Say What?
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?id=tomcruise.htm
War of the Worlds was not a disappointment at $234 million--not counting the TV, DVD income. And it just happens to be Cruise's #1 box office movie, ever.
Some here have called WOTW a "disappointment" by claiming the studio thought it would make more, but that's simply not true. It's Cruise's biggest hit--you simply can't argue it's a sign of failure.
Last Samurai made $111 million--again, that's only theatrical income, not TV or DVD. Ditto with the $132 mil on Minority Report.
Talking great roles is one thing--a matter of opinion--but since Eyes Wide Shut (at $55 mil on a Kubrick budget, far from a disaster), economically speaking, Cruise has had SEVEN films make over $100 million, and three of those made over $200 million--something his movies hadn't done before EWS.
I'll take that level of "failure" any day.
Definitely your weakest point is you tried to rehabilitate Eyes Wide Shut in some fashion. The movie was boring (great director had lost his mojo) and it was definitely a financial, artistic and critical flop. Actually I dig the trial scene at the orgy, with all the masks. Good sound and imagery. Otherwise a loser.
While Tom Cruise may not be a "great" actor, he is very good. I have enjoyed his work in many films & find him believable in most roles. I liked him a lot in Collateral and Jerry McGuire.