Highlights: Tom Cruise

By Jason Barney

June 19, 2012

Whatever happened to Kelly McGillis?

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For both males and females, the chemistry between Cruise and McGillis works. McGillis plays the unattainable woman with the fantastic smile who men can’t help but notice. The guys watching Top Gun were pulling for Cruise to at least grab her attention. Even women, who may have seen this one only once, remember Top Gun. When brought up in movie conversations, many undoubtedly recall the warm temperatures, flowing curtains, and the sun setting during the sex scene between the two.

Top Gun came out at the tail end of the Cold War, and relies heavily on the tensions between the former Soviet Union and the USA for its plot. While a full scale confrontation between them does not unfold, there is a fictional skirmish in the Indian Ocean between the fighter pilots of both sides. Cruise’s Maverick is caught in the middle of that battle as he comes to grip with the death of his best friend. This is a defining '80s film with fast motorcycle scenes and powerful fighter jets. It is a must see.

2) Jerry Maguire (1996)

Ten years after Cruises’ first major hit, he starred in this amazing sports film. He had some great roles between Top Gun and 1996, but this one is incredible. He plays Jerry Maguire, a fast paced agent consumed by America’s obsession with sports. As the film begins, we see just how good he is at his job, with real life stars making appearances on the big screen. This is subtle, but adds so much to the foundation of the story. Cruise is intense, driven, and totally into the world of making his clients as much dough as they deserve.




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Not long into the movie, one of his athletes is suffering from a severe injury, one that might be career threatening. While professing his love for what his sports stars do, he has a moment with the injured player’s son. It totally changes his outlook and has major implications for the story. Maguire writes a manifesto about the ills of the industry and how the athletes need to be treated like people, not dollar signs. It gets him fired from his huge salary job.

What follows is a film about sports with a romance that men and women are both drawn into. The relationship is as good as the sports storyline. Renee Zellweger plays Dorothy Boyd, his love interest, and the two have remarkable chemistry. She plays a single mom inspired by his change of heart. Her young son is in the background; small and cute, his presence always reminding the characters about family responsibilities. Also prominent is Cuba Gooding Jr., who plays Rod Tidwell, an established but not superstar player attempting to land the big contract. When Maguire’s fortunes evaporate Tidwell is the only athlete he is able to maintain a relationship with. He plays without a long term deal, remains loyal, and displays inspirational commitment to family.

The film and actors were pegged for a slew of positive critical attention. Gooding received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, Cruise won the Golden Globe for Best Actor, and the movie was in contention for best film from several different organizations. This is a truly memorable picture.

You know a film has made it into the hearts of movie fans when some of its phrases become lines adopted in casual conversations. “Show Me The Money!”


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