This 1996 film won Cuba Gooding Jr. an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and launched his career to a new level, but it was still a Tom Cruise vehicle. The actor intentionally and thankfully smudges his shiny image by playing an ambitious, serpentine sports agent. Jerry Maguire does end happily with the character achieving professional success and fulfilling love despite many obstacles. So, don't complain; just pop this movie in your player and enjoy Cruise's surprisingly comic talents as his character gropes out of the moral sludge.

What happens when a man tries to apply moral standards to his job in an industry of greed? He gets fired. Tom Cruise plays Jerry Maguire, a slick sports agent who realizes that he hates how he is living his life and encourages his fellow employees to get back to the important basics: people, loyalty, and fairness. Unfortunately, Maguire's new moral compass costs him his job, and he is left to start his business anew with one work ally, agency accountant Dorothy Boyd (Rene Zellweger), and his least important client, Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding, Jr.). Maguire embarks on a journey of personal growth that forces him to reevaluate his life choices and ultimately leads him to both friendship and love. Like his earlier films, SAY ANYTHING and SINGLES, this award-winning Cameron Crowe film features snappy dialogue, comic relief, and the occasional tear-jerking moment. Stellar performances are turned in from Cruise, Zellwegger, and Gooding, Jr., as well as supporting cast members Bonnie Hunt, Jay Mohr, Regina King, and Kelly Preston.

A powerful, successful, and virtually heartless sports agent hits the skids after a sudden burst of goodwill compels him to rethink his personal priorities and defy his agency's policy of unscrupulously stockpiling clients. Jerry Maguire, a slick, high-living sports agent, has just decided that he's tired of the shallowness of his profession, and wants to live a more fulfilling, ethical life. But Jerry's new outlook doesn't mesh with his agency's ethics, and he is promptly fired. Jerry manages to hold on to one client, cocksure football player Rod Tidwell, and the agency's accountant, single mom Dorothy Boyd, and he develops strong relationships with both. However, his complicated romance with Dorothy forces each to confront complex issues and realities -- and make decisions that will affect the rest of their lives. This acclaimed comic fable garnered a spate of accolades. Academy Award Nominations: 5, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Tom Cruise), Best Supporting Actor (Cuba Gooding, Jr.), Best Original Screenplay (Cameron Crowe), and Best Editing. Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor.

Released theatrically in the USA December 13, 1996. Color by DeLuxe; prints by Technicolor; in DTS Sound and SDDS (Sony Dynamic Digital Sound). Additional cast: Jonathan Lipnicki (Ray Boyd); Todd Louiso (Chad the Nanny); Mark Pellington (Bill Dooler). Additional credit: Lisa Stewart (associate producer).