What is killing the image so carefully crafted of one of Hollywood’s stars is his arrogance, and his, “I’m right everyone else is wrong,” attitude. He is a gifted actor and I like those who stand for what they believe in Hollywood, but when they put others down to enhance what they believe then they become that person everyone loves to hate.

So what is it that “They” are objecting to re: this film? I don’t much care whether Tom is into scientology or mythological sun gods I have always enjoyed his acting––not great, mind you, but highly entertaining.

Good for you Ms. Liz Smith! I don’t understand all the negatives aimed at him (lucky I guess), but I have really enjoyed several of his films — including the ones you mentioned, plus “Far and Away,” which was so romantic with Nicole Kidman; “Minority Report,” which was based on a story by Philip K. Dick, one of my favorite authors; and “Collateral” which also showcased the amazing Jamie Foxx. I recall Oprah dissing his vampire flick. I had read the book on which it was based, and didn’t want to be disappointed, so I didn’t see the movie when it opened. When I finally did (on cable, I think, or maybe DVD), I liked it! and had no idea what all the negative nonsense had been about. So, maybe I learned my lesson. I’ll judge for myself and look forward to seeing his new film as I’m sure scrillions of others are as well.

I don’t think he has any less right to make a film about whatever he wants to make a film about, but there are many folks who won’t watch a film with Tom Cruise in it because of his antics off-screen. He has is rights, viewers have theirs.

I can’t think of any movie Tom Cruise was involved with that did not entertain me. So when I hear he is in a movie, I tend to try to see it. I think that started with Rain Man. All the buzz was about Dustin Hoffman’s great performance, but Cruise’s character was the one that went through a transformation, and Cruise made his character believable and sympathetic. Anyway, his new movie about the German army looks interesting and I look forward to seeing it. I think he got in trouble not because of his beliefs in Scientology but because of his active promotion of it and evangelical zeal—leading some to believe that he is running the organization of Scientology. I think he is just making videos for it. Anyway, Scientology, the organization, has some curious practices that have alienated people, like their Fair Game policy of attacking people who question them. And Cruise made that bizarre remark about post partum depression on the Today show for which he has since apologized, but that remark came from his religious beliefs too. What I simply do not understand is why his youngest daughter Suri caused such a papparazzi riot.

Right on Liz - when you talk about the “right” of any star to make any movie they want - you hit the nail on the head! Whether any of us WANT to see that movie is our choice! I’m still a Tom fan - even though I might not see this particular movie - I’ve always enjoyed his work. Rain Man is one of my all time favorite movies!

I feel he’s a good actor. He has some anger-management issues, though, and has ruffled more than a few feathers. But, he’s laughing all the way to the bank.

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…tom cruise…arrogant, shallow, in love with himself…maybe one out of 5 of his movies is any good..not a particularly good actor overall…i like tommy lee jones, jack nicholson, and clint eastwood a heck of a lot better…