Magnolia MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +3 Content: -4

In this bizarre story, coincidence is not always a matter of chance. All the characters in this story are interrelated in some manner. Earl Partridge (Jason Robards) is dying and wants to see his estranged son, Frank (Tom Cruise), before its too late. Frank presents seminars to men about dominating women sexually. Jimmy Gator (Phillip Baker Hall) has been the host of a TV game show, which Earl produces, for 33 years. The game show pits a panel of smart kids against a panel of adults. Former quiz kid Donnie Smith (William H. Macy) did well on the show, but has since done poorly as a salesman. And Jimmys promiscuous, cocaine-snorting daughter, Claudia (Melora Walters), attracts the attention of policeman Jim Curring (John C. Reilly). The various lives collide on the night it literally rains frogs. Although never dull, this 3-hour story confuses as it jumps from character to character and may only attract fans of the stars.

While the relationship between characters is interestingly presented, the film is swamped with objectionable material. Franks seminars are filled with crude sexual slang and references to male genitals. Even the kids on the game show use the f-word, which is used frequently and boosts obscenities over the 200 mark. Donnie admits his love for a male bartender and rants about his parents stealing his money from the show. But Donnie steals from his employer, although he later regrets his action and returns the money. Jimmy, whos shown having sex in his office, confesses an affair to his wife and also admits Claudia thinks he molested her. But he was too drunk to remember if he did. And the parents of contestants push their gifted children to win and berate them about errors. One child is even forced to wet himself because he cant leave the stage. Its no coincidence MAGNOLIA earns our strongest rejection.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: New Line Cinema, 888 7th Ave., 20th Flr., NY, NY 10106