Review of Magnolia (1999) by Matthew S — 19 Jul 2015
You know, if you really think about it -- everything about this film should equal an epic fail. But it does the extreme opposite. Mixing reality with surrealism, harsh reality with contrite resolutions -- and raining frogs and a musical finale. ...and the raining frogs. ...and a musical finale. Oh, and Tom Cruise is present. And he is actually really good here. No. Tom Cruise is really good. There he sits. Quietly judging you. This film works and it works well.
Anderson's magical mess of a movie flows with an intensity that never lets up. Obviously influenced by equal parts Robert Altman and Stanley Kubrick.
But, PT Anderson's movie creates a quality uniquely it's own. Strong performances by all involved, but William H. Macy, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jason Robards, Julianne Moore and Cruise are truly brilliant. Especially Cruise.
And the raining frogs. It is raining frogs. Sometimes that happens.
This review of Magnolia (1999) was written by Matthew S on 19 Jul 2015.
Magnolia has generally received positive reviews.
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