I am similarly unimpressed by Tom Hanks' acting, lox, and I think you have expressed his way of conveying emotion almost perfectly. ;-)

I honestly think William Shatner has considerably more acting range than Tom Hanks, and I am not joking when I say that! I've never been able to figure out what the fuss was about regarding Tom Hanks or why people think he's a great actor. I think it just depends on whether you like his style/appearance or not, and you could say that about a lot of actors. When I see him I am always reminded of 2 well-known oldtime comic strip characters:

1. Henry
2. Popeye...if you remove the pipe and sailor's cap and the eye squint and make him a lot more innocent.

But specially Henry! Tom Hanks IS Henry, after Henry grew up. He has the same odd, gormless expression on his face most of the time...like he wasn't quite sure what the heck was going on, but he's not quite ready to come right out and ask someone. Nope, he's going to remain silent and try to puzzle it out all by himself.... ;-)

However...I don't mind him endorsing Obama if he wants to. Fine with me.

Fantasma - I understand your feelings about corporate puppets perfectly. ;-) Yep, sure do.