Jerry Maguire

Leaving the fast lane of greed for friendship, love and… loyalty

A quick-talking big-time sports agent (Tom Cruise) has an epiphany and swiftly loses his job with a big sports management corporation, but retains one loyal colleague (Renee Zellweger) and one outrageous NFL client (Cuba Gooding Jr). Can they rise from the ashes? Kelly Preston, Bonnie Hunt and Regina King are also on hand.

Jerry Maguire” (1996) is equal parts spirited drama, romantic comedy and sports flick. It effectively illustrates how the fast-paced cutthroat world isn’t interested in inspiring, well-meaning truth, but that doesn’t negate the value of honest friendship, genuine love and, most of all, loyalty.

It’s all-around ‘hip’ and entertaining, slowing down for the mid-section. But the last act drives everything home and is moving. It pretty much represents the best of the sometimes dubious genre (romcom).

The film runs 2 hours, 19 minutes, and was shot in the Los Angeles area as well as the Phoenix/Tempe region of Arizona, including Lost Dutchman State Park just east of there.

GRADE: A-