Romance February Review: Jerry Maguire

What does it mean to love the person your with? Is it a feeling you just know? Or is it something else you can’t explain?

Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) is about to have his life turned upside down. He’s on top of the world and he’s considered one of the best sports agents in the business. Then the word’s of a child hit him right in the gut. Coming up with the idea to specialize in fewer clients, Jerry sends out a company wide memo to announce the future of the business. Unfortunately, fewer clients means less money, so the idea isn’t taken too well.

Out of a job and down to only two clients, Jerry Maguire, hopes to start his own business. He is followed on his new business venture by Dorothy Boyd (Renée Zellweger), a woman he had previously met and she believed his memo was inspiring. Think that he only needs to keep his big money client happy, Jerry, spends most of his focus on the future #1 draft pick and not his other client. The cocky, wide receiver Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.) believes in Jerry Maguire. After gaining his trust by shouting the legendary line “Show Me The Money”, Jerry has this client till the end.

At it’s heart, Jerry Maguire is all about heart and commitment. Jerry has never been able to show love to any women he has ever dated and Dorothy is no different. He’s unsure if he has the capacity to love and it’s more like he needs someone there to stroke his ego every now and then. He’s relationship with his clients is put through the same rigorous tests. Throughout his career, he has only put the minimum into his relationship with his players, based on how money they would make him.

Jerry Maguire is one of those rare movies that is perfect for both sexes. Cameron Crowe knows how to pull strong performances from his actors and this is one of his shining examples. Cuba Gooding Jr. is the greatest example of this. Winning an Academy Award for his performance of Rod Tidwell, there’s no doubt this man is a football player. I haven’t seen too many pictures with Gooding Jr., but I’d argue this was the best he’s ever been.

How do you know when your with the one? Jerry Maguire must discover what it really means to love someone and commit to a relationship. I hadn’t seen this movie for years and it exceeded my expectations. If your looking for a superb romance film, look no further.

4.5 Hearts / 5

* Parts of Romance February 2012