 53rd birthday on July 3 it’s worth noting that lot has happened for the once toothy boy born Tom Mapother in Syracuse, New York.
While we as Australian’s took a special interest in Tom ‘Maverick’ Cruise because he wed our own Nicole Kidman, whom he has two adult children with, we have not lost our curiosity in him slip once those nuptials were over and Cruise entered the TomKat phase of his life.
We’ve followed him from his outbreak role in Cocktail to action hunk in Top Gun to his hysterically spot on portrayal of a hairy Hollywood producer in Tropic Thunder – a role his thespian contemporary Johnny Depp described as “the best I’ve ever seen Cruise”.
Today at age 53 Tom is a Hollywood heavyweight. He is one of the world’s most recognisable movie stars top, has numerous time been touted as one of PEOPLE’s ‘Most Beautiful’ and with the Mission Impossible franchise has been one of the most bankable movie stars of the past 20 years.
He’s so legit that in 2006 Japan made October 10th ‘Tom Cruise Day’.
So while we are not making a day in his honour we do wish Tom a happy birthday and list the 10 Tom Cruise films you need to see before you die.
Top Gun (1986) – The film that defined Cruise’s career and cemented him as a bonafide 80’s action hero. The soundtrack remains one of the most popular soundtracks to date.
Risky Buisness (1983) He scored his breakthrough role in this rom-com. He also danced around in a pink shirt and undies, the most surefire way to jump start a career as an action hero.
Cocktail (1988)- The movie that earnt a Razzie for the worst picture. It’s OK Tom, we have a feeling your career can take it.
Rain Man (1988) In the same year, he stars in the Academy Award’s best Picture winner. The film also is credited with introducing Qantas to US audiences.
A Few Good Men (1992) – Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kiefer Sutherland, and Kevin Bacon make a formidable cast. Adapted from a broadway play by Social Network wordsmith Aaron Sorkin. According to the AFI, the film holds one of the most memorable quotes in film history- “You can’t handle the truth!”
Mission Impossible (1996)- It’s only the 19th highest grossing film series of all time. With four sequels and a TV show, the film is embedded in our global culture.
Jerry Maguire (1996)- Well done Tom! He earns an Academy Award nom for Best Actor.
Minority Report (2002) – Futuristic. Sci Fi. Cops. Tom Cruise does what Tom Cruise does best in this Spielberg mega hit.
Tropic Thunder (2008) If you haven’t seen it, please look out for the gif of a balding, overweight Tom Cruise dancing to Ludacris. Tom Cruise at his least Cruise-ness: He dons the tackiest of gold chains over his hairy chest and fat suit. Bold moves, Cruise.
Rock of Ages might night be on your “must see” list but Tom’s ripped physique in this is worth watching the movie for.
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