Magnolia was an engaging movie through and through. Particular elements of the film keep the reader yearning for more and the reader’s never want to just stop watching the movie. But of course, the raining frogs as to be one of the most intriguing scenes I have ever seen. Originally I imagined that there was some sort of plane malfunction high and above, and then the storm comes and we obviously know that it is not the case. The first frog to drop however, sent me out of my chair. The crash on the windshield came at a quiet moment, changing the sound of the film almost immediately. Something such as frogs should not make a scene so intense so immediately, but it did just that. After our further discussions we learned that the frogs are directly linked to religion and the Exodus. Exodus 8:2 particularly, and through more research and discussion we learned that PT Anderson kept subtle 8 and 2 references throughout  the movie.

For no particular reason, I also found a very thorough list of the references, though  coupe could possibly be missing.

• The first weather forecast is 82% chance of rain.
• The gambler in the prologue needs a 2 in blackjack, but instead gets an 8.
• The coil of rope on the roof when Sydney commits suicide.
• One of the posters held up in the ‘What Do Kids Know’ audience.
• The movie poster at the bus stop on Magnolia Blvd.
• The placard on the third hanged convict.
• Jim Kurring’s box number at the date hot line.
• Sydney Barringer’s mother and father’s apartment number is 682.
• The forensic science convention starts at 8:20.
• Delmer Darion flips over a stack of cards to reveal the 8 through 2 of diamonds.
• Right after Jim Kurring sees Donnie Smith climbing up the building, you can see a flash of a sign on the side of the road that says “Exodus 8:2” (it’s visible again when the frogs fall and hit Kurring’s car)
• The number on the fire fighter’s plane.
• In Marcy’s mug shots, her criminal record number is 82082082082.
• In the Smiling Peanut bar, there is a chalkboard visible with two teams, the frogs and the clouds, and the score is 8 to 2.
• Spray painted on the cement as graffiti next to Dixon.
• The kids were two days away from entering their eighth week as champions.
• The first two numbers of the Seduce and Destroy Hotline (1-877-TAME-HER) are 82.
• At the police station in the beginning of the movie, the clock says 8:02.
• When Jim Kurring notices Quiz Kid Donnie Smith climbing on the Solomon & Solomon building he drives past a luminous sign saying “Exodus 8:2”