Rating: 
Summary: Cameron Got The Quan
Review: Not only did Cameron Crowe invent nifty terminology for his feisty football star Rod Tidwell, he brought it to life by reaping its benefits for this exceptionally well-written and directed picture about a talent shark who reevaluates his success-driven life. He got the love, he got the respect as a filmmaker, he got the money - the whole package that is...the QUAN! And speaking of "showing the money", his multifaceted cast of actors dished out priceless performances that would've shrank to an unrecognizable state if in the hands of anyone other than Cruise, Zellweger, Gooding and Mohr. This is a tour-de-force ensemble that fed off each other's energy, blending and clashing seamlessly.It all starts with Cruise's smug narration of the film as the planet Earth swirls into view and centers upon the life of our title character traversing from press conference to press conference in search of more valuable clients. His morals are drenched in his motivation for money and fame. He is newly engaged to self-absorbed go-getter Avery Bishop (bravura comeback by Kelly Preston) and is popular with his envious co-workers. All seems well until the umpteenth hospitalization of a hockey player and the ire of his son brings him to an enlightening standpoint: fewer clients, less money, more personal attention. This and many more pages of an early-morning essay progress into a mission statement titled "The Things We Think But Do Not Say", copied, bound and distributed to each of SMI's employee mailboxes. His frank dissertation on the company's business ethics merits him a merciless layoff by fellow colleague Bob Sugar at a private luncheon before they even glance at their menus. From there it is a race against time to keep some of his more valuable clients as he moves on to an ad hoc launch of his own agency in the wide world of budding athleticism. This is a delightful and energizing part of the movie to watch with Crowe's ability to create the fury and desperation of the moment, flashing back and forth consistently between the ravenous parties as they dial number after number, swaying their unwary clientele to and fro out of sheer competitiveness. The race ends with Jerry on the losing side, his only dangling claim a raucous, argumentative linebacker named Rod Tidwell that coerces Maguire to beg for his small but vital revenue. With star athlete Frank Kushman (Jerry O'Connell playing the numbskull quarterback) and all the rest under Sugar's greedy thumb, Jerry leaves SMI with tail tucked between legs and one devout volunteer: a smitten single mom named Dorothy Boyd who becomes his lone and tenacious account and, in due time, his wistful lover. This film possesses so many enjoyable performances that I hardly know where to start, but I guess I'll begin with the most prominent. Tom Cruise dispenses an audacious and extraordinary show that won him a Best Actor nomination, flailing new-fangled comedic genius about during his character's numerous nervous breakdowns and displaying his usual magnetic appeal that has served him in past projects such as "The Firm", "A Few Good Men" and "Interview With The Vampire" (my personal favorite!). Who would've thought a seasoned performer such as Cruise would enmesh so well with a cast member of the ghetto flick "Boyz N' The Hood"? Cuba Gooding Jr. was the big kahuna of Crowe's innovative yarn, earning the prize for the Best Supporting category as the energetic and boisterous Tidwell. His elated acceptance speech at the podium was the very heart and soul of his rambunctious character, excitedly whooping and unashamedly divulging his gratitude to everyone involved. Acknowledgement also goes to Renee Zellweger as the soft-hearted Dorothy Boyd and Jay Mohr as the zealous Bob Sugar. Lately I've been repelled by the number of dewey-eyed child actors complete with annoying lisps, so it was refreshing to see the genuinely adorable, spikey-haired tot Johnathan Lipnicki complete with nerdy horn-rimmed spectacles portraying Zellweger's precocious son Ray. As for Cameron, he continues to make his mark in the film industry with his latest vehicle "Almost Famous", a biography of sorts about his early days as a rock n' roll columnist for Rolling Stone magazine. If you're looking to build a Cameron Crowe archive, this should be, without a doubt, your first choice.
Rating: 
Summary: I'm not Freaking Out...
Review: Those words are spoken by Tom Cruise in this comedy, him playing a sports agent who finds both love and professional fullfillment in this hit movie from director Cameron Crowe.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully Unique
Review: If you aren't careful, you might enter "predictability" mode and let this entire movie slip right by you. Don't. Jerry Maguire begins where most movies end. Often Hollywood shows our hero making his way through the world, compromising what his heart tells him to do for worldly success, until these two forces dramatically conflict and our hero says to himself "Oh yeah, follow my heart" and then lives happily ever after. Jerry Maguire is "Part 2" for all these movies - it shows us just how difficult it actually is to follow our heart, especially in a world where no one else seems to. The title character (played by Tom Cruise) is a highly successive sports agent - a field portrayed as more inhuman and slimy than selling cars or practicing law. After Jerry announces his change of heart, his career slides slowly downward as his coworkers oust him, his clients desert him, and his fiancee leaves him. Jerry is left with one fading, unpopular client, (Cuba Gooding Jr in an Oscar-winning, mesmerizing performance) and a rebound relationship his sole employee. Jerry is fighting for his life. This aspect of the movie is intense and engrossing. These characters are the most fleshed out I've ever seen, with excellent acting and outstanding dialog. However, this film also contains a romantic "sub" plot, which is powerful but ultimately unforfilling, perhaps by choice. Renee Zellweger plays Maguire's instant wife, and is SO supporting, SO charming, SO beautiful, that I wished for a stronger resolution to their relationship than the movie gave me. As the plot brings the wonderful main theme to a powerful close, it also tries to also wrap up the romance in an equally intelligent way, and I think the actors and even the writer/director (Cameron Crowe) tripped themselves up ever so slightly. Maybe Crowe, Cruise, and Zellweger realized than even lovers don't live "happily ever after", and hesitate just enough to remind us of this. The film is still a timeless classic, but doesn't end as saticfying as something like Casablanca.
Rating: 
Summary: Cameron Crowe: "Show Me A Better Movie!"
Review: Jerry Maguire is an alright film, in fact it's pretty good, so why am I being so critical? It probably has something to do with the fact that it's been hailed at the best romantic comedy of all time and simply can't stand up under the weight of it's own hype. Tom Cruise stars as the title character, a ruthless sports agent who discompationate heart miraculously turns to gold after being critized by an ailing clients son. It's a mid-life crisis of sorts but I can't help but think the first half of Jerry's life had to be more interesting than this. He outs himself among his collegues and clients which leads to his firing and provides the films best moment as a perfectly cast Jay Mohr puts a new twist on the old 'we're letting you go' speech. So Jerry heads out into the world with a staff of one and an equally unimpressive clients list. Renee Zellweger plays Jerry's love interest and does well with the part but I can't help but be miffed at the notion that there's anything more between these two than a strong physical attraction. Both are eqally charming and cute which works to their disadvantage here, as Cameron Crowe loses hold of the reighs and lets his movie slip into the relms of fluff. I can't say too many bad things about Jerry Maguire except if you're looking for a Crowe film to see on a Friday night look to his latest - Almost Famous, which is a step in the right direction for this incrediblly talented filmmaker.
Rating:
Summary: The actors are only half the value, and they're great!
Review: Cuba Gooding, Jr, and Tom Cruise are incredible actors. It's unfortunate that they're only a small part of the power this movie has to offer. I actually bought the video without seeing it because I had purchased some audio books on leadership... one of them had been done by the gentleman this story was based on. Hearing him speak of his trials and final triumph, his ethics and morals overpowering his need for dollars... truly inspiring movie. Once I had seen the movie, I was overjoyed that I had bought it. A message here, for all. Children and adults can benefit from the lessons offered within these celluloid walls. A definite 5, and another must buy for your collection of movies that have actual meaning and substance. I love this movie.
Rating:
Summary: Highly Entertaining
Review: Tom Cruise had a good year in 1996 showing everyone the money by starring in two of the top four grossing films of the year ("Jerry Maguire", $153M; and "Mission: Impossible", $180M). Of the two, "Jerry Maguire" was clearly the better film, garnering five Oscar nominations and winning a best supporting Oscar for Cuba Gooding, Jr. It is the story of a sports agent who falls from grace with his agency because he develops scruples and has the bad judgment to share his newfound principles with his firm. This results in instant unemployment and the necessity to start his own agency. Upon striking out with his trusty new assistant Dorothy (Renee Zellweger), he finds to his chagrin that the only client that stays with him is a loudmouth football player named Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) whose psyche is in a state of delicate imbalance. As time goes on and his depression and debt get deeper, Jerry's only hope is that Rod can play football as well as he can talk trash. Writer/Director Cameron Crowe is excellent at writing amusing human-interest stories with offbeat themes (See Fast Times At Ridgemont High). The combination of the high-pressure world of sports representation, a whacked-out client and a charming love affair makes for an engaging tale with something for just about everyone. Tom Cruise shines as Jerry Maguire. He gives that character a false bravado that belies his desperate lack of confidence. Yet, despite his feelings of hopelessness he never gives up, not on Rod, Dorothy or himself. This film put Renee Zellweger on the map as Dorothy, Jerry's idealistic and loyal secretary and love interest. She was enchanting and resolute as she stood by her man no matter what the costs. Cuba Gooding, Jr. was fantastic and stole the show repeatedly with his over the top performance. This is a fast paced and highly entertaining film. I rated it a 9/10. I recommend it highly.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing Movie!!!!
Review: Honestly, of all the films of Tom Cruise, this remains a favorite! Mr. Cruise delivered a great, two-thumbs up performance in a lead role so as the rest of the cast. A well-acted movie that will make you laugh, make you cry, be in love and lastly, be inspired! - all rolled into one. Maguire is an unforgettable, charming character who's also a risk-taker,taking-in simplicity in a fast-paced existence. Overcoming obstacles regardless what others think. Fans will be delighted as well, with Tom, having dozens of good close-ups. Jonathan Lipnicki's performance is hilariously cute!!!! Great script, Highly Recommended!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: One of my favorites...
Review: The first time I watched this movie, I was moved by the story. The second time I watched it, I was amazed by the acting. The third time, I was impressed by the cinematography. Well, you get the picture. This film has so much to offer, that it might be impossible to fully appreciate it after only one viewing. I have seen it numerous times, and I notice something new each time. At the heart of this film lies the story of a man who transforms his life because he doesn't have the most important thing: inner happiness. Everybody can identify with Jerry at some point in his metamorphosis from a commercialized business machine to a loving family man. The movie leaves you feeling good about people and yourself. So don't miss out on this one, you'll be happy you saw it. I know I am.
Rating:
Summary: Pleasant Romantic Comedy
Review: Whilst half an hour too long, this is a romantic comedy of the sort that went out of fashion in the 1950s (in which Cruise's role would have been played by Cary Grant). The story is pure formula, with nothing to surprise or shock the viewer. The plus points are the quality of playing by the entire cast and the well-observed moments of comedy and pathos. Cruise and Zellweger work well together, and Gooding Jnr provides likable support. Nothing to write home about, but engaging enough in its own way.
Rating:
Summary: Jerry Showed Me the Money
Review: I never saw 'Jerry Maguire' when it first came out in the movies back in 1996. I'm not quite sure why not...however, upon seeing it just recently, I've decided that this movie is one of the best made in the '90s and definitely something I should have seen on the big screen. It touched me, made me laugh, made me cry (hey, that is a big deal coming from someone who laughed when sitting through 'Titanic'!). It's hard to ignore the hard work put into making this film realistic and humanly relatable. Mr. Maguire is like a lot of people in this world who get so overwhelmed by superficial things, but then realizes that there is more than just hollowly doing your job and hollowly living through life. His loyal friend and soon to be lover Dorothy is an idealistic romantic with a hell of a funny son. It's all good in this movie, from the laughter to the tears. Jerry Maguire had me at hello, too.
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