Several Los Angelos storylines converge in this lengthy, somewhat depressing melodrama.

A story filled with irony and remarkable coincidences. You should expect the unexpected. And it all pays off pretty well, too. Several great performances here, especially Tom Cruise as a troubled son crusading for manhood. His performance is one of the best of the year. The major drawback of the film is that the downtrodden story doesn't pace well enough to fill 3 + hours and not seem long.

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

Tom Cruise nominated for Best Supporting Actor.