Ah, but sometimes that awareness of a different reality works in the films benefits, usually in comedies. Kevin Smith's films come to mind, and even a few Woody Allen films (Whatever Works comes to mind, with Larry David ranting to the audience). In those cases, it works very well... but in most others, it doesn't, I agree.
And Tom Cruise is a great actor. He was amazing in Collateral. He's one of the few who I can separate acting work from social life (his personal life is none of our business, really, but you gotta admit, he is a Scientologist whackaloon, I just wish he wouldn't make it so obvious in public). Another one John Travolta, also a Scientologist nut job, but I love him as an actor.