Tom Cruise recently won the Best Actor prize bestowed by The National Society of Film Critics for his frenzied and poignant portrayl of a sports agent who develops a conscience in a very unethical business where the almighty dollar is sometimes put above the health and well being of professional athletes and where kids are turned away from receiving autographs from their sports icons because the icons are under contract to only sign specified merchandise. After distributing a manual venting his frustration with the business he is dropped like a hot potato by his boss at the agency where he works and manages to retain only one client who's a second string wide receiver with hopes of a big NFL contract. The wide receiver is played in a supporting role by Cuba Gooding Jr. who along with lead actor Cruise should be Oscar bound for his selfish portrayal of a man with an enormous chip on his shoulder and whose attitude is keeping him from fitting in with the big leagues. After losing his job Cruise is dumped by his girlfriend and soon to be wife from hell (Kelly Preston) and becomes involved with a young widow (Renee Zellweger) who has an adorable six year old son. Director Cameron Crowe ('Say Anything') has crafted a special film with touching aspects suited for both men and women. The balance found in the sports and the relationship aspects of the film make this a great date movie and in particular a great first date movie. Tom Cruise gives his most uplifting performance to date and no one can argue about Cruise's diversity and talent as an actor after seeing this movie. >From his roles in 'The Color of Money' (1986) to 'Rain Man' (1988) to 'A Few Good Men' (1992) where fellow actors Paul Newman, Dustin Hoffman and Jack Nicholson have all praised Cruise for his ability. Jerry Maguire paints a very real picture of present day sports where integrity and ethics do have a place and where hard work and determination can make a difference. It's all in the desperation and Cruise convinces us of that.