Magnolia (1999)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia (1999) is a sweeping, ambitious work that captures twenty-four hours in the lives of seemingly unconnected people in Los Angeles. Linda Partridge (Julianne Moore) is a beautiful trophy wife who married her older husband Earl (Jason Robards) for his money. As he lies on his deathbed, she is stricken with guilt because she grew to truly love him. His nurse Phil Parma (Philip Seymour Hoffman) reaches out to Earl’s estranged son, famed motivational speaker and womanizer, Frank T.J. Mackey (Tom Cruise) to bid his dad adieu. Meanwhile, Claudia Wilson Gator (Melora Walters) has emotional baggage due to her father Jimmy Gator (Philip Baker Hall) who hosts the game show What Do Kids Know? even though he shouldn’t be near children. Good thing lonely cop Jim Kurring (John C. Reilly) won’t let Claudia’s issues scare him away from having a meaningful relationship. In fact, he puts his naked ass on the line for her. But just when it looks like things might be okay, a bunch of frogs descend from the sky. This artsy pic includes Alfred Molina, Luis Guzmán, Melinda Dillon, Michael Murphy, William H. Macy, and Mr. Cruise’s awesome abs. As his character works out in his tighty whities, we’re treated to views of his impeccable pecs! Perhaps that’s why he nabbed an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The movie also scored noms for PTA’s original screenplay and Aimee Mann’s original song (“Save Me”). Plus, Tom’s bulging briefs earned a statuette in Mr. Man’s jeans!