Qbrick

This could have been one of the truly great films but thanks to writer/director Rod Lurie's pandering to his Dreamworks buddies, THE CONTENDER has been gutted. What could have been rich, complex portrayals by a stand-out cast is now a liberal's wet dream. Two very wrong-headed concepts ruin this picture: (1) that all conservatives are evil on the level of a Darth Vader while only liberals possess intelligence and warmth (2)and that any politcian would risk their career when they could easily disprove damaging allegations. I was truly disappointed because I think Joan Allen is wonderful in THE CONTENDER but so is Gary Oldman. They should save this kind of stuff for Democratic fund-raisers.

Lesser film critics may dismiss MAGNOLIA, the new film from Paul Thomas Anderson, as a Robert Altman knockoff, recalling NASHVILLE or the more recent SHORT CUTS. They might even extol MAGNOLIA for the same reason. To do so, will be a disservice to one of this decade's most gifted filmmakers. Yes, there are cinematic nods to Mr. Altman's influence (for instance, in the casting of Henry Gibson from NASHVILLE) But in this wonderful film, about the weird synchronicity of life; Mr. Anderson playfully tosses these kinds of filmic treats throughout the movie. He does this in his choice of casting and even soundtrack music.

MAGNOLIA is a funny, mesmerizing display of parallels.of synchronicity. And MAGNOLIA is also an examination of how one person can impact the lives of other. It's like the Kabbalist teach, when we act in a wholly negative manner, that act will create an evil angel. That angel will do its work.

There will be lots of blah blah blah about Oscars and it's all deserved, especially for the cast. I've gone this far without revealing the plot(s) of MAGNOLIA. I wouldn't dare. This is film that is rich with surprise from a director who obviously enjoys MOVIES. After spending three hours with MAGNOLIA.I want to spend three more.

MAN ON THE MOON will dispel any thoughts that Jim Carrey is simply a cartoon character come to life. He eerily inhabits the persona of the late Andy Kaufman. He is so real that when we encounter real-life personalities on-screen, Jim's presence is right in sync...he's just as real as the real cast of TAXI or producer Lorne Michaels appearing as themselves. There will be Oscar nominations for Carrey, Director Milos Foreman and screenwriters Alexander and Karaszewski. And stay for the closing credits.