'11
Have I mentioned before how worried I am about Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol? I’m worried that it’s going to suck, sure, but I’m also worried that it won’t actually be bad and that Jeremy Renner will have to come back and play second fiddle to Tom Cruise again. If I see this movie at all, it will be for Renner. Anyway, above is a new, just-released promotional image from the film. Ordinarily, I would only fill up an entire post with my musings on a promotional image if that image involved Michael Fassbender and some kind of sex act. But after I stared at this photo for a full minute, I finally put my finger on what was bothering me.
Tom is no longer an A-list movie star. That ship has sailed, but Tom still has enough friends in the industry that he’s allowed to keep working on big projects. Sure, he’s been given higher-profile costars (like Cameron Diaz in Knight & Day, and Renner in this film), but the bulk of these films still rest on Tom. It’s like Hollywood is giving him enough rope to hang himself, and he keeps bombing, and Hollywood keeps trying.
Why do I bring this up? This promotional image has come out AFTER the first trailer was released, and I‘m struggling to understand why, what purpose this image has other than inducing eye-rolls. My guess is that this image was a contender for the poster, and might still be in contention for a poster. Look at how ridiculous the image is – the cartoon-like flames behind Tom, the surreal, Photoshopped quality to his face, the shadowy, smoky lighting that is aiming for “evocative” and ends up being “a Xenu fog”.
So, now that I’ve nit-picked for too long, let me tell you what’s bothering me: this film should not be about Tom Cruise/Ethan Hunt. The deal was originally that Jeremy Renner was being brought in to take over the MI franchise, if this film went well. Instead of putting Jeremy front and center in the trailer and promotional images thus far, it looks like Hollywood is once again going to make this about Tom and whether he’s still a movie star. Dear Hollywood: He’s not a movie star anymore. Bring on Renner.
Crap. I forgot about Josh Holloway. Sh-t, I’m so seeing this movie, Xenu or no Xenu.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Written by Kaiser
Posted in Tom Cruise
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63 Responses to “Tom Cruise & the problem with the ‘Mission: Impossible’ Xenu fog”
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Shit! Somehow I’ve avoided watching all of these movies (even on TV) but even the tiny glimpse of Josh Holloway gave me a quiver. And just imagining the hotness on a full movie screen. Xenu be damned I am going.
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Cruise should have left his personal life a mystery. Don’t think his movies will ever be what they once were. All I see is crazy. Love Jeremy Renner though.
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Maybe the studio just wants to give Tommy a big sendoff….he’ll be carried off in that Xenu fog to a galaxy far away.
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I still believe if Cruise was to denounce his cult.
Do one sit down interview with someone legit… Diane Sawyer/Matt Lauer…. and cry a little about how the Cult had fooled him.
He would once again be the “Movie Star” he wants to be. But till that happens. He can not wash the stink of that Cult off him or his movie’s.
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Srly, putting his private life aside, this guy is still one of the best actor around. MI4 looks awesome.
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I think that Hollywood is struggling atm. It’s almost as though they just realized that their bankable stars are no longer bankable, or that these former cash cows are almost 50.
Studios have not been grooming new, skilled acting talent – this is even more evident with actresses. With the new social media, blogs, etc. it appears that many talented actors don’t want to reach for the brass ring.
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You know, I’ve actually liked Cruise in a couple of movies (Collateral/Magnolia), but this ‘trying to hard to hang on to the action star persona’ turns me off. I can’t look at him and not think of Xenu and robot wives. I just can’t do it. That said, I’ll probably see the movie cause of the Renner and cause my husband likes this franchise. My advice to Tom: run away from the action flicks. Top Gun is OVER! Embrace your crazy side (NOT with comedies) and do some dramas where you are not (I repeat NOT) the hero, k?
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This movie reeks of biscuit repellent.
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@dave: not trying to knock you, honestly because you are totally entitled to your feelings regarding him.
But for ME, Tom Cruise gives the same crap performance in every single movie he has ever done. And when he needs to show passion or feelings, he yells.
But the veil of gross creepiness is not just a mist around him anymore, or a whisper or a rumor. It has wholly engulfed him. He can never, ever go back.
Look at the 3rd pic down with his coat unzipped. What is that, a ballerina onesie he has on? And his too long wet/greasy hair? I shuddered looking at that. That is NOT an A-list movie star.
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Maybe I’ll rent if for drunken laughs on movie night with friends. I mean Renner is in it after all.
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He has scary eyes in this poster and he is as photo shopped as many women in fashion magazines (odd mouth, sharp cheek bones), but at least you know who it is. Not a Cruise fan and it has nothing to do with his personal life.
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I can’t even think about Cruise as an “action star”. Too many images pop into my head.
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I think that Hollywood is struggling atm. It’s almost as though they just realized that their bankable stars are no longer bankable, or that these former cash cows are almost 50.
Studios have not been grooming new, skilled acting talent – this is even more evident with actresses. With the new social media, blogs, etc. it appears that many talented actors don’t want to reach for the brass ring.”
Things have changed and a name is not going to get people in seats. Young people go to movies these days. I agree with this posters statements.
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Tom Cruise is still a movie star. No way in hell the Hollywood bigwigs would have Cruise front a movie at the risk of losing 100′s of millions if they didn’t believe he could pull it off- especially in a franchise where he has proven quite successful. Nothing wrong with that poster, as far as I’m concerned. I could care less if Tom Cruise is a Scientologist or Christian, as long as he entertains me.
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I saw Renner in The Town and he was great. He dominates the scenes he is in. So I would go see this movie (1) to see Renner (2) for the action sequences and (3) possibly to laugh at Tom Cruise. Its a shame because if TC would back away from these over processed “star” roles, he would probably do a decent job. I’m with Pixiegirl on this – no more action movies – he’s too old. Harrison Ford had to stop and so should Tom Cruise.
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The movie looks awesome! I can’t wait to see it, I love Mission Impossible movies, Tom Cruise is so good in them. This movie will be a blockbuster for sure.
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@hautie, I think even if Tom wanted to denounce Scientology that they have too much dirt on him (audits where you tell everything)… Everytime I hear about someone trying to leave this cult, it’s all about how the church slanders them and/or tries to drive their family and friends still in the church away… So, so sad…
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Let’s not forget the magical mind of director, Brad Bird. He is rare and amazing talent, the sole reason I’d even watch this movie.
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I absolutley agree with Bogie, no one in Hollywood under the age of 30 seems to be bankable anymore and the stars that the rest of us grew up with look absolutley ancient to anyone under 25.
That said I still like Tom Cruise, lifts and all, and I think he’s probably a genuinely nice guy.
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Even with the crazy I like Tom Cruise. In fact, I just might like him even more because of it. Certainly keeps things interesting.
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fool though the guy is, he’s a very watchable actor
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I am with Kiki. Hell yea Tom Cruise is still a mother fu*king movie star. Tom Cruise will forever be a movie star. Tom has made an impact on movie history. He is like Jack Nickloson (sp?). No matter how bad he is in recent movies he still a movie star. Tom Cruise isn’t Lindsay Lohan, he is Tom Cruise. He is Top Gun. This is Risky Business baby…that is never gonna die.
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i saw Knight and Day recently and Diaz was TERRIBLE. it pains me to say it, because i do think he’s crazy, but Cruise was the only thing watchable about that show.
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I’m going to see this for Renner. Josh Holloway is a bonus.
I have the same fears as you, Kaiser, that Tom won’t go away and let Jeremy takeover the franchise as he was promised.
The poster is photoshopped to hell and back. It does look cheesy and gives no clue as to the plot of the movie. In fact, it could be a still from War of the Worlds. I doubt this will make the final cut.
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i like him too and almost all of his movies. i do wish he would do more smaller films to show his range which i think he has (born on the 4th, magnolia, etc).
oh i kinda think Jeremy Renner is fug, good actor but that that good looking.
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This actually looks good. I know it’s the done thing to mock Tom Cruise these days but I can’t muster up any animosity. I’m not down with the Scientology but on the big screen, dude can still rock it. Renner is a big plus too.
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Call me whatever you want but I think Tom looks hot there, and I hope this movie will do well.
Tom keeps on bombing because there are people like you boycotting him for no reason -he’s a very good actor, and it’s not like we have thousand of good actors nowadays-. He’s an A-list, Hollywood has faith in him, what he needs is for people to have the same faith.
You don’t have to marry him (poor Katie) just enjoy his movies. So, just stop the hate.
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Who IS bankable nowadays? Who can really carry a movie?
As for Tom Cruise, he gets these movies because he often puts his own money into the productions and casts himself! (Don’t know about this one, though)
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I don’t really understand.. most of people prefers to watch movies with someone who CANNOT ACT at all, say Cameron Diaz (who’s considered an A-list LOL). Or who ..Jennifer Aniston? DOUBLE LOL. Just because..? I don’t know about you, but I watch movies where stars can pull it off and act decently.
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Good cast, well except for Paula Patton, who I cannot stand.
Also, Cruise IS a good actor, given the right role. I mean, I do not get the hate for the man. So he is a Sciento, so are a lot of Hollywood types. To my knowledge he is living his life and not bothering anyone, and I don’t see him out trying to recruit people to his religion like some Christians do.
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MI 1 & 2 sucked pretty hard but MI3 was a brilliant action movie.
As crazy as Tom is, I still think he is a big movie star and has been involved in quite a few fantastic films – some have been great because of him and some have been great in spite of him.
As for Renner, couldnt care less.
Im really looking forward to MI4.
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Never really been a big Tom Cruise fan, so either way, I’m neutral.
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MB is right — MI 3 was outstanding, much better than the first two. And Simon Pegg will be back in the next one. Can’t wait.
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Tom Cruise has seen better days but he is going to hang in there until he doesn’t have enough friends or clout to get the leading parts anymore.
I don’t see what is so unusual about the poster. It’s Hollywood! What does anyone expect? It is certainly not the first or the last image out of Hollywood that looks unreal and doctored.
Renner, I can take or leave. He is a good actor, however that is not enough to lure me into a theater. I just don’t see what is so special about him.
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Tom Cruise is no Jack Nicholson, let’s just get that out of the way right off the bat. Jack has displayed far more range.
I think once Tom’s crazy train went off the cuckoo rails, his “star power” started to dip. Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone mentioned that to TC or the studios.
Thus, we will continue to see him receive top billing and be crammed down our throats as a superstar action hero. Give me Jason Statham any day. (Seriously, Rosie Huntwhateverington: HAND. HIM. OVER.)
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Tom can still purchase the headlines he wants…too many syncophants in ‘Gollywood’ to totally put him away as he should be. Poor Tom has been operating under delusions of adequacy for quite awhile now…surrounded by his yes-men. Somewhere along the line, his handlers will miss something or he’ll just go over the edge on his own. In the meantime, I’ll support his co-stars, who are the real talents anyway. Can hardly wait for Katie to jump into a nicely-funded life of her own…and let’s hope Suri will not become the over-indulged little hellion she already appears to be.
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I didn’t like any of the first three, reason being that they revolved around Cruise. The MI tv series was an ensemble show. I would rather see an MI movie thats a true ensemble than a star vehicle. And I agree with Kaiser, Cruise’s star has waned.
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That first pic made me laugh. Sorry Tom, you can look as serious/’badass’ as you want, I ain’t buying it. The presence of Renner could make this worth seeing, but I fear the whole thing is going to be a ‘see how cool Tom Cruise still is!’ production. I simply cannot stomach that.
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I like Jeremy Renner, but he has a long way to go before he can be considered in the same class as Tom Cruise. It might be good fun for you guys to mock Crusie, but anyone looking objectively at his career cant deny the great work he has done. From Rainman, Born on the Fourth of July, Magnolia, The color of Money, Jerry Mcguire and so many more he has shown he is a talented actor. Hollywood is not a charity, his movies are bankrolled because he makes money..period. BTW MI3 was pretty darn good even though it was panned because of his personal life. As an actor and a hollywood product, Cruise deserves far more respect than you folks are giving him.
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Blablabla Tom Cruise is done, thank his tiny platform shoes. Like a lot of Hollywood men – hot until you realise they’re about as tall as Kylie Minogue.
What bothers *me* about the ‘poster’ is how this one bit of fog / smoke looks half hand-like, half phallic. Backgrounds are not meant to draw the eye. Well then again, maybe it wouldn’t draw the eye, but Tom isn’t more charismatic than that smoke tendril. I agree – bring on Renner & Holloway.
And while you’re at it, give Katie a sandwich and safe passage to somewhere far away, give Suri some available children her own age and some capable parents, and give Tom whatever it is that makes him happy… a psychiatrist to belittle? A car crash to be the only one to be able to help? A big ol’ dildo?
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He’s the same damn character in every movie he makes…I’ve never thought he was a good actor. Wish they would quit trying to push him on us…that Xenu crap killed it for 99 percent of his fanbase.
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@Love Angelina: agree with you! I’m going to see and I hope it’s a good movie. I find so interesting that peoplw gave so many opportunities to drug addicts in Hollywood ad TC, who was alway ver professional, got so much backlash for the Oprah couch moment and for his religious belief. Seriously?!
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I love Tom always have and I decided a long time ago…plus or minus five years that I would only look at Tom’s work as an actor not at his personal life. MI looks F’ING AWESOME!!! You bitches that hate can bite it…I care about his work not his personal life. I watched Vanilla Sky the other night and it reminded me of how good of an actor he is. He’s still A List and has ALWAYS been so nice, really accomodating to his fans. I agree with everyone that the Scientexcorcist shit has to go but give the guy some credit please. I am just asking for you to put aside his personal shit and look at all his films.
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Cruise is a passable action star hampered by his diminutive physical stature. Of course, no one complains about Jet Li’s height, but that’s an apples to oranges comparison. It’s his acting that’s the real problem — he’s just an average actor. Frankly, Cruise is a male Julia Roberts — an overrated actor that the industry seems focused on making into this huge icon. If he was smart, he’d back off and do smaller stuff to try and build some cred. It’s not like he needs the money. But I think his ego is getting in the way now. He’s bought into his own press. And we moviegoers are suffering for it.
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Today’s stars live under so much scrutiny, I sometimes feel bad for poor ole Tom. His private life should have been kept private, and the stink of scientology wouldn’t waft off him the way it does. I’m trying to imagine Tom under the old studio system.
Anyway, despite the crazy, I think he is a pretty decent actor and does have the charisma to carry a movie. And he’s been in some good ones. Don’t expect much of MI4, but some nice eyecandy
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I like Tom Cruise as an actor (and he’s probably a nice guy as well). I do think that his choice to publicize his Co$ beliefs have irrevocably hurt his appeal. I will continue to watch his movies (either netflix or red box) but, then again, I have never gone to see a Cruise movie at the theater. When I do think of his personal life, it makes me sad for him because I think that his beliefs are genuine to him and that he is being taken gross advantage of.
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Does xenu give me the creeps? You bet it does, it’s BAD news. Bottom line though..I don’t care about the cult or couch-jumping. I will see this. I love him and I always will.
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Tom Cruise is a great actor. You only have to watch his performances in Magnolia and Collateral to see that.
Risky Business is also the best teen trying to get laid movie I’ve ever seen.
Unfortunately the popcorn movies he does these days don’t give him the chance to showcase his talent.
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I think Tommygirl is batsh*t, but the man is an ICON.
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What bullshit is that, saying he’s not a movie star anymore? he is, and always will be. So what if he does a couple of shit movies?
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To me the poster looks ridiculous because he just is standing there with a hood on (why..?) with his hands in his pockets as if posing.
At least have it look a little more ‘natural’ where it looks like he’s walking away from the chaos he caused etc. It just looks amateurish, doesn’t work.
I think Tom Cruise still has potential to be good. I really do. He was great in “Tropical Thunder” and I liked him in “Knight and Day”.
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Tom Cruise may not be A list in the blogosphere, but for the rest of the movie watching world he still is. My husband and male friends, who do not read gossip blogs still regard him as an “action star”. And I believe that is the target market for MI4.
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I love Simon Pegg! It will almost make it worth seeing.
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Not going to give my money to this guy’s cult,so his movies are out.
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Damn, OriginalGracie (# 9) already said everything I had to say.
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Part of me really really wants Tom to succeed again because I remember how truly great he was before he jumped the couch. The other part wishes he’d get a kick-ass proper PR person or someone to help him put this Scientology garbage to pasture once and for all, oh and for him to see it for the nonsense it actually is. I’d forgive him everything if he gave up Scientology for real.
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Whether people like to admit it or not. Tom Cruise is an International Star. As much as people saying they will see this because of Renner. Well fact is if he was the main star this film would not have been made with that budget. And it would not pull in the International money it will in all likelihood do because Tom is in it. As it stand Renner is a supporting actor until he carries a major film as the major lead. That has not happened yet to my knowledge. American audiences are not the deciding factor in a film’s success. K&D didn’t make a lot Domestically but made 2 times as much overseas. Just an example. Unstoppable made more Domestically then K&D. but pretty much tanked overseas.
Tom can bring in the International audience. Who don’t care what his religion is or who he is married to. The fact is there are only a hand full of actors/actresses that can do that. Sandra Bullock had major success with Blindside (Domestically) but the film was a major BOMB Internationally. Because she is not an International star, and can’t bring that money in. So people like her and others must rely on the Domestic money. Tom is not in that box. He can make up the money internationally and in dvd sales.
Until that changes.. Tom is not going anywhere.
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Hell, I’ll watch it just for Tom Wilkinson and Simon Pegg.
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This needs to be JEREMY RENNER, JOSH HOLLOWAY, SIMON PEGG and tom cruise.
Not the other way around.
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@ lisa (#57) – The US has 307 million people. Europe has 857 million people. Asia has 3.87 billion people. Assuming that Knight & Day was released ONLY in Europe & Asia, the fact that this movie made double overseas what it made domestically means that, proportionally, fewer people went to see it overseas than they did domestically. I would not call that a rip-roaring success.
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@lisa, I have to agree. I’m no Cruise fan, but Jeremy Renner is a joke. Cruise still brings out the crowds overseas (where his nuttiness was far less publicized), whereas hardly anyone even knows who Renner is (and franly, he’s no looker).
Why not have Josh Holloway take over the franchise? Much more recognizable & handsome.
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The Xenu cult has damaged Tom Cruise rep, but not his acting. I think he is good! Love all the boys in this one
Definitly gonna hit his one up!
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