Jerry Maguire

REVIEW
An appealing romantic comedy with a thing or two to say about the cutthroat industry that is modern-day sports, Jerry Maguire firmly reinforces Cruise's bankability and stature as one of America's foremost leading men. Though given to excessive shouting every now and then, Cruise has rarely been better as Maguire, a sports agent whose night of conscience (and wordy "mission statement" decrying his firm's greediness) casts him into the unknown waters of solo artist. With an admiring accountant (a charming Zellweger) in tow, Maguire takes his one client (Oscar winner Gooding) and attempts to go one-on-one with the big boys. Writer-director Crowe has created likable characters who all get to say and do things within a very romantic framework. His is a smart, lively, funny work. As Maguire's exuberant client, Gooding is sensational, bringing humor and spontaneity to what could have been a nondescript role.