Oscar-Nominated Tom Cruise Film With Perfect Ebert Review Sets Streaming Release

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As a film enthusiast with over three decades of movie-watching under my belt and a particular fondness for the works of Paul Thomas Anderson, I can confidently say that Magnolia is a cinematic masterpiece not to be missed. With its intricate storylines that intertwine like a complex tapestry, this film offers an emotional journey that will leave you both moved and pondering long after the credits roll.

Beginning November 1st, the critically acclaimed film “Magnolia,” featuring Tom Cruise, which Roger Ebert deemed one of his top films from 1999, will be available for streaming. This classic film will join Paramount+’s collection just as Halloween ends and awards season begins. Despite not being a current awards contender, there’s no bad time to appreciate (or reappreciate) such an outstanding movie.

Under the guidance of director Paul Thomas Anderson, this sprawling drama unfolds an intricate tale involving various characters residing in and around the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. Each narrative strand moves in unison on a unique yet peculiar day filled with surprising coincidences that serve as connecting threads throughout the story.

An officer encounters affection in the unlikeliest situations. A once-famous child actor grapples with unreturned affection. A prodigious youngster endures emotional mistreatment. A speaker known for unusual techniques is compelled to revisit old times. A woman whose husband is dying faces ethical quandaries within their marriage. In Anderson’s story, themes of mercy and love pervade, presented through characters with significant imperfections.

In a different role, Tom Cruise portrays Frank T.J. Mackey, a controversial self-help guru who uses harsh language and questionable tactics to guide his followers on their path to personal improvement: encouraging them to embrace a version of masculinity they’ve yet to attempt.

“Cruise delivers an outstanding career-best performance, and his striking good looks perfectly complement his character. Mackey exudes charm, but his attractive features hide some unsavory traits. However, he is compelled to reconcile with his ailing father, and Frank is changed so dramatically it’s unrecognizable. The emotional scene where he reunites with his estranged father after many years was likely the one that caught the attention of Academy voters in 2000, ultimately leading to Cruise receiving recognition.

At the 72nd Academy Awards gala, my favorite film, “Magnolia,” was contending for three awards, but alas, it didn’t take home any that evening. It was nominated in the Best Original Song, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor categories for Tom Cruise, who has been honored with four nominations yet hasn’t claimed an Academy Award. Yet, I’ve come to realize that an Oscar nod isn’t always the ultimate validation—sometimes, a rave review from one of cinema’s most esteemed critics carries just as much weight.

Revisiting Roger Ebert’s Love for Magnolia

Roger Ebert, the esteemed Chicago Sun-Times film critic who was the first to win a Pulitzer Prize in this field, highly praised Tom Cruise’s movie upon its release. He was particularly fond of Paul Thomas Anderson’s films, with the exception of “The Master,” which he described as merely average. In his critique of “Magnolia,” Ebert commended Anderson for his bold self-assurance that defied the shy post-modernism prevalent in the 1990s. Cruise’s performance was particularly noteworthy in a film that featured outstanding performances from other actors, such as Philip Baker Hall, Philip Seymour Hoffman, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy, Julianne Moore, and Jason Robards, among others.

According to Ebert’s critique, “Magnolia” is a movie that resonates deeply with me. It’s best enjoyed if you let go of rational thinking. Don’t anticipate subtlety or reserve; instead, prepare for an emotionally intense experience that resembles an opera. Spanning three hours, the film mirrors the grandeur of an opera as its themes unfold, characters grapple with their destinies, and fate’s relentless wheel spins ever closer to them.

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2024-10-31 00:33