It's a gambler's strategy -- double or nothing -- and Magnolia's gamble pays off.
Magnolia (1999)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:136
Fresh:113
Rotten:23
Average Rating:7.5/10
Consensus: Critics say Magnolia is an ambitious, lengthy work that ultimately succeeds due to the interesting stories and excellent ensemble performances.
Synopsis: In a single day in Los Angeles, a number of interconnected lives are changed forever. A lonely police officer (John C. Reilly) falls in love with a disturbed cocaine addict (Melora Walters). Her... In a single day in Los Angeles, a number of interconnected lives are changed forever. A lonely police officer (John C. Reilly) falls in love with a disturbed cocaine addict (Melora Walters). Her father (Philip Baker Hall), the host of the game show "What Do Kids Know?" has terminal cancer and tries to make amends for his past mistakes. A former champion of the show (William H. Macy) struggles to find love while the current champion (Jeremy Blackman) suffocates under the pressures of being a boy genius. An elderly man (Jason Robards) lies on his deathbed, tended by nurse Phil Parma (Philip Seymour Hoffman), while his trophy wife (Julianne Moore) wrestles with grief and guilt, and his estranged son (Tom Cruise), an infomercial host, teaches workshops on how to trick women into having sex. Throughout all of this, past deeds are lamented and strange forces loom in the air. Director Paul Thomas Anderson's follow-up to BOOGIE NIGHTS is an extravagant, emotional epic inspired by such films as Robert Altman's NASHVILLE and SHORT CUTS, with a sprawling cast of characters searching for love and meaning in a chaotic world. The cast delivers uniformly excellent performances, most notably Tom Cruise's Oscar-nominated role as the sleazy Frank T.J. Mackey. [More]
Starring: John C. Reilly, Julianne Moore, Philip Baker Hall, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Starring: John C. Reilly, Julianne Moore, Philip Baker Hall, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Jason Robards, Melora Walters, William H. Macy, Jeremy Blackman, Michael Bowen, Melinda Dillon, April Grace, Luis Guzmán, Alfred Molina, Michael Murphy, Felicity Huffman, Henry Gibson
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Screenwriter: Paul Thomas Anderson
Producer: Joanne Sellar, Paul Thomas Anderson
Composer: Jon Brion
Reviews for Magnolia
Ever since the credits rolled I’ve been able to think of little else.
Anderson brings us his third movie... with more confidence and skill than his 29 years would suggest.
The film’s genius lies in Mr. Anderson’s brilliant construction, which weaves the stories together with dazzling elegance.
Proves the truth of the old Zen adage: those who try too hard usually miss the target.
The acting is spellbinding and illustrates the dysfunctional core of humans at a level that exceeds most films.
Dosn't stand up to any analysis, but it's filled with amazing scenes, and seems uncannily hooked into the Zeitgeist of the time.
You don't have to like everything [Anderson] does, but if you enjoy seeing the walls rattled and the roof raised in the Hollywood citadel, you've got to love it.
Yu could spend three hours snickering at Anderson's 'What the World Needs Now Is Aimee Mann' metaphysic. But his vision cuts deeper than a lot of folky bathos.
Magnolia makes it three-for-three for writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson
Speaks to us from places we know all too well – the dark side of the morning, and the solitary depths of the human heart.
Magnolia is a deeply felt kitchen sink movie reminiscent, in a good way.
Jason Robards gives the performance of his career as a terminally ill man trying to contact his son: He's so convincing, you fear for Robards' own health.
Magnolia is real, full-tilt filmmaking, seducing our souls and nervous systems with a sensory, kinesthetic rush.
Latest News for Magnolia
February 07, 2007:
Ben Stiller & Tom Cruise: The New Hardy Boys?
Will Tom Cruise resort to comedy in an effort to salvage his semi-damaged image? And if so, is Ben Stiller to be his partner in hilarity? More...
November 21, 2006:
Auteur Robert Altman Passes Away at 81
Robert Altman, the esteemed and venerable director of "M*A*S*H," "Nashville," and "The Player," died Monday from complications due to cancer. He... More...
June 09, 2005:
Paramount Confirms "Mission: Impossible 3" is a Go
Just a day after dropping their proposed "Watchmen" adaptation, Paramount Pictures announced that "Mission: Impossible 3" will go into production on July... More...
May 26, 2005:
Rhys-Myers and Monaghan Sign up for "MI: 3"
More...
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