Jerry Maguire

Movie Name: Jerry Maguire
Year of Release: 1996

Director: Cameron Crowe

Stars: Tom Cruise, Renee Zellweger, Cuba Gooding Jr., Kelly Preston, Bonnie Hunt, Jerry O'Connell, Jay Mohr, Regina King, Jonathan Lipnicki, Todd Louiso, Mark Pellington

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7

Synopsis:

After the success of "Singles", writer/director Cameron Crowe returned with "Jerry Maguire", which turned out to be a huge hit both commercially and critically (the film was nominated for 5 Oscars, including best picture of the year). The story focuses on Jerry Maguire, a successful sports agent, who after questioning the purpose of his career and momentum, writes a mission statement that ends up getting him fired. His sole support comes from a single and ambitious client, and a secretary, both of whom decide to help him start his own agency.  Along this path, Jerry gains insight about his life, the people in it and where he wants to see himself in the future.
Cameron Crowe's films have always focused on decent and professional individuals, who along the way have lost their path, and the connection with their loved ones, and with their ideals. These characters are confronted with a dramatic event which functions as a catalyst which forces them to rethink their lives. Of all his features that touch this storyline, "Jerry Maguire" is the most accomplished, since it perfectly encompasses both the ambition and simultaneously the return to a simpler life, which became associated with the 90s, following the ruthless ambition of the 80s. Tom Cruise successfully brings to life this conflicted young man, one who sees his life disappearing and finds the strength to rebuild itself and ultimately follow his own heart. The supporting cast is equally great, from the always reliable Renee Zellweger, Cuba Gooding Jr. (who never did anything quite like this ever again) and Bonnie Hunt. The cinematography from Janusz Kaminski (Steven Spielberg's frequent collaborator) is beautiful, as is the eclectic score. A good film always worth revisiting.