Rating: 
Summary: "Magnolia" love, life, death, frogs.
Review: "Magnolia" Paul Thomas Anderson's follow-up to "Boogie Nights" has another extravagant cast. William H. Macy, Juliane Moore, and Tom Cruise are the biggest of the names but Anderson's works aren't about "selling". He doesn't use the names of big stars like Cruise to promote the film to be a hit. This is an intelligent story of love, loss, confusion and many other juicy storylines that everyone loves. Aimee Mann provides nine songs to the film and soundtrack including the Academy Award nominated "Save Me". "Wise Up" is featured in the casts "sing-a-long" scene. Tom Cruise's role as the male dominate sex machine will offend many but it is wonderful acting reguardless. This is a bold film that will be enjoyed by many (the one's that don't mind three hour movies) and will be hated by many (people that "don't get it"). For those that "don't get it", the theme is simple, be loving to your children because they need you and you'll need them.
Rating: 
Summary: Demented | Brilliant
Review: MAGNOLIA is a masterful piece of filmmaking. I'm stunned at the negative reviews that have been posted here: "too long," "confusing." I wasn't even aware that the film was longer than 3 hours until I read it here! Unlike most moviegoers, I pay attention to a filmed-story, rather than a running-time. I would not agree with the reviewers who stated that lengthy running-times justify "great films" - a satisfying gift is as good as the package from whence it was wrapped. This is true of GONE WITH THE WIND and although a film like CITIZEN KANE doesn't reach this drastic time length, there are certainly similarities between these films listed in regards to MAGNOLIA -- they are bold examples of filmmaking; engaging, expressive, enjoyable, profoundly cinematic. Profound in every sense of the word! Viewers thought CITIZEN KANE was also confusing, but with all of the ideas, entertainment and ideologies we've been exposed to over the past 100 years since the birth of cinema, how can a film like MAGNOLIA strike confusion? The film is as ambitiously constructed as GRAND HOTEL, BIRTH OF A NATION, GODFATHER 2, GREED, INTOLERANCE and GRAND CANYON -- films where many lives cross multiple paths both temporally and spatially in order to ultimately reach equilibrium through tragedy and heartache. DW's 'fall of Babylon' is just as powerful as PT's 'falling frogs!' Besides, what's wrong with a film being confusing? Perhaps it's not the film, but instead the viewer - which is no reason to attack a film such as this. For those who don't want to be confused at a future screening, I hear Rocky and Bullwinkle is soon to be released.From what I've seen in BOOGIE NIGHTS and MAGNOLIA, PT Anderson is a man who loves CA and Los Angeles to which these films undoubtedly pay homage. MAGNOLIA's valley is as big a player in the film as Cruise and Hoffman are. Paul is giving us films that are fun to watch - that cater to a film-buff's craving for a taste for something different. These films are highly demented and MAGNOLIA uses a film-production technique strikingly similar to the Golden-Age films listed above - long static visuals complemented by heavy melodrama, showy composition and spectacle. For those who were engaged in BOOGIE NIGHTS, you probably don't recall the length of time you had to look at Diggler's blank face at the drug-heist with Rick Springfield's 'Jessie's Girl' in the background or Mackey's motionless stare at the reporter during his lengthy 'interrogation.' For those who weren't engaged - bored rather, I wouldn't recommend MY DINNER WITH ANDRE. As far as the performances are concerned, PT consistently uses a cast that works well for him (HARD 8, BOOGIE AND MAGNOLIA) and a fresh bunch of actors for PT's direction that give meaning to the label 'tour-de-force.' For example, it's very enlightening to see Cruise playing a crude motivational sex-speaker -- if it was Cruise or anyone else playing the part, that's acting. And a 'boy genius' played by a virtual 'boy genius' is something very touching in newcomer Blackman who as well as similar young children, may be facing some of the same struggles as Stanley Spector. MAGNOLIA is as powerful a film as any made when Hollywood WAS 'Hollywood,' except now there's profanity, drug-abuse, nudity and death on-screen - heightened realism for our age (ex. 'Silence of the Lambs' winning a Best Picture Oscar). There's something in this film for anyone who loves good cinema. Cinema - no matter how 'long' or 'confusing' it might be, watching a film is a test for the viewer to come to a conclusion - is the filmed-entertainment confusing or the viewer confused? "That's your problem, Mack. You haven't watched enough movies." Can't wait for the next one, Paul.
Rating: 
Summary: 3 Hours of Mind Numbing Disappointment
Review: Every once in a while, my friends and I will disagree on a movie's innovativeness; often they will dismiss what I find creative and uplifting as being pretentious and "artsy." In this case, we are in full agreement, and I'm afraid the latter applies. The loose ends of the story are not tied together, as the viewer is misled to believe will happen in the opening sequences. None of the characters are fully developed and serve as the carriers of merely shallow observations which certainly do not justify the 3 hour wait. The meaning behind the film is not raised for the viewer to think about; rather, it is thrown into our faces with all the subtlety of a sledge hammer. The most important, symbolic and "shocking" scene (and you'll know it when you see it) is so obvious and outlandish that it insults any serious movie goer's intelligence and, personally, freaked me out a little. Some of the performances get hoaky and absolutely annoying...most noteably Julianne Moore. There is something to be said for Anderson's craft, but any one interested in seeing it should skip this and see Boogie Nights, a much better movie. Still, while I would not recommend this movie to anyone, nor would I steer someone clear from it who was originally interested in seeing it. It will, at the very least, make people consider what they value about movies as an artform and will beg the question: does this movie have it? In my case, it doesn't...I do not believe this to be a good movie.
Rating:
Summary: Huh?
Review: Well, I'm not a film aficionado. Nor am I an artiste. So . . . in the opinion of a philistine, this flick is a bit weird, rather confusing and often boring. And too long. On the positivie side, there is some good character creation: I particularly liked the work of Robards, Macy and Cruise. There IS some really nice camera work. And there are a few riveting scenes. But there are also scenes that played like nails on the blackboard -- particularly the scenes between the cop and the drug addict. Fortunately, I saw this at the dollar movie house so I didn't lose much money on it.
Rating:
Summary: Good movie
Review: I liked, this movie but 3 hrs and worth seeing Tom Cruise's role was ok I guess, Julianne Moore was good, well if you like a 3 hr movie watch it.
Rating: 
Summary: Two words for ya: Weird City
Review: Maybe I'm just one of the mindless masses. Maybe I'm just not a "real" music fan. Maybe I don't read the Bible enough. Maybe my favorite # is 5, so 82 means nothing to me. Maybe frogs just scare the living hell out of me. Maybe the movie theater wasn't ventilated well enough and the 6'6" bald guy in front of me chewing on his ice, blocking my view for 3 hours made me lose my usual Siskelian like focus while watching this movie. Or maybe......this is just one stupid movie! Are you people out of your MINDS? The only good thing to come out of this movie was the soundtrack--THAT'S where your message is! Stop trying to read into directors' minds--oooh, what was he SAYING in this scene? To enjoy this movie, you needed to be high on drugs. I don't do drugs. Or maybe I should start, since I just didn't freakin get it. This movie made me feel all gooey--like frog glop on a windshield.
Rating:
Summary: Another winner for P.T. Anderson
Review: I wasn't even the least surprised at the beauty and excellence of MAGNOLIA. After seeing BOOGIE NIGHTS, I knew Paul Thomas Anderson could easily do it again with MAGNOLIA. I'm surprised it wasn't nominated for best picture of the year it was so astounding. Although this film had a far more different plot than BOOGIES NIGHTS, it still has rich acting, and a wonderful storyline. The music, especially the title song, "One" really emphasized this movie. I personally believe the best performance played in this film was Julianne Moore who played Linda Partridge. She plays the character with complete understanding and she really moves the audience. This was also one of Tom Cruise's best performances as Frank T.J. Mackie. Paul Thomas Anderson is definitely one of my favorite directors in Hollywood today, and I desperately pray that he makes another film like MAGNOLIA :)
Rating:
Summary: You people are crazy - Can I vote Zero stars?
Review: I've looked through 76 onlines reviews here, and only a handful of them rated it less than 5 stars. This was the most complete waste of time I have ever spent in a movie theater, and the stupidest movie since Meatballs 2. Spare me the "I went to film school and this is how to make a film" garbage. I couldn't wait for the old guy to die, and the only reason I stuck around for the end was to see what I was sure HAD to be an incredible cliffhanging ending. It was so disappointing. Sure the acting was great, but these actors are always good. The story was TERRIBLE! I read in many reviews how the movie was so "beautiful". Tell me how dead frogs and drug addiction are beautiful. Actually I lost respect for the academy for even thinking this was a good screenplay when so many other GREAT films were out last year. If you want to see a good movie, go see The Insider, or Cider House, or The Green Mile. Anything but this!
Rating:
Summary: The Best Film of the Decade
Review: Paul Thomas Anderson excels at writing tragic and love deprivedcharacters. The deft director proved this ability in his secondfeature, "Boogie Nights", which is considered by many, including Roger Ebert, a sprawling masterpiece. At the age of 29 P.T. Anderson has been praised as part of Hollywood's young and innovative directors. Just by seeing "Boogie Nights" one can notice Anderson's affection and keenness for cinema. His camera movement is electrifying. He shoots long, subtle takes that slither from one character to the next. And when tasked with assembling a cast, he can put the comparable Robert Altman to shame. Born and raised in Los Angeles's San Fernando Valley, Paul didn't feel that rules apply to him (one can notice this in his editing process), so, he dropped out of high school due to bad grades and a lack of interest. Anderson spent most of his time either at the theatre or working as a production assistant on various television movies. Much like directors such as Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee have the map of New York engraved in their palms, Anderson knows L.A like the back of his hand. "Magnolia", which is a moody film, manages to hold your attention for an entire three hours without seeming tedious or pretentious. It tells stories of chance and coincidence and is able to prove that strange things do happen. Complex and bizarre matters are feasible. Take the assassination of President John F. Kennedy for instance. But what about the dozens of missiles Iraq launched at Israel during the Gulf War in 1991? These missiles were supposed to inflict a substantial number of casualties, but only two people died and a few were moderately injured. These unexplainable acts do occur. As one of the film's characters says, "these strange things happen all the time". All but one of the characters in this movie has at least one tragic incident in his/her background. These people, both rich and poor, lead lonely and depressing lives. The film's opening credit sequence appropriately plays the song "One Is The Loneliest Number", which is sung by Aimee Mann. But, the sheer beauty of these 10 assorted characters Anderson compiles is that they all want to redeem themselves by mending the wrong they've caused. These are neglected human beings who yearn for attention. With excellent performances ranging from Tom Cruise, in his most audacious role to date, to Melora Walters, the ensemble cast is first-rate. Clocking in at 190 minutes, this is the year's longest, and perhaps best film. A great deal of patience is required, but if you're willing to sit through it all, the payoff is worthwhile. "Magnolia" is an awe-inspiring motion picture. It delivers deep emotions that rarely grow weary or sell out much like most of the sappy and artificial dramas currently in theatres. When we see William H. Macy's character, Quiz Kid Donny Smith, pleading for his job as an electronic salesman, informing his boss that there is not a worse time for him to be unemployed, the actor's subtle facial expression as he faces the torment of not being able to hold on to a job, is on the money. Later on when the audience hears him say, "My name is Quiz Kid Donny Smith and I have a lot of love to give", our hearts go out to his bluntness in admitting an intimate secret. This is the sort of integrity "Magnolia" sustains. It is straightforward in expressing the pain of reality. Such as molestation, sexual infidelity, child abuse, and responsibilities. On a technical level, it's candy for the eye. From the Scorsese-like camera movement to original angle shots, almost every frame is saturated with beautiful colors. The kinetic camerawork and quick cuts all add up to its look. The soundtrack is booming. With numerous songs from Aimee Mann and a score composed by Jon Brion, the tone is well set. Cruise, who is better in the 45 minutes on-screen here than he was in the entire "Eyes Wide Shut", is wickedly brutal. "Magnolia" begins with the narration of three unrelated stories, which I will not reveal due to their ingenuity. Then, we are taken to the present day and introduced to ten L.A dwellers. Meet Frank T.J. Mackey (Tom Cruise), a seminar guru whose program, "Seduce and Destroy", teaches indecisive men how to pick up gorgeous women. Frank's motto, makes him a male icon for millions. His father, Earl Partridge (Jason Robards), is rapidly dying of cancer and wishes to see Frank, who has not spoken to him for quite some time, before his ultimate demise. Earl's trophy wife, Linda (Julianne Moore), has a guilty conscience since she only now begins to love her husband, who she just married for his money. Earl's caretaker, Phil Parma (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), has the difficult task of locating Frank. There's the story of a boy genius named Stanley Spector (Jeremy Blackman), who is getting tired of always answering the questions on a famous television show, "What Do Kids Know?" The pompous host of this show, Jimmy Gator (Phillip Baker Hall), is dying of cancer as well, and wants to clear up matters with his family. His cocaine-snorting daughter, Claudia (Melora Walters), refuses to speak to him, and throws a tantrum when they interact in the beginning. The ex-boy genius, Quiz Kid Donny Smith (William H. Macy), wants corrective oral surgery (braces) to impress a bartender named Brad, who also has braces. And finally there's Officer Jim Kurring (John C. Reilly), an honest and bible abiding cop who has fallen in love with Claudia. Jim is a philanthropist that screeches every time he is exposed to vulgar language. "Magnolia" takes an interlude in the middle for a song sequence in which all the characters nonchalantly sing the lyrics to Aimee Mann's "Wise Up". By this scene you have to acknowledge the fact that Anderson is a bold filmmaker. After sitting on the accolades of "Boogie Nights" for a while, Anderson wanted to take advantage of his power in Hollywood and make a risky movie, even if it meant taking over three hours out of our lives. As for the amphibious creatures displayed in the film's posters and trailers, prepare to be shocked. I was able to empathize with these characters, for they are all tormented souls experiencing difficult dilemmas. Such as Cruise's situation of whether he should see his dying father, who he feels contempt for. This movie will not appeal to some. It demands a lot of attention and time, so those moviegoers who prefer to see nonsensical films, catch "Deuce Bigalow", for the more artistic film-lovers, "Magnolia" is not to be missed.
Rating:
Summary: Oh, hello gravity.
Review: gravity. i was so drawn to this film, this prayer, this damage, this hope. so emotionally enthralled. it's difficult to articulate. so, all i'll say is this...when i first saw this film, my life was in an emotional crossroads. here's what i'll cherish the most...no one can take away what i felt the first time i saw this film. it is permanent. a flawless union of filmscoremusic and a moment in time.
|
