Jerry Maguire seems to be a passion project by Cameron Crowe who directs, writes and produces and he really hits the sweet spot with this movie about a sports agent with a conscience. You can see why it did well at the box office as it has something for everyone and you can imagine a couple going to the cinema together and both parties being equally enthusiastic to see it. There is a wonderful blend of drama, sports, business, comedy and love... and it really works well.
It is well scripted and the characters are really fleshed out over the generous (though not over-long), runtime. Particular credit has to go to Cuba Gooding Jr. As NFL player Rod Tidwell, who rightly won an Oscar for best supporting actor. It would have been easy to make his character unlikeable to the viewer, but Gooding Jr. Adds a warmth and cheekiness that makes us warm to him despite the obnoxious nature and 'chip on his shoulder'. Cruise is also well cast as a sports agent with a conscience and gives an underrated performance here.
The number of memorable and quotable lines from this film is impressive; "Show me the money!", "You had me at hello" and "Help me, help you", all are credit to Crowe and the quality of the script. The soundtrack also deserves a mention as it is filled with iconic and perfectly appointed songs, and again credit to Crowe and his then wife Nancy Wilson (of 'Heart' fame) for this bonus.
It's really hard not to like this movie and it's one I enjoy revisiting and despite being nearly 30 years old, it hardly ages. Highly recommended if you have not seen it yet.
9/10.
It is well scripted and the characters are really fleshed out over the generous (though not over-long), runtime. Particular credit has to go to Cuba Gooding Jr. As NFL player Rod Tidwell, who rightly won an Oscar for best supporting actor. It would have been easy to make his character unlikeable to the viewer, but Gooding Jr. Adds a warmth and cheekiness that makes us warm to him despite the obnoxious nature and 'chip on his shoulder'. Cruise is also well cast as a sports agent with a conscience and gives an underrated performance here.
The number of memorable and quotable lines from this film is impressive; "Show me the money!", "You had me at hello" and "Help me, help you", all are credit to Crowe and the quality of the script. The soundtrack also deserves a mention as it is filled with iconic and perfectly appointed songs, and again credit to Crowe and his then wife Nancy Wilson (of 'Heart' fame) for this bonus.
It's really hard not to like this movie and it's one I enjoy revisiting and despite being nearly 30 years old, it hardly ages. Highly recommended if you have not seen it yet.
9/10.