62: "But It Did Happen" - Magnolia

When We Were Young - an 80s and 90s pop culture podcast

The year 1999 was a banner year at the cineplex, with dozens of fresh, exciting stories being told by a new crop of auteur filmmakers. Paul Thomas Anderson released his breakthrough movie Boogie Nights two years previous, but it was his epic drama MAGNOLIA (1999) that solidified his place as one of the decade’s most thrilling new directors.

This three-hour ensemble stars basically every actor you love, including Philip Seymour Hoffman as a kind hospice nurse, Julianne Moore as a jittery gold-digger dealing with pangs of guilt, and an Oscar-nominated Tom Cruise as a magnetic pickup artist with a past he’d rather not face. The film was loved by critics upon its release, but how does it hold up 20 years later? Join us as we venture to the San Fernando Valley and discuss our futile attempts to figure out “Magnolia.” And remember to bring your umbrella, because there’s an 82% chance of frogs.

When We Were Young is a podcast devoted to the most beloved pop culture of our formative years (roughly 1980-2000). Join us for a look back to the past with a critical eye on how these movies, songs, TV shows and more hold up now. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @WWWYshow, on Facebook at Facebook.com/WWWYShow and email your episode suggestions to [e-mail]. Don’t forget to subscribe and review us on iTunes so more folks check out the show!

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