Rewarding relationship tale

Rating: 7/10 (5 June 2008)

Writer/director Cameron Crowe ("Say Anything" and "Singles") seems to be very much in touch with human emotion as he penned this story about relationships. On the surface "Jerry Maguire" appears to be about a down and out sports agent who is desperately trying to keep life and soul together as his world crumbles about him. Really though this touching, often funny film is primarily concerned with the relationships we have with the ones we love.
Cruise has found some form again as he looks for true meaning in his work and his personal life, though he never seems to be able to get a handle on his emotions nor his true feelings. Renee Zellweger is also thoroughly enjoyable in her debut as the faithful accounts clerk who believes in Jerry's ideals more strongly than he does, but who ultimately only needs his love, not his admiration or friendship. Both the leads are easily, and quite willingly, outdone by young Jonathan Lipnick, too cute as Dorothy's six year old boy who steals many scenes and gets some of the funniest lines. A special mention must go to Cuba Gooding Junior in his Oscar winning role. His is a passionate portrayal of an aging footballer whose sincere love of his family is not reflected in his game. Also stars Bonnie Hunt, Kelly Preston, Regina King, Jerry O'Connell and Jay Mohr. Bruce Springteen's "Secret Garden" provides a moving love theme.
Many times Crowe seems more in tune with women's feelings than men's, so spot on are his female characters. A shame that such an insightful drama didn't have the morals nor the 'truth' to go with it (money doesn't matter, as long as you've got plenty of it seems rather a confused message). Still, a most rewarding pic.
Friday, April 25, 1997 - Waverley Pinewood Cinema