Sweet Though three hours long, film stays on track Continued from Page CI Mackey is a misogynistic Pied Piper of the Pathetic. His specialty? Catering to men unable to achieve meaningful relationships in their lives. Mackey's cure is to blame it all on women, and he guarantees that his plan will help his customers gain the favors of any lady they choose. But the oily pitchman is the last person who should be expounding on the merits of relationships of any kind. Mackey hides a secret that a TV reporter uncovers. Though claiming to be orphaned, he actually has an estranged father, Earl Partridge (Jason Robards). The reporter's revelation begins a meltdown that climaxes when an in-home nurse contacts Mackey to tell him that his father is dying. Partridge's self-destructive wife Linda (Jufianne Moore) is torn because she married the much older Earl for his money, cheated on him constantly and now realizes that she loves the old geezer, and she's overcome with guilt Earl made his fortune producing a quiz show that pits children against adults. The show is the tie that ruins the lives of a past contestant, Quiz Kid Donnie Smith (William H. Macy), and current participant Stanley Spector (Jeremy Blackman). The show is also at the center of the Gator family - the show's host, Jimmy (Toledo native Philip Baker Hall), Rose (Melinda Dillon) and Claudia (Melora Walters) - a family emotionally wracked by infidelity, impending death and a family secret Claudia abuses cocaine on a regular basis and is unable to REVIEW Movie: Magnolia Stars: Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Jason Robards, William H. Macy Director: P. T. Anderson Studio: New Line Cinema Running time: 3 hours Theaters: Tinseltown USA, Independence 10, West Market Plaza 7, Interstate Park Cinema 18, Huntington Street Cinema 16, Cinemark 15, Valley View 24 Rating: R (Language, violence, drug abuse, sexual situations) y2 form any lasting relationships. Her best hope rests with police officer Jim Kurring (John C. Reilley), a klutzy cop with a heart of gold. This three-hour epic weaves all of these characters' stories together into a sometimes amusing and always enthralling tapestry without cheating any character or actor. It's rare when a movie can achieve that without wandering. f t .... V- -. 1, Some have knocked Tom Cruise for not taking chances in his career. Most of the time, that is an unfair assessment This year, that assessment is especially untrue. Though Eyes Wide Shut didn't set the box office afire, the subject matter and dark tone of the film offered him a departure from the ail-American movie star image. Say the same for his role in Magnolia. Frank Mackey is not a likable person. He is arrogant, brash, chauvinistic and, at times, vile. For Cruise, the role is a reve-latioa Here he's given something to work with, and he grabs and holds on like a drowning man clinging to a life jacket in the ocean. He plays against his perceived type and it pays large dividends. Moore once again delivers a performance of power as Linda Partridge. Robards has never been better in the latter stage of his career. Macs acting is almost flawless, as usual. Blackman is a young actor who merits watching in future roles. Boogie Nights was a bold work from Anderson, the son of Cleveland TV legend Ernie Anderson (Ghoulardi). His trademark style doesn't change with Magnolia. It's a film of power, substance and superlative performances that challenges audiences. Hopefully, audiences will be up to taking that challenge. George Thomas is a Beacon Journal entertainment writer. He can be reached at 330-996-3579 or via e-mail at gmthomasthebea-conjournal.com.