Phoenix, Oregon

I don't know what y'all were watching, and the less-than-inspired tag line accompanying this doesn't begin to do it justice. Engaging true-to-life characters, plot and dialogue keeping movie clichés at more than arms length while sharing a quotidian tale of Everyman, doing our collective best, beaten, coming back. This is an excellent movie that thankfully I saw before I saw the reviews - as I often let the score determine if it's time worthy, a habit to readily reassess. Excellent movie. Worth the time and payoffs days later.

Phoenix, Oregon is a terrific independent film. I loved the performances by James Le Gros and Jesse Borrego, the writing, and the heart that this film has. I do think the production design was a little weak but it didn't hurt the story. The film is really strengthened by its uniqueness. Other films do focus on common folk in small towns (e.g. the Brinson family in Wildlife) but what director/writer Gary Lundgren does so well is that he makes the audience care about Bobby, the main character. He writes and directs the actor well; Le Gros depicts a middle-aged American really well. I do recommend checking this film out.

Phoenix, Oregon is a comedy drama directed by Gary Lundgren. The film primarily follows Bobby (portrayed by James LeGros), a bartender who decides to quit his job and open a pizza shop/bowling alley with his friend, Carlos (portrayed by Jesse Borrego). The film then follows their journey in opening the business and issues they deal with once it is open.

My rating of this film may reflect that this film is not good, but that's not entirely true. Pheonix, Oregon has a very small budget, which isn't an issue, but the scenes are mainly limited to the bowling alley, restaurant that Bobby/Carlos work at, and Bobby's home. The film is fairly predictable as I saw where the film was going and how each character would end up once they were introduced. I also thought the film is more of a drama then comedy but that could be because the comedy was a bit bland not necessarily funny to me.

With that being said, it's not a bad film. Just a bit boring and predictable. All of the main actors gave good performances and I was attached to Bobby, and to a smaller extent, Carlos.

If you like smaller budget dramas, its worth the watch - 4/10.

Phoenix, Oregon is a well-done indie film with a lot of charm and some funny moments. The story centers on Bobby, a relatable character who you're drawn to from the moment the film begins. Throughout the film, Bobby spends some time drawing graphic novels- his true passion. His spreads include pieces of his past (and aliens because he has some interesting thoughts about their involvement in his life). These spreads come into play within the film as flashbacks that I thought were a unique touch.

The romantic interest for Bobby wasn't a likable person in my opinion... and the romance felt tacked on in general. Definitely wasn't a fan of that, but the rest of the film was delightful and witty.

Also... if you decide to watch this, make sure you get a pizza to eat because I regret not having pizza.

Loved this film, a little sweet snapshot of how droll the midlife grind can be when you don't have the life you thought you'd have. Great understated performance from James LeGros as Bobby, and the full cast of his friends & associates offer plenty of dramatic layers for his character to engage with. Jesse Borego as Carlos is a breath of fresh air to Bobby's downer moments & his passion for his craft is infectious. I appreciated the fumbled semi romantic thread between Bobby and Tanya too as too often in movies it's all packaged up so neatly the viewer is deprived of seeing the truth when it comes to 'just not the right time' connections. Oh and have to mention Kevin Corrigan's Al, nicely positioned in both character and storyline as Bobby's polar opposite nemesis. Highly recommend but one negative is I almost passed this by thanks to the insipid title. I get the 'Phoenix' connection in the storyline but come on, something a little more thoughtful would be cherry on the top.