Tom Cruise: from Jerry Maguire to Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning!

Tom Cruise began in the 1980s with films such as Top Gun and Risky Business, then became an international superstar thanks to successful franchises like Mission: Impossible. He is known for his commitment to his roles, on-screen charisma, and dedication to performing his own stunts. Cruise has won numerous awards and is considered one of the most bankable and influential actors in the film industry.

Top Gun: Maverick

Release date: May 27, 2022

Box office admissions: 6.6 million (France)

Top Gun: Maverick is an American action film directed by Joseph Kosinski, released in 2022. This highly anticipated sequel to the original Top Gun (1986) by Tony Scott stars the iconic fighter pilot, Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise.

In Top Gun: Maverick, Pete Mitchell, after thirty years of service as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy, is recalled for a special mission by his former rival turned friend, Admiral Tom "Iceman" Kazansky. His mission: to train the best newly graduated pilots from the Top Gun school for a highly risky operation. Among these pilots is the son of his late teammate, Nick "Goose" Bradshaw, with whom he shared a strong friendship.

The film explores the challenges Maverick faces, balancing his duty as an officer and fighter pilot, and his promise to Goose's widow. Maverick must guide and inspire the new generation of pilots while confronting his own demons from the past.

Detailed Synopsis:

Pete "Maverick" Mitchell is now test pilot in the Mojave Desert, participating in a research project on a hypersonic aircraft called Darkstar. When Rear Admiral Cain attempts to shut down the project after a disastrous test flight, Maverick, true to his rebellious nature, conducts a risky flight at Mach 10. The prototype catches fire, forcing Maverick to eject and ending the test program.

Following this incident, Maverick is called to North Island Naval Air Station to train young pilots recently graduated from Top Gun. His friend and former rival, Admiral Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, now commander of the Pacific Fleet, recruits him for this special mission. Among the selected pilots is Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw, Goose's son, Maverick's deceased teammate. Maverick is offered a final fighter pilot position, with an outright ban from flying if he refuses.

During training, Maverick tries to earn the trust of the young pilots, especially Rooster, while rekindling his romance with Penny Benjamin, an ex-flame and daughter of an admiral. Maverick devises a bold attack plan for a mission to destroy a heavily guarded uranium enrichment facility.

As Maverick faces personal and professional challenges—including his status as an obsolete test pilot—he must prove his worth and leadership in a decisive mission. When launched, Maverick leads the pilots with determination, executing his risky low-altitude attack plan.

During the mission, Maverick takes risks to protect Rooster and the other pilots, even at the cost of his own flying ban. After intense aerial fights and heroic actions, Maverick and Rooster succeed in their mission, destroying the enemy target.

The film ends with Maverick reuniting with Penny, and they take off for a nostalgic flight in a P-51 Mustang. Maverick is celebrated as a hero for his heroism and bravery, adding to his legendary status as an aviation ace.

Top Gun: Maverick is an exhilarating adventure that celebrates the legacy of the original film while exploring new challenges and showcasing breathtaking aerial action sequences, driven by Tom Cruise's captivating performance in his iconic role of Maverick.

Top Gun (1986)

High-speed action in the sky

Top Gun is an iconic action film where Tom Cruise plays Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a talented young fighter pilot. Released in 1986, the film is directed by Tony Scott. The story follows Maverick and his co-pilot Goose (played by Anthony Edwards) as they train at the prestigious US Navy fighter weapons school, Top Gun. The film explores rivalries, friendships, and challenges faced by these elite pilots. Kelly McGillis and Val Kilmer also star.

Release date: 1986

Box office admissions: 4.9 million (France)

Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)

A race against the world clock

Mission: Impossible - Fallout is the sixth installment of the successful Mission: Impossible franchise, with Tom Cruise reprising his role as Ethan Hunt. Released in 2018 and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film follows Hunt and his team as they try to prevent a global catastrophe after a mission goes wrong. The film is acclaimed for its thrilling action scenes and daring stunts, many of which Tom Cruise performs himself. The cast also includes Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, and Henry Cavill.

Release date: 2018

Box office admissions: 3.8 million (France)

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)

A perilous infiltration

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is the fifth installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. Released in 2015 and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film sees Tom Cruise reprise his role as Ethan Hunt. This time, Hunt and his team must face the Syndicate, a formidable secret organization. The film is praised for its spectacular action scenes and captivating plot. Alongside Tom Cruise, the film features Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, and Rebecca Ferguson.

Release date: 2015

Box office admissions: 3.5 million (France)

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)

Race against the world clock

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol is the fourth installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. Released in 2011 and directed by Brad Bird, the film features Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. The plot revolves around a "ghost protocol" operation after the IMF team is accused of a terrorist attack. The film is acclaimed for its breathtaking action sequences, including the famous scene of climbing the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The cast also includes Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, and Paula Patton.

Release date: 2011

Box office admissions: 3.3 million (France)

Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)

An explosive mission

Mission: Impossible 2 is the sequel to the first film in the franchise. Released in 2000 and directed by John Woo, the film stars Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. The plot involves Hunt trying to stop a former agent turned mercenary, who possesses a deadly virus. The film is known for its stylized action sequences and intense atmosphere. Main actors include Dougray Scott, Thandie Newton, and Ving Rhames.

Release date: 2000

Box office admissions: 3.1 million (France)

War of the Worlds (2005)

A devastating alien invasion

War of the Worlds is a science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg, released in 2005. Tom Cruise plays Ray Ferrier, a father desperately trying to protect his children during a devastating alien invasion. The film is based on the novel of the same name by H.G. Wells and is praised for its impressive special effects. The cast also includes Dakota Fanning and Tim Robbins.

Release date: 2005

Box office admissions: 2.9 million (France)

Mission: Impossible III (2006)

A risky personal mission

Mission: Impossible III marks J.J. Abrams' debut as director of the franchise. Released in 2006, the film features Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. This time, Hunt must save his kidnapped wife from a dangerous arms dealer. The film is appreciated for its captivating action scenes and constant suspense. The cast also includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Michelle Monaghan, and Ving Rhames.

Release date: 2006

Box office admissions: 2.8 million (France)

Jerry Maguire (1997)

A sports agent seeking redemption

Jerry Maguire is a comedy-drama directed by Cameron Crowe, released in 1997. Tom Cruise plays Jerry Maguire, a sports agent who questions his professional priorities after a moral crisis. The film is praised for its emotional performance and earned Tom Cruise an Oscar nomination. Renée Zellweger, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Bonnie Hunt also star.

Release date: 1997

Box office admissions: 2.7 million (France)

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Part 1 (2023)

Release date: July 12, 2023

Box office admissions: 2.6 million (France)

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One (or Mission: Impossible – Bilan Mortel Première Partie in Quebec) is the seventh film in the Mission Impossible series, directed by Christopher McQuarrie and released in 2023. Tom Cruise reprises his iconic role as Ethan Hunt in this thrilling espionage and action sequel.

In this installment, Ethan Hunt faces an unprecedented threat: a formidable artificial intelligence dubbed "the Entity," capable of manipulating the digital world to its advantage. As he uncovers a crucial clue to neutralize this AI, Hunt decides to defy CIA orders to pursue his own mission: destroy the Entity by any means necessary. However, he quickly realizes that this entity knows his every move and has forged alliances with his former enemies.

The film opens with an incident in the Bering Sea, where a Russian submarine equipped with a new AI is sabotaged by the Entity itself. Ethan Hunt is tasked with retrieving a key held by former agent Ilsa Faust (played by Rebecca Ferguson), to control or destroy the Entity. This mission leads Hunt through deserts, sandstorms, and secret intelligence agency meetings.

The key unlocks a sonar system aboard the submarine Sebastopol, where the Entity has concealed its original source code. With the help of teammates Benji (Simon Pegg) and Luther (Ving Rhames), as well as new allies like Grace (Hayley Atwell), Hunt embarks on a race against time to prevent the Entity from gaining total control of the world.

The film features spectacular action sequences, including motorcycle chases, confrontations with mercenaries, and tense showdowns in iconic locations such as Abu Dhabi, Rome, and Venice. The story unfolds with mounting suspense as Hunt and his team try to thwart the malicious plans of the Entity.

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One is a captivating espionage film that explores themes of modern technology and digital control, showcasing Tom Cruise's action skills and charismatic performance as Ethan Hunt.