Jerry Maguire (1996)
A film by the great Cameron Crowe, starring Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr. (who won an Oscar for his performance, and gave one of the funniest speeches of all time), Renée Zellweger - and Jonathan Lipnicki, who plays the adorable kid :) I love this movie for several reasons; one, it doesn’t take it self to serious, two, it’s hilarious and authentic at the same time, three, “You complete me”, the beautiful love story between Jerry and Dorothy, but mostly this film works so well because of the dynamism of Tom Cruise and Cuba Gooding Jr.
Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) is a successful sports agent. The biggest clients, the respect, a beautiful fiancée, he has it all. Until one night he questions his purpose. His place in the world, and finally comes to terms with what’s wrong with his career and life. Recording all his thoughts in a mission statement Jerry feels he has a new lease on life. Unfortunately his opinions aren’t met with enthusiasm from his superiors and he gets fired from the agency. Jerry steps out into the sports business armed with only one volatile client (Cuba Gooding Jr.) and the only person with belief in his abilities (Renée Zellweger) with the impossible task of rebuilding what he once had. Along the way he faces the harsh truths which he’d ignored in the past and a host of hardships that he’d never faced before. A rare story produced by the materialistic studios about the dangers of losing oneself for the sake of materialism. An interesting statistic has emerged of late regarding a high number of American businessmen on their deathbeds who begin regretting the direction and purpose of their lives. “Jerry Maguire” offers an alternative, although probably few in his position would find the wisdom to change course.
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJpKKrGXOJw
