The Poison Rose Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Private eye falls for a damsel who’s probably the problem, gets tangled in a web of predictable noir tropes, and you’ll predict the ending before he finishes his first stale cigarette.

🍿 The Poison Rose: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Case Begins

Carson Phillips (John Travolta), a down-on-his-luck private investigator in 1978 Los Angeles, takes on a missing person case. A woman from out of state hires him to locate her aunt, Barbara Poole, who is residing in a mental institution in Galveston, Texas. Phillips, a former football star with a checkered past in Galveston, is reluctant to return to his old stomping grounds, but the money is too good to refuse.

Return to Galveston and Old Flames

Upon arriving in Galveston, Carson faces immediate obstacles. The head doctor, Miles Mitchell (Brendan Fraser), is evasive and prevents him from seeing Barbara Poole. He also reconnects with his former flame, Jayne Hunt (Famke Janssen), and discovers he has a daughter, Becky (Ella Bleu Travolta), who is married to a famous football player, Happy Chandler (Devin Ellery).

Murder and Suspicion

Tragedy strikes when Happy Chandler suddenly dies during a football game. Becky becomes the prime suspect, leading Jayne to plead with Carson for help in clearing her daughter’s name. As Carson investigates, he uncovers a web of corruption, abuse, and dark secrets within the town, implicating powerful figures and exposing the sinister practices of the mental institution.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Carson Phillips (John Travolta): A down-on-his-luck, ex-football star turned private investigator with a penchant for trouble and a soft spot for damsels in distress.
• Doc (Morgan Freeman): A powerful and influential mob boss who holds sway over the town and may be involved in the criminal conspiracy Carson is investigating.
• Jayne Hunt (Famke Janssen): Carson’s former flame who seeks his help when her daughter becomes a suspect in a murder case.
• Dr. Miles Mitchell (Brendan Fraser): The eccentric and secretive doctor running the mental institution where Carson begins his investigation.
• Becky Hunt (Ella Bleu Travolta): Jayne’s daughter and Carson’s long-lost daughter who becomes a suspect in her husband’s death, prompting Carson to help her.
• Police Chief Bing Walsh (Robert Patrick): The local police chief who is investigating Happy’s death and trying to figure out if Becky or someone else is responsible.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Slide Olsen: “Only three kinds of people wear sunglasses inside: Blind people, assholes, and blind assholes.” – A memorable line delivered to Carson, setting the tone for the film’s cynical humor.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $31,294
• Worldwide Gross: $323,754

💥 The Poison Rose Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went in expecting a solid crime drama, but honestly, I was pretty disappointed. The plot was super predictable, and even though I love John Travolta, he seemed a bit out of place. The only part I really enjoyed was when Mickey Rourke showed up – he definitely added some much-needed grit. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to do something cool with the genre. Wouldn’t rush to watch it again, tbh.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of John Travolta and Morgan Freeman.”
  • “Viewers interested in neo-noir crime thrillers with a classic feel.”
  • “Those who appreciate plot twists and mysteries, even if predictable.”
  • “People looking for a B-movie with an all-star cast.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief scenes of implied abuse”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Smoking”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Mickey Rourke’s presence is the only saving grace in this paint-by-numbers neo-noir. The plot meanders, the dialogue clangs, and even seasoned performers like Travolta seem lost. A forgettable experience.
• IMDB: “Despite the all-star cast, ‘Eye for an Eye’ fails to deliver. The script is weak, the direction lacks flair, and the chemistry between the leads is non-existent. A missed opportunity for a compelling crime thriller.

Audience Reactions

Mickey Rourke’s performance added some flavor.: Some viewers appreciated the attempt at a classic noir style.

Overall Consensus: Eye for an Eye is a poorly received neo-noir, criticized for its predictable plot, weak script, and lack of chemistry despite its notable cast. Only Mickey Rourke’s performance is sometimes mentioned as a highlight.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Paula Deen’s Savannah home was used as Famke Janssen’s character’s residence.”
• “This film features John Travolta’s daughter, Ella Bleu Travolta.”
• “The movie is set in 1978 and the cars are correct for the time, but some of the guns are anachronistic.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Poison Rose?

Eye for an Eye, also known as The Poison Rose, is available for rent or purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Unfortunately, it is not currently available on major streaming subscription services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Poison Rose, you might like these similar films:

• Chinatown (1974): A classic film noir with a complex mystery and a dark, cynical view of corruption and power, similar to the themes explored in ‘Eye for an Eye’.
• L.A. Confidential (1997): A neo-noir crime film that delves into the dark underbelly of Los Angeles, featuring corrupt cops, femme fatales, and a complex plot, much like the world Carson Phillips navigates.
• The Long Goodbye (1973): A neo-noir detective film that embraces the genre’s tropes while subverting them, similar to how ‘Eye for an Eye’ attempts to modernize classic film noir elements.
• Knives Out (2019): A modern whodunit with a twisty plot, colorful characters, and a focus on uncovering family secrets, appealing to fans of mystery and intrigue.

🛒 The Poison Rose Related Products

• Film Noir: The Dark Side of Hollywood: A comprehensive guide to the history, themes, and key films of the film noir genre, offering context to understand ‘Eye for an Eye’s’ influences.
• Smoking Pipe Set: A classic-style smoking pipe set, reminiscent of those used by classic film noir detectives, perfect for fans of the genre’s aesthetic.
• Noir Fedora Hat: A stylish fedora hat, completing the look of a classic film noir detective, inspired by the characters and atmosphere of movies like ‘Eye for an Eye’.
• John Travolta Movie Collection (Blu-ray): A Blu-ray collection featuring some of John Travolta’s most iconic films, offering a broader look at his career and acting style.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Poison Rose features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Theme” – performed by Christopher Young
• “Blues Noir” – performed by Various Artists

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Guest Host Lena Waithe Interviews John Travolta & Daughter Ella Bleu

Want to hear John Travolta talk about shaving his head and working with his daughter? This Jimmy Kimmel interview is super fun and gives you a peek into their relationship!

Ella Bleu Travolta on her Family Legacy and new film ‘The Poison Rose’

Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up as John Travolta’s daughter and follow in his footsteps? Ella Bleu talks about her family legacy and this new movie. It’s a cool look at her life!

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