Well, it is true that movies this summer (as a whole) aren't doing as well as expected. And you do bring up a good point that it may have just been a lack of interest in the film itself... Cruise's public image might just be an easy scapegoat for analysts. However, given is previous success with action films, you can certainly make a good argument that since his popularity has dropped off massively, it hurts this film's chances at the box office.
And yes, it is true that no one forced him to make all of those public comments. But there are plenty of other stars out there who have said and done equally outlandish things. Unfortunately for Cruise, since he was (arguably) the biggest movie star in the world at the time, the media turned him into a pariah.
Some of the great minds, childish as they might come off at times, have always been part of the minority opinion, Bill Hicks, David Cross, Lenny Bruce, and I accept my man-child attitude. After all, it's that very attitude which is embraced whole-heartedly by the majority. How else do you explain how Adam Sandler's movie is more popular than Cruise's? I will admit, though, that I used to like Tommy a bit more in the good ol' "Top Gun" days. Thing is, when a guy like that burns you in so many absurd ways over a period of time, it tends to stick in your craw a bit. I suppose, if Cruise ever decides to get back to doing more "character" pieces like "Born on the Fourth of July" and the Les Grossman schtick, I may extend forgiveness for him. Time will tell.
