Jerry Maguire (1996)

Today, we are going to take a little trip through the Jake Ehrlich archives and go back almost thirty years, a little before my time, and take a look at what happens to be, in my opinion, one of Tom Cruise’s best movies and performances: Jerry Maguire. A movie that, compared to being around a large group of people, makes me feel content. There’s so much to be said about this movie, so let’s get right into it. A sports agent has a noble revelation of the sports management business and gets fired for expressing it. So, he sets out and starts his own management firm with single mother, Dorothy Boyd, played by Renee Zellweger, and the only client who chooses to stay with him, football player, Rod Tidwell, played by Cuba Gooding Jr. in an Oscar winning performance. And that’s only the plot. So, let’s talk about what, in my opinion, makes this movie a great watch.

     I’m not the biggest fan of sports, but I do love how this movie shows what that world is like. I think what keeps me hooked throughout the film is Cameron Crowe’s awesome writing and how well told it is. And it’s not just a movie about sports. It’s about life and the way it should be. Everyone plays their part to perfection and I couldn’t find one flaw in the performances. Especially Cuba Gooding Jr., who steals just about every scene he’s in. His character even reminds me of myself in some ways when he gets emotional in the worst and best kind of ways. Well, for me, it’s usually in the worst ways most of the time, and it’s usually over meaningless shit, but that’s not the point. And as for the title character, Tom Cruise plays this role masterfully. He is charming, full of energy, and never gives up when it comes to reaching his goals. The rest of the cast is great, too, which includes Renee Zellweger as the responsible and hopeful single mother and love interest to the title character, Regina King as Rod Tidwell’s committed and loving wife, even Jonathan Lipnicki as Ray Boyd, the son of Dorothy. I’ve seen child actors give bad performances in movies before, but even he delivered, and he was six years old at the time. And without spoiling too much, I can never forget this line: “Did you know the human head weighs eight pounds?” There are so many others who gave it their all, who helped carry this movie on their backs, and it wouldn’t have been possible without them.

     There’s so much to this movie that I enjoy every time I watch it, but it also reminds me that even when things seem challenging, you can always try to adapt and come out on top. For me, things have always been challenging, especially when it comes to Asperger’s. But thanks to the love and support of my family, I feel like I can get through any challenge that comes my way. As sappy and sugarcoated as that sounds, that’s something I take away from this movie. When you have the love and support of those closest to you, you feel truly alive. The movie also reminds me to remain true to myself and hold on to my morals. I could also talk about all the famous quotes, my favorite scenes, and the story that keeps you hooked from beginning to end, but to be honest, I don’t think anything I say would do this movie justice. I’m just one guy who happens to really like it and nothing more. I will say this, though. I’d highly recommend taking the time to watch this movie whenever you can. For me, personally, as a fan of Tom Cruise and feel good heartwarming movies, I’d give this movie a perfect 10 out of 10. So, if you like these types of movies like I do, then you’re in for a real treat.