I just heard Streets of Philadelphia on radio, which made me think of movies where Tom Hanks is in a leading role. I could not think of one I’ve seen where he was not convincing in the role.
I think he is one of the very best actors we’ve seen. Disagree?
Most of his roles are just “the affable Tom Hanks guy” or “doofus Tom Hanks guy”. Even Philadelphia is “affable Tom Hanks dude, but gay!” And then they throw this stock character into an unexpected situation (Affable dude meets pretty lady! Affable dude is stranded on an island! Affable dude gets hijacked! Affable dude regresses in age! Affable dude gets AIDS!) Even when he’s cast in a biopic, it’s the same character (Let’s dress him up as Mister Rogers — they’re both likable guys.) Tom Hanks is shorthand for “you already know this character”.
As little as I care for Tom Cruise, there was a time when he proved he could actually act by doing “Born on the Fourth of July” and “Interview With A Vampire” for example. Actually disappearing into character and not leaning on a type. (Of course that changed later as he settled into the Mission Impossible/John Grisham dude who has a scene running down a street in every film now).
I’m glad someone mentioned Tom Cruise. I can’t stand him as a person or anything but he knocks it out of the park in every role he takes. Dude is a professional who clearly takes his job seriously and gives a 110% performance every single time. I’m not even a fan of his movies but I can acknowledge they’re well made movies.