Cady's Take:

As each of the main characters come to terms with their own personal demons, a shared affinity is revealed among them, as though their fates are inexorably linked. A lot of puzzles, a lot of interpretations, a lot of engaging characters, and most of all, and a good bit of genuine entertainment.

In one of "Magnolia"'s most stirring scenes, each of the major characters is glimpsed singing along to Mann's ballad "Wise Up" shortly before a climax is unleashed that is so startling and utterly bizarre it should cement Anderson’s reputation as one of the most audacious filmmakers around.

MAagnolia is also not going to be able to speak to everybody. And despite the three-hour running time, a number of the film's characters and story lines end up falling through the cracks. As a matter of fact, most conventional moviegoers may find it too weird or depressing to take. But this is without a doubt a movie that you will talk about at the water cooler tomorrow morning.

Warning: Anyone with a fear of Frogs should not watch this movie!

What do you get when you put Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy and John C. Reilly in a movie together? Good things, my friends. “Magnolia” is an ensemble movie with a twist – an ending. I personally am a fan of the ensemble movie, however they are usually characterized by a distinct lack of an “ending” – at least in the traditional sense. We get one here, and although it is not what I would call traditional it certainly is an ending.

There really is not much point in going into any detail about the characters, or their individual functions in the film. This movie is really about themes. What our parents do to us both with and without forethought. Who can we trust, and what can we forgive when those we trust betray us? Is the crutch we are propped up on working? The lives and stories of each character reflect on the others, and at once are parallel and perpendicular, intersecting at odd moments and in unusual ways. Each performance is thoughtful and because each story is contained within itself, the intersections are clear and precise. Tom Cruise is especially powerful, and his Oscar nomination for “Magnolia” was well earned, as was the Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Song nomination.

This movie is not for the faint of heart – three hours long and there is a lot for the viewer to keep track of. You may have to watch it more than once.