Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Where's RAY LIOTTA's Oscar for this one!, October 15, 1999
RAY LIOTTA is an incredible and intense actor and this movie showcases his talent better that any movie I've seen. And that's saying a lot. I have to say that RAY is one of the most underated actors to have ever graced the Silver Screen. Everyone should see this amazing movie. RAY was cast as the lead character in this film and rightly so. (He was also co-producer.) His 'Harry Collins' as a cop with a gambling problem lets us see a person losing his self-respect but still living by a code of ethics that won't let him welsh on a bet. Right there you know this guy is setting himself up for big trouble, which finds him, in spades (so to speak). Damn, this man can act!! As we watch him resort to ever desperate measures to get out of the mess he's in, you hope against hope that his bad luck will turn. Not helping matters are his cop buddies who even offer to whack his bookie, Chicago, for him! He declines the offer. He's got a better plan. Why not rob Louie, the loan shark instead? Yeah, why not? How do you think it's going to turn out? (For more information on this movie, check out the AllLiotta.com website. Not only is there a review but lots of pictures as well.)
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Worthwhile Tale of Small Town Corruption, July 9, 1999
Borrowing heavily from the film noir genre, Danny Cannon adroitly lifts the thematic feel, if not the look, of the best "whodunit" films of the 40's and beyond. Updated with the gritty 90's realism of foul language, "Phoenix" is an exercise in the cruel lesson that morality, or the lack thereof, is measured in small degrees. Our flawed and tragic anti-hero, played by Liotta in what may very well be his best role since his character "Ray" in Jonathan Demme's "Something Wild" (1986), systematically exorcises his "loser" demons and his sole vice, gambling, by obliterating every connection to it in his world by the end of the film. Though ultimately doomed, we find ourselves pathetically rooting for him, because he is a LIKEABLE corrupt cop. Quite an acting an directing accomplishment for all involved. The strong supporting cast includes standout Jeremy Piven, who demonstrates his range by playing the pathetic wimp of the police gang, whose wife effectively ruins his life. Prior to this role, he was in danger of being typecast as the slightly balding, wise-cracking high school buddy. A refreshingly strong storyline against a stark and barren desert background is complimented by equally strong and passionate acting all around. Great entertainment for 2 hours, compared to the drivel Hollywood usually tries to stick us with. A must-see if you appreciate film noir, but don't go see it if you're trying to quit smoking- almost everyone in the film is a hardcore chain smoker.
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
More than just would-be Tarantino, July 9, 1999
By A Customer
This is one of the most original films to come down the pike in quite some time. While initial scenes would appear to borrow from "Reservoir Dogs," "Phoenix" quickly establishes its own tone. The dialogue is great (the King Kong speech itself is worth the price of admission), and the actors have the skill to bring it all off. Liotta is one of the most powerful, charismatic actors working today, and here he finally gets the kind of material that actually gives him a few challenges. "Phoenix" is more than just a well done entry in the noir genre; it's a spectacular, witty film with a great cast and many, many great moments. Liotta forever!
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