You Had Me At Hello

Rating: 9/10 (21 September 2009)

In 1996, "Jerry McGuire" proved itself as a breakthrough film for many of its cast and crew. It earned many awards, including five Oscar nominations (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Tom Cruise),...), winning two (Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (Cuba Gooding Jr.)). Therefore, this film proved the true potential in several of its cast members, namely Tom Cruise, Renee Zellweger, Cuba Gooding Jr., and producer, director, and writer Cameron Crowe (2000's "Almost Famous", 2005's "Elizabethtown"). Though some had previously stretched themselves as artists occasionally, this film earned them newfound respect like never before. "Jerry McGuire" follows a greedy workaholic sports agent who suddenly loses his job. This begins his path of soul searching, which teaches him many life lessons, namely his true love. When Dorothy enters his life, he realized the true worth of money is much less than the finer things in life which are free. Meanwhile, he begins his own agency. Only few of his clients follow him. All except one, Ray, maintain this relationship with Jerry. This becomes closer than ever as Jerry struggles to help him find his place in football and later, of purpose. These series of story lines create an eyeopening masterpiece that leads to a powerful and unforgettable conclusion. Cameron Crowe begins his series of masterpieces with this film. He proves in this film that he is one of the finest filmmakers of today. He takes a creative, unique story and adds great substance in its events. These written words often find some humorous scenes that maintains its dramatic theme unbelievably. This shows that films don't need a large budget to attract audiences or to be amazing. As with his following films, he never rushes any of his projects. He assures himself that they are full quality, and that every storyline fit one another. In particular, "Jerry McGuire" adds some clever quotes that make this film for added viewing pleasure including "you had me at hello", "you complete me", "did you know that a human head weighs eight pounds", and the most prominent "show me the money". This undistinguishable writing style proves that sometimes, the most unexpected becomes the highlight. This roller coaster film could not be as enjoyable if it wasn't for the brilliant performances, namely but not limiting Tom Cruise, Renee Zellweger, and Cuba Gooding Jr. They give their characters the unforgettable presence that may be close to impossible to most other actors. Cruise offers his signature acting style to new extremes to the main character Jerry McGuire. Zellweger's more emotional performances gives greater strength to the film's dramatic and romantic value. Gooding offers the more eccentric theme that often gives the famous film quotes new meaning. Such film quality proves that "Jerry McGuire" has and always will stand the test of time. This will surely please a variety of audiences, the more dramatic and the more comedic. It has proved its capabilities as a future film classic.