>>It seems to me it matters less when it comes to a comic book character. IAC, and I say this not knowing whether you have read any of the Reacher books, his size and physical prowess are essential to the character. Having some sawed off guy like Tom Cruise portray him is a laugh riot, as movie critics like to put it.
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>>I think I just figured it out. My point remains true but I just plain don't like Tom Cruise. I used to. "The Firm" in particular is one of my favorite movies.
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>He can be good... whenever he comes to work with a director who can force him to do some work instead playing always the same role (of himself). Like in "Minority report". For most of the rest, he's just annoying.
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>> But as time went on it became an increasingly open secret that he is gay. I have no problem with homosexuals per se. I think they're born that way. What I don't like is him staying in the closet for career reasons.
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>And being a scientologist.

He almost always plays the same role. Back when Compuserve was still going I hung out on two forums, FoxForum and Showbiz. The latter included many who were actually in the movie business. Not so much actors and actresses as screenwriters and crew. In one discussion one of the screenwriters said he plays the same character arc over and over -- flawed character who finds redemption in the third act.

IMO the one where he was really different, and really creepy, was "Magnolia."