Review of Jerry Maguire (1996) by Carlos B — 04 Jul 2010

Okay, so this time around, Cameron Crowe produces a script that's a tad manipulative. With its sensationalist dialogue, and overdramatic moments, the movie "Jerry Maguire" is sort of like the agent Jerry Maguire, where it will tell you what you'd like to hear.

It delivers smooth dialogue, and a ton of heartfelt emotion, even when the heartfelt emotion isn't exactly genuine. But with that said, "Jerry Maguire" is still a great film just because I don't think there's ever been a movie made that's manipulated audiences so well.

It's like a high-class art of manipulation. Even now, 14 years later, people are still saying, "Show me the money" and "Help me help you". Shouldn't that count for something? Plus, beneath all of the catchy dialogue, there are real characters lying underneath.

Jerry Maguire (Cruise) does a real turnaround from snidy sports agent to caring family man, and the turnaround is done slowly which is nice to see. Bonnie Hunt as the sister was also one of my favorite characters.

Her clashes with Cruise were some of the best moments of the entire film. Also, Crowe is such a great director that he's able to get all of the characters to speak the ridiculous dialogue in a way that seems natural.

I never found myself rolling my eyes, and I know if the delivery from the actors was just a little off, "Jerry Maguire" would have been a disaster of epic proportions. I think Crowe had a hand in getting all of the actors tuned in just right to their characters.

All in all, "Jerry Maguire" is great sensationalist stuff.