Jerry Maguire (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
'Jerry Maguire' (Tom Cruise) used to be a top sports agent; willing to do anything to get the best possible contract for his client(s). The bigger the contract … the better commission for himself. As the film begins, however, Jerry is facing a moral crisis. Dispirited, filled with self-hate, and not liking the impersonal way his job tends to treat people, he gets a epiphany and decides to write a mission statement called 'The Things We Think and Do Not Say: The Future of Our Business' (the essay attacks the entire sports agency business). The next day, a copy is sent around the office, and needless to say, he loses his job. However, one of his co-workers who is moved by the mission statement & believes in his vision is 26 yr. old secretary and single mom, Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger).
She believes in him so much (and it doesn't hurt that she thinks he's attractive), that she risks everything, throws away her safe job, & follows him on his new, independent sports agent adventure. Also along for the ride is Jerry's sole client, egotistical Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.). Things are great for a while; until one day where he suddenly has 2nd thoughts about everything going on in his life. After starting a relationship with Dorothy, she wonders if he's more into her ADORABLE son (Jonathan Lipnicki) than herself. And his confidence with Rod Tidwell is floundering, as well. Can Jerry redeem his confidence, his career, and his love life while staying true to himself? That's the ultimate question of this very-fine movie.
Cameron Crowe has made a film that is as intelligent & insightful as it is pure mainstream entertainment -- fresh, humorous, romantic, energetic & endearing. I left the theater happy, wanting to tell everyone I came across to check out 'Jerry Maguire'. It is as successful a romantic dramedy as it is about the dispiriting, cold, heartless business world. And the characters are unforgettable, multi-dimensional personalities. As different as they each are, they're all of them: bright, tender, real, & funny. The romance aspect of the film is enchanting. And yet, all the other themes/subplots/characters don't get shorthanded; not at all. I was as into Jerry & Rod's sports/family ventures as I was with Dorothy's home situation. The script is wonderful; full of memorable quotes & scenes. After watching 'Jerry Maguire', not only do I feel like I have a handle on the high-stakes world of pro sports, not only do I feel like I've been given a backstage pass to see the trials & tribulations of being a journalist, but I also feel like I understand a little more about love. That sounds putrid, doesn't it? Haha. But that's how the movie made me feel. There's such a strong emotional texture to it all. And while the ending is satisfying; it also leaves you wondering which directions these characters will all go in next.
Tom Cruise is great as Jerry. This is not a Mission Impossible or Top Gun action film. He still gets to be a fiery & strong here, but I feel Tom is at his best when doing some slow, subtle things. The intonation of his dialogue delivery, his sensitivity, his knowing smile, his feel for the moment, it's all on display. We root for him (because of his strengths & weaknesses). He feeds off of his vibrant co-stars, and they to him. And the performance/character just works brilliantly. Cuba Gooding Jr. brings magnetic energy & enthusiasm to Rod Tidwell. It's the type of performance that will/could ignite a long career. When he begs Jerry to "Show him the money!!!", you feel like jumping through the screen & chanting with him. Regina King is also great as his feisty, but supportive wife.
And newcomer Renee Zellweger is fantastic as Dorothy; a sweet, vulnerable, yet strong woman who 'wants' to follow her own vision, but didn't know how to act until she saw Jerry's. You can't force the kind go chemistry she has with Cruise; it's either there or it isn't. And boy, is it there. The lines "You complete me" & "You had me at Hello" will go down as some of the most modern romantic cinematic lines ever uttered. 'Jerry Maguire' won't be for everyone; and small annoyances/weaknesses aside, I can't recommend this film highly enough.
She believes in him so much (and it doesn't hurt that she thinks he's attractive), that she risks everything, throws away her safe job, & follows him on his new, independent sports agent adventure. Also along for the ride is Jerry's sole client, egotistical Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.). Things are great for a while; until one day where he suddenly has 2nd thoughts about everything going on in his life. After starting a relationship with Dorothy, she wonders if he's more into her ADORABLE son (Jonathan Lipnicki) than herself. And his confidence with Rod Tidwell is floundering, as well. Can Jerry redeem his confidence, his career, and his love life while staying true to himself? That's the ultimate question of this very-fine movie.
Cameron Crowe has made a film that is as intelligent & insightful as it is pure mainstream entertainment -- fresh, humorous, romantic, energetic & endearing. I left the theater happy, wanting to tell everyone I came across to check out 'Jerry Maguire'. It is as successful a romantic dramedy as it is about the dispiriting, cold, heartless business world. And the characters are unforgettable, multi-dimensional personalities. As different as they each are, they're all of them: bright, tender, real, & funny. The romance aspect of the film is enchanting. And yet, all the other themes/subplots/characters don't get shorthanded; not at all. I was as into Jerry & Rod's sports/family ventures as I was with Dorothy's home situation. The script is wonderful; full of memorable quotes & scenes. After watching 'Jerry Maguire', not only do I feel like I have a handle on the high-stakes world of pro sports, not only do I feel like I've been given a backstage pass to see the trials & tribulations of being a journalist, but I also feel like I understand a little more about love. That sounds putrid, doesn't it? Haha. But that's how the movie made me feel. There's such a strong emotional texture to it all. And while the ending is satisfying; it also leaves you wondering which directions these characters will all go in next.
Tom Cruise is great as Jerry. This is not a Mission Impossible or Top Gun action film. He still gets to be a fiery & strong here, but I feel Tom is at his best when doing some slow, subtle things. The intonation of his dialogue delivery, his sensitivity, his knowing smile, his feel for the moment, it's all on display. We root for him (because of his strengths & weaknesses). He feeds off of his vibrant co-stars, and they to him. And the performance/character just works brilliantly. Cuba Gooding Jr. brings magnetic energy & enthusiasm to Rod Tidwell. It's the type of performance that will/could ignite a long career. When he begs Jerry to "Show him the money!!!", you feel like jumping through the screen & chanting with him. Regina King is also great as his feisty, but supportive wife.
And newcomer Renee Zellweger is fantastic as Dorothy; a sweet, vulnerable, yet strong woman who 'wants' to follow her own vision, but didn't know how to act until she saw Jerry's. You can't force the kind go chemistry she has with Cruise; it's either there or it isn't. And boy, is it there. The lines "You complete me" & "You had me at Hello" will go down as some of the most modern romantic cinematic lines ever uttered. 'Jerry Maguire' won't be for everyone; and small annoyances/weaknesses aside, I can't recommend this film highly enough.