Roger Ebert of the "Chicago Sun-Times" gave the film three out of four stars, writing that there "are so many subplots that "Jerry Maguire" seems too full" and also commented that the film "starts out looking cynical and quickly becomes a heartwarmer." Todd McCarthy of "Variety" wrote "An exceptionally tasty contempo comedic romance, "Jerry Maguire" runs an unusual pattern on its way to scoring an unexpected number of emotional, social and entertaining points. Smartly written and boasting a sensational cast, Cameron Crowe's shrewdly observed third feature also gives Tom Cruise one of his very best roles..."