Phoenix (1998)

User Rating:

6.3/10   

Director:

Danny Cannon

Writer (WGA):

Eddie Richey (written by)

Release Date:

4 September 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Tagline:

In this town, the heat can kill you.

Plot:

A cop (Liotta) with a gambling addiction plots a theft from the bookies who are putting pressure on him to pay off or else.

Plot Keywords:

Gambling | Police | Phoenix Arizona | Prostitution | Reference To King Kong

Cast

Ray Liotta	...	Harry Collins
Anthony LaPaglia	...	Mike Henshaw
Anjelica Huston	...	Leila
Daniel Baldwin	...	James Nutter
Jeremy Piven	...	Fred Shuster
Tom Noonan	...	Chicago
Xander Berkeley	...	Lt. Clyde Webber
Giancarlo Esposito	...	Louie
Brittany Murphy	...	Veronica
Kari Wuhrer	...	Katie Shuster
Giovanni Ribisi	...	Joey Schneider
Royce D. Applegate	...	Dickerman
Tamara Clatterbuck	...	Waitress
Vanessa Munday	...	Betsy
Al Sapienza	...	Cop

MPAA:

Rated R for strong violence, language and sexuality.

Runtime:

107 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Iceland:16 | South Korea:18 | Australia:MA | France:U | Germany:18 | Portugal:M/16 (video premiere) | Spain:18 | UK:15 | USA:R | Argentina:13 | Finland:K-16

Filming Locations:

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Company:

Lakeshore Entertainment

Quotes:

Harry Collins: Never welsh on a bet.

Movie Connections:

References King Kong (1933)

Soundtrack:

From Four Until Late

Superstitious

This film was a complete surprise. One of those rarities that come out out of nowhere and knock your socks off without much effort. Danny Cannon, it's director must be given credit for bringing this story to the screen, or video, as probably was the case.

Any film where Ray Liotta appears, is worth a look. Now, if one adds the great Anthony LaPaglia, one of the best actors around, it has to be outstanding. Mr. LaPaglia has never struck a wrong note in whatever I've seen him do. He shines here playing against type and almost stealing the film from Ray Liotta.

The story about bad cops in Phoenix is presented with a total sense of honesty, no pun intended. There are a bunch of these guys in every police department in large cities. The director packs a lot of action into this movie. It will keep the viewer glued to the screen.

In addition to Ray Liotta and Anthony LaPaglia, there are brief glances at Anjelica Houston, Brittany Murphy, Jeremy Piven, Giancarlo Esposito and others that make this film a delight for fans of thrillers.

Either catch it on cable, or run to the video store and rent it. You won't regret it!