Phoenix Details

Though it's obviously influenced by Pulp Fiction, this absorbing crime drama manages to do quite a lot on its own. Ray Liotta gives a commendable performance as a cop hopelessly addicted to gambling who gets involved in a “foolproof” plan with some fellow officers to rob a local loan shark. His protagonist's self-destructive behaviour is repulsive yet riveting, especially when interacting with a number of other well-developed characters. Having too many endings weakens the conclusion, while attempts at dialogue akin to Pulp Fiction's “Royale with cheese” conversation seem artificial. But there are some nice moments, the best of which feature Liotta courting tired barmaid Anjelica Huston.

"...A suddenly widening and deepening moral perspective that is expressed through Liotta's beautifully sustained, endlessly revealing portrayal..."