Boogie Nights is in my top 10 of all time. What exactly did you find wrong with it? Great use of music, innovative camera work, large group of well-defined and interesting characters, does a great job of re-creating the time period, equal mix of drama and comedy, great cast of talented actors, lit well, shot well, directed to near perfection. Not a shot out of place.

I don't get that at all.

And Magnolia is better.

I mean, yeah, it took me a few viewings for each to realize their greatness, but I didn't feel the way you did.

And remember with Boogie Nights, Anderson is doing the whole thing in a slightly satirical manner. He's paying homage to the porn industry while simultaneously poking fun an it. He's satirizing the laid-back, drugged out, California lifestyle, while also showcasing it.