Griffin & Phoenix (2006) User Reviews (41)

A Different Kind of Love Story: Balance in Life

[gradyharp · 8/10 · 18 September 2007]

GRIFFIN & PHOENIX is a quiet little made for television film that touches the vulnerable heart. Originally written in 1976 as a television film by John Hill, this thirty-years-later version holds up well, and the fact that audiences will still opt for sensitive stories that treat difficult topics in a mature manner, adding warmly humorous touches to a potentially maudlin idea, speaks well for our continuing tastes.

From the opening frames of the film we learn that Griffin (Dermot Mulroney) has inoperable cancer: his frank and compassionate physician (Lois Smith) aligns him with reality. Griffin is a divorced father of two boys and his first attempt to find meaning in his limited time is to spend time with them, an attempt partially thwarted by his ex-wife. Once a workaholic, Griffin attends a class on death and dying at the university and there he meets the rather strange and isolated Phoenix (Amanda Peet). Griffin's new take on life encourages him to go after the seemingly impenetrable Phoenix and through a series of wildly frivolous escapades he courts her and they gradually fall in love - something neither felt they could do. They cope with issues of intimacy and finally Phoenix shares her secret with Griffin, a secret that plunges them headlong into a fully blossomed romance. How the two cope with the inevitable is well handled, rarely bordering on sappy, and always holding our compassion.

Director Ed Stone paces the film well, inserting moments of extended silence to match the emotional atmosphere, allowing breathing space. Both Peet and Mulroney create believable three-dimensional characters and are well supported by such solid actors as Lois Smith, Sarah Paulson, and Novella Nelson. The story may have sad aspects, but the cast always allows the humor inherent in any life event to come through. And that is one of the several reasons the film works well. Grady Harp

Why They Didn't Give This Film a Singal Oscar nomination !!!

[waelkatkhuda · 8/10 · 2 February 2013]

I really felt so sad that this film didn't get any nomination for the Oscar , Golden Globe or even for the Bafta Awards The story is so strong , the leading roles by Amanda Peet and Dermot Mulrone were very brilliant. Even the Director (Ed Stone) gave us a very good Job.

the story is a bout a man and a woman falling in love ( Both having a cancer) but without knowing that the other one had it too. Amanda Peet gave us a magnificent Job especially when she gets very angry and hysterical after she thought that her boyfriend (aDermot Mulroneynd) knew about her disease.

I always love to watch a film with a good Final scene because ( in my opinion) If the film hadn't a good end it will lose almost everything, and trust my the final scene in this film is so lovely and it will make u feel happy even if the story is so sad.

not perfect but very affecting

[JamieWJackson · 8/10 · 18 November 2013]

I enjoyed this movie a lot. I don't have much to add about the movie itself which other reviewers haven't covered already; I'm doing a review only because of the polarity of the existing reviews. Most are 8-10 stars; a few are 1 star. Nothing much in between. Well...

There are a few points where we can criticize the plot or the editing for not showing this or that. OK. If that bothers you then you should ding it a point or two for those failures. However, it's absurd to rate this a 1/10 for that. The reviews saying this is the worst rom-com ever, etc., are nonsense. The characters, however incomplete their depiction might be within what is in this film, are warm and sympathetic -- and flawed. Yes, they are imperfect people, and some of their own choices have created some of their problems. Perhaps the movie should have spent more time pointing that out and making it a more central element of the storytelling? You think that would make it a good film, from 1 star to... what? Mulroney and Peet give excellent performances here and they have good on-screen chemistry. The things which are shown tell a story, and it's a story worth seeing. It's not the whole story of either of their lives, but hello, this is one movie. Get real.

I don't think "Griffin and Phoenix" quite rates the 10 that many are giving it, because it does have a few flaws, but IMO those flaws are secondary to the high quality of what is shown and of what we feel with these two suffering lovers. There is a lot of success here. Don't let the boo-birds distract you from the treasure.

I'll close by saying that I've been a fan of Amanda Peet for a long time, and she's as good here as in anything I've seen from her. Those beautiful eyes of hers are so expressive; she doesn't have to work too hard to hook me in, but it's nice when she does anyway. :-)

Worth the tears and sinus throbs

[Nooshin_Navidi · 7/10 · 11 September 2010]

I had no idea what the movie was about since i had queued it ages ago. Well...this was no light-hearted comedy, to put it lightly! I ended up sobbing through the entire second half and kept crying for an hour afterward. I just decided to let myself go with it and embrace it--forgetting what that can do to you the next day--and woke up with a vicious headache.

But it was very good. Amanda Peet was flawless in this role. I love how she never overacts in her films and this was no exception. Mulroney was also very good & I don't usually care for him. Some may call this film too sentimental. To which i say: So what? Be sure to grab a big roll of paper-towels. And make it Bounty (the quicker dryer-upper.) And take 2 Advil ahead of time or you'll pay for it later. I sure did. This is not one of those gratuitously depressing films.

~NN

Sad and Glad

[missnavymoo2 · 6/10 · 4 February 2009]

I don't like spoilers but you really can't review this movie without it so I beg your indulgence.

Two people, each with terminal cancer, meet and fall in love and only by accident does each one find out the other's "secret." This may not be a good way to start a relationship but, in this case, it works and it makes for a wonderful albeit sad movie.

Griffin is told he has a chestful of tumors and, at most, a year to live. He has 2 sons by his first wife and, realizing he has little time left, he spends more time with them.

He also attends a Life Against Death type of class where he meets a different, almost kooky girl named Phoenix (somewhere, midway in the film we learn her first name is Sarah. I'm not sure we ever learn Griffin's first name). She likes Griffin though she thinks he's a bit off the wall but she doesn't want to get involved with Griffin because she has a secret. One morning after they've spent the night together, she finds books in his apartment about dying. She thinks he bought them because he knows her "secret." Then, after screaming at and pummeling him, he tells her the books are his. Yes, they're his, he said, but he bought them for himself and is reading them because HE is is dying. She then tells him she is dying too ... she also has cancer, she says, that started in her ovaries and is now all over the place. Once they share their secrets, ironically, they really start to live, love and enjoy one another. They realize they've found their soul mates but they have only a limited time to enjoy and appreciate one another. And this they do with a vengeance.

There are some goofy, silly scenes in the movie that could have been left out although they illustrate the idea of doing what you've always wanted to do and to enjoy each day as if it were your last.

But at the end (and I won't say what happens; it's not as obvious as you think), I found myself saying, "I'd give my SOUL for a love like that." It's the kind of love story most of us women crave and I'm no exception. Another plus for this movie is Dermot Mulroney is so handsome! I actually envied Amanda Peete because (in this movie) she gets to fall in love with and make passionate love with him. Oh, lucky lady!

Well Done...Thank You

[docm-32304 · 9/10 · 2 March 2021]

I have to admit that I am somewhat biased about this film. I have an incurable form of leukemia and I found this film so touching. Everyone deals with this stuff differently and I really resounded with how the 2 leads dealt with this part of their life. The film was appropriately funny in spots and at the same time, dealt honestly with the other side of that coin. Well done. Great casting, chemistry and writing.

A love story.

[lydiajp · 7/10 · 5 January 2020]

This is about two people who needed each other in life and found love. It's always a great reminder that it's always good to love in life regardless of certain situations. The two leads in this movie are great actors. They made this movie enjoyable to watch.

summary, great movie

[jruben54 · 10/10 · 10 February 2007]

First, I want a DVD or the chance to tape this movie. Two actors that are not "super" stars but both very capable and respected. It's a story about life, not death. Amanda Peet and Dermot Mulroney will make you laugh and break your heart. Have the big box of tissue ready, but you'll be a better person for having watched it. The movie hooked me in the first five minutes. I couldn't stop watching, the chemistry just felt so real between the two of them. When I was in high school I read a short story written by a student, "How High the Moon". I know no one knows it but this story is like that. You think no one else in this world understands what you are thinking right at this moment or what you are going through and you couldn't be more wrong. I only saw it this afternoon and here I am writing my thoughts on it. If you haven't seen it make every effort to. If you're the type that doesn't cry at a movie guess what, there is a first time for everything.

Somewhat contrived but still moving, mostly due to nice performances by Mulroney and Peet

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 25 November 2009]

Griffin (Dermot Mulroney) has just received a second opinion on his lung cancer. The news is worse. He definitely has only months to live and there are no experimental treatments that can extend his existence. On top of that, Griffin, an insurance salesman, lives in a small, Manhattan apartment, furnished with cast-offs, as his wife and two sons got the suburban house when the divorce went down. Realizing his that his days are short, Griffin makes a huge pass at beautiful Phoenix (Amanda Peet) during a chance meeting at Columbia University. She is extremely reluctant to accept his dinner proposal, giving the impression that she is not "available" in the love market. Nevertheless, she shows up at the restaurant anyway when Griffin extends an open invitation. The date lasts the entire night, with the duo getting kicked out of a cinema for incessant talking and watching the sunrise together in a riverfront park. But, Phoenix still seems reluctant, in part because Griffin asks very few questions about who she really is. Could she be hiding something, too? In fact, she is, for she is also terminally ill with ovarian cancer. Will these two bring joy to each other in their waning days? This movie is somewhat contrived but hangs together by the performances of Mulroney and Peet. No matter how unreal a scene might seem, the two make it work. Yes, there is some honesty here as well about how we, as human beings, react when presented with our eminent deaths. It is a certainty that most individuals would try to create some final lasting memories and that's what these two do. As to more mundane matters, the scenery, costumes, and production values are good, resulting in a nice-looking film. Also, the supporting cast, although it has a very minor role, is fine. All in all, the film would probably be beneficial to anyone who is going through their own terminal illnesses or who have friends/family in this dark situation. Cathartic it is. But, in the end, the movie is rather depressing. Anyone who chooses to watch it had better be prepared to deal with its issues and may want to follow up the view with a screening of Some Like It Hot or any other gut-busting comedy.

totally unrealistic

[alemieux954 · 1/10 · 26 March 2010]

I saw this movie at the sundance film festival in 2006. What struck me throughout the film was that neither of the two lead characters ever showed any visual signs of sickness. My question is, how can two people have terminal cancer and their deaths are days away and yet at no time in the film did they look sick. There was no paleness, jaundice or anything of the sort. At no times did we see any weakness, or nausea or any kind of physical pain associated with cancer. How could this be? At many times in the film the two characters are actually shown running and showing no signs of tiredness. Even at the end of the movie when Amanda Peats character is on the verge of death, she sneaks out of the hosptal with Griffin and again is seen climbing mountainess terrain, until the last couple of steps when Griffin carrts her in his arms. Wasn't he supposed to have cancer too. Come on give me a break? Throw some realism into the movie and it may have been descent.

griffin and phoenix

[redshoezk · 10/10 · 5 October 2007]

i cant believe this movie never came to the theaters. they both should receive an award for there portray of the character's in the movie. they had to really feel the pain of loving each other so much even though they were dying. my mother has cancer and is in remission right now. i cried more than i have ever been able to cry since i found out about her cancer. i thank them both for letting me to finally cry. i think that there should be more movies that make people understand how precious life is and to live each day like it is your last. time is so short and we spend everyday wishing it away. i know everyone who watches this movie will cry and laugh at the same time. i thank both of the actors for putting there heart into this movie.

A predictable but nonetheless really good tragic romance film.

[cartesianthought · 7/10 · 23 December 2015]

It's a romance story of two terminally ill people who meet each other and slowly, with some ups and downs, fall in love. While the woman is more somber, the man teaches her how to have a good time within the confines they face. What's a little mischief to a guy who is going to die soon anyway? The relationship between the two feels genuine.

You can pretty much predict how it starts and ends. There's also the obligatory scene in the middle where the woman leaves the guy because of a huge misunderstanding which could have been avoided if she had just talked things out with him. Please! No! Stop!

I think it's a movie that is full of personality, character and quality acting. I'm not ashamed to admit I cried at least twice throughout the duration. I also think it follows a tired formula that romance movies need to break out of.

perhaps the worst 'romantic film' ever produced

[ferngully74 · 1/10 · 15 March 2007]

For a storyline that supposed to discuss the most sensitive topics in the world (which are life and death) the movie failed to convey the proper emotions or the certain level of connection that is expected between the actors and the viewers. On screen, the actors did not display the kind of chemistry that a "reel love team" should evoke, which was surprising when both have played commendable roles in romantic films and shows (i.e. Mulroney in "My Bestfriend's Wedding" and "The Wedding Date" and Peet in "Jack and Jill"). Needless to say, the movie can easily bore or annoy someone. I honestly believe that the way the movie presented the life of two people destined to fall in love with each other and eventually experience death, has been an utter insult to the viewers' intellect and emotions. It was an absolute waste of money, time and effort going to the cinema just to see this movie. It was very disappointing indeed.

This is a remake

[carrieboo-1 · 2 February 2007]

I haven't seen this new version but desperately want to. Regardless, it is a remake so the title is not original. IMDb has the original info on it here - http://imdb.com/title/tt0074592/ Originally, it was just a TV movie, so that may be why it's not out in wide release. I hope it comes out on DVD. If it's anything like the original, it would be fantastic.

The original starred Peter Falk and was made it 1976. For me to remember it, considering I was only 12 years old at the time, it must have been great. It has remained one of my all time favourites and I'm so glad to learn about this updated version. Plus, Dermot...he's a fav actor of mine.

I'm wondering, for those who have seen the original and this remake, did they recreate the end scene at the cemetery...with the gravestone message? That was one of my favorite parts.

Only 6, maybe 6,5

[saletehnolog · 6/10 · 19 October 2017]

Really tragic theme. Some things is totally necessary. First, why are his children mentioned when they do not have a feature in the movie? They don't know anything about disease. Waste time in movie. Second, comics scene in their situation (Phoenix and Griffin) in cinema, train etc are very stupid. Sorry, but both of them are very sick and in that situation he jumped in train. Third, he broken several cars. Yes, he is very angry, but that is a criminal. In realistic life? Little possible. Love story in movie is really touchable and possible in real life, unfortunately. Completely story was to be about love in very hard moment and maybe hope in healing future. No comics, no children, no aggression. This is a sufficiently difficult subject to interfere with all of the above factors that have no function in the film.

Good story but left a lot to be desired

[nicole_m13 · 7/10 · 1 January 2008]

Was this an indie/low budget film? The story for this movie was very good but somewhere along the way they missed something. It was definitely not the 'same old' story line. The time line was too condensed, it was like watching the Reader's Digest version. There were many things that could have been explained without adding too much time to the final product but that would've added a lot of clarity and made it more 'watcher-friendly'. Great acting on behalf on Amanda Peet and Dermot Mulroney but I understand why this was never released to theaters. Rent it to watch on a Sunday afternoon (or catch it next time it airs on Lifetime) and don't forget the box of tissues.

a heart felt real movie

[ajones01 · 10/10 · 2 October 2006]

I feel that this movie has not gotten the credit it deserves. I saw it at the Toronto film festival and was blown away by its thoughtful plot and realism. It's character relationship is unmatched in many films I see today and its capacity to deal with cancer in a real and supportive fashion should be commended. This is a love story of our era and one that all should see.

The director was able to take a difficult subject and turn it into a light hearted, real story that allowed the audience to both feel the characters frustration, upset and sorrow as well as laugh and understand their humanity.

Amanda

Surprisingly Good

[courtney_chumbley-31580 · 7/10 · 23 December 2022]

Griffin & Phoenix is a 2006 movie that I had not seen or heard of until recently. I watched this film with the hope that it was just going to be a cheesy, lightweight romance movie, however there was more depth to it than that. The movie focuses on Griffin who first meets Phoenix in a college course he is auditing. He boldly tells her rather than asks her to meet him for dinner, which she does, and their relationship continues off and on as just hanging out but not really finding out much about one another as there are no in depth conversations between them. Throughout the movie it is revealed that both Phoenix and Griffin have differing cancers and are not expected to live much longer. The emotional rollercoaster this took me on was great! I loved this movie and recommend to anyone looking for a sweet, romance movie with more than cheesy feelings and a happy ending. The ending is not necessarily tragic but plays out as beautifully as possible!

reality

[inicola2-1 · 10/10 · 26 January 2008]

Everyone knows someone like this, they face something awful and turn out better people because of tragedy and not triumph. I am not talking about people you are out of control, but rather about people who are just what they present. I love the male lead in this role because he is someone who is putting himself aside to be there for this amazing woman. Right away, you might think that two people meeting under these circumstances is contrived. But the human probability of the story is very high, and I wonder it this kind of plot doesn't help people to think about the reality of their lives, how we might treat each other and feel about the time that we have had to live. I challenge you to watch this to decide.

This movie needs more advertising.

One RomCom too far

[sigge-lindhe · 1/10 · 31 July 2009]

A man and a woman meet each other, the man pursues and the woman is at first uninterested. After some time it is discovered that the man has a disease that he is reluctant to tell about. Apart from the tragically predictable story, the horrible acting (I mean the scene where he wants to play basketball with his sons, yuck), the clichéd comical reliefs (angry black guy in cinema or gossipy assistant), the romcom standard music (perky piano and strings), the obvious begging for emotions, this film was true garbage. If you are a woman in desperate need of a chic-flic and know that you don't have any standards whatsoever when it comes to movie quality, give it a shot. Otherwise stay clear.

I rarely give films a 10

[mhmunim-1 · 10/10 · 22 May 2007]

But this is one film deserving the full marks. I loved the characters and how they came to terms with their situation and how in love they found their strength to accept it and use that time to enjoy life.

I love how they took the risk to fall in love and how they became stronger and not let the darkness and depression overcome them.

All I can say is that it's simply a beautiful film that leaves you sad yet nothing but pride and love for the characters Griffin and Phoenix. It one of the reasons why I think Amanda Peet is also a very talented but understated actress. Its a shame that gems like this film never really get the exposure that it truly deserves.

Not a good movie.

[pperna9 · 1/10 · 27 March 2010]

I just saw this movie last night and was very disappointed. 1st off what was most disturbing was Griffin's relationship with his 2 kids. I understand when you hear the news that you have cancer, you may not immediately want to tell anyone. But throughout the movie.. the lead character never even told his kids that he had cancer. Thats very selfish, especially when you know that you have only one year to live. Moreover, you'd also think he'd want to spend as much time with his kids as possible before he dies. Instead he saw them just one time on a brief fishing excursion. Also, there was no interaction between Griffin and his ex wife whatsover. Very bad movie for these reasons.

Amazing Movie

[JoNurse11 · 10/10 · 19 February 2007]

This movie about two workaholics is so worth seeing. If there was ever a movie that made you think about how you are living your life - this is it. In short: don't waste time, fall in love, be silly, do everything you want to (within reason) today, because you may not have tomorrow. Kiss your children - love them until you annoy them. They will appreciate it later. Love your partner - never let a chance to say I love you get away . . . you may not get that chance back. I really hope this film comes out on DVD . . . my tissues are ready. You will never believe how much you can smile at the same time tears are streaming down your face. A definite must see!

Great Romantic Tragedy Despite Low TV Budget.

[jehaccess6 · 8/10 · 7 September 2008]

I got the DVD because I wanted to see more Amanda Peet after watching 'Something's Got To Give'. I must say it was worth the cost. I was mesmerized by Amanda as the repressed and depressed Sarah Phoenix.

Sarah Phoenix has been dumped by her previous lover and is now facing her death without much emotional support from anyone. She talks to her mother on the telephone, but has obviously not revealed how precarious is her health.

Dermot Mulroney really came across as the workaholic Griffin who has to face his approaching death without the support of the family he ignored too long. Dermot managed to convey his inner turmoil with nothing more than his expressions and body language.

Griffin and Phoenix meet at a college lecture on death and dying and they feel an immediate attraction. Phoenix tries to dismiss Griffin's advances, but eventually starts to allow him into her heart. Part of her reluctance is the pain of her previous romantic breakup, but more pressing is her depression at her declining health.

It was amazing to watch the personal growth of Griffin as he emerged from his shell to cherish his new love through the difficult and painful experience of her terminal illness. We get to see the new couple find a way to live the best days of their lives during the most difficult and painful experience they will ever face. Even in the midst of his own problems Griffin can reach out to support someone else in time of need.

One thing puzzled me in the film. Phoenix has had a sudden decline in her health and is admitted to the hospital for probably her final few days of life. Where is her mother? Surely, Sarah would not keep her mother in the dark at such a difficult time in her life.

The film finale just tore at my emotions. I have grown to know and admire Phoenix. The early Christmas Griffin provides Phoenix is at once precious and painful to watch. The love between these two dying people is made so real that I hated to watch the view fade out to the screen credits.

This TV movie was far superior to many higher budget efforts that actually received theater screening. The two lead actors really surpassed anything else I have seen them in. I never tire of watching this film.

compare both films this is a remake

[jukapl · 5/10 · 10 February 2007]

I would like to comment on this film, but this is a remake of one, which starred Peter Falk and Jill Claybourne. I found that the first one with Falk and Claybourne was much more intense and just a better film. The plot is the same, for the most part, so, if you have seen this version, go back and rent the original. I am not sure of the title, but I search for griffin and phoenix and found the Falk one. Once you watch both, I would appreciate some comparisons, which maybe like mine or entirely different. Guess I am a Peter Falk fan and appreciate the intensity of both characters. I found that the original version was a little more believable than this newer one.