MovieChat Forums > Phoenix (1998) Discussion > Irregularities that really aren't

Irregularities that really aren't

posted 19 years ago by NotoriousJMG
9 replies | jump to latest

There have been a few comments made about how "Phoenix" is a little unrealistic, what with the cops all seeming to have New York/Jersey accents, and it raining a lot.
Well, having spent the majority of my life in Phoenix, AZ, I can tell you, there are a whole lot of former residents of New York and New Jersey in the Phoenix Police Department. Also, during late summer - when this movie is set - Phoenix enters the monsoon season, and approximately half of Phoenix's annual rainfall falls during this six week span.
Any other questions about irregularities in the movie, I'd be glad to help explain!

[–] idjblack 18 years ago

Where to start? I've rarely seen anything so absurd on screen as when they call a 24 hour locksmith to come and crack the safe after their bungled heist. Conveniently he turns out to be an expert safe cracker, not just handy for replacing your domestic locks. I could go on, I thought it was a crappy film, only enlivened by the ever watchable Ray Liotta. What a waste of Angelica Houston, hire The Grifters instead.

[–] artsay 18 years ago

How many similar unrealistic moments can you find in Tarantino movies? Tons. But this fact does not stop thousands of people from liking them. Same with this one.. only its not that widely known and does not have Tarantino in the crew.

[–] SmokeDoggyDogg11 18 years ago

The fact that it doesn't have Tarantino is a plus in my book. Quentin was a lot better before he started believing his own hype. He hasn't made a decent movie since Pulp Fiction (and he should have had someone else edit that one). This movie was a nice little sleeper. I chose to watch it because it was called "Phoenix" (and I was born and raised there). I thought that, if nothing else, I might catch a glimpse of someplace I recognized (like the Carrow's restaurant on 7th street). What I found was a clever little drama and a great glimpse into the cop/criminal psyche. His views about honor are highly questionable, but he does clearly delineate between right and wrong and he holds to his ideals. I found this movie to be a very pleasant surprise.

But then...that's just me.

[–] artsay 18 years ago

I agree about Quentin. RD and PF are definetely his best. As to Phoenix.. I'm about to watch it for the 5th time ;) Nice dialogues, nice characters.. nice flick.

[–] Tecun_Uman 18 years ago

Of course he was safe cracker, most of those locksmiths are and have done time for it.

[–] jbm784 16 years ago

You've obviously got no taste in movies.

[–] az-jen 16 years ago

Still haven't seen an discernable Phoenix (or area) landmarks. Doesn't even come close to looking like Phoenix.

[–] FirebirdCamaro 16 years ago

to az-jen

you are telling me that you didn't recognize the White Tank or Estrella Mountains? I was easily able to pick out both in multiple scenes.

L: I'm talking about a little place called Aspen
H: I don't know Lloyd, the french are a ssholes

[–] PRiiCEY 16 years ago

I liked this little film, the ending stopped it from falling into the category of forgetful.