Keys to Tulsa
Performance & Direction: Keys to Tulsa Review
Last updated: February 3, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Keys to Tulsa (1997) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Keys to Tulsa features a noteworthy lineup led by Eric Stoltz . Supported by the likes of James Spader and Deborah Kara Unger , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Keys to Tulsa
Quick Plot Summary: Keys to Tulsa is a Crime, Drama, Thriller film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Keys to Tulsa
Ending Breakdown: Keys to Tulsa attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Keys to Tulsa reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Keys to Tulsa Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Keys to Tulsa incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Keys to Tulsa adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Keys to Tulsa?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Crime films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Keys to Tulsa
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $57.3K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Top Cast: Keys to Tulsa
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Keys to Tulsa Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Shout! Factory Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoKeys to Tulsa Parents Guide & Age Rating
1997 AdvisoryWondering about Keys to Tulsa age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Keys to Tulsa is 113 minutes (1h 53m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.7/10, and global performance metrics, Keys to Tulsa is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1997 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keys to Tulsa worth watching?
Keys to Tulsa is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 4.7/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Keys to Tulsa parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Keys to Tulsa identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Keys to Tulsa?
The total duration of Keys to Tulsa is 113 minutes, which is approximately 1h 53m long.
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How Keys to Tulsa Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Keys to Tulsa
**_The bad side of Tulsa_** A young man (Eric Stoltz) has a wealthy mother (Mary Tyler Moore), but is about to lose his movie-review job at the paper while owing money to a no-nonsense drug dealer (James Spader) and struggling with feelings for the dealer’s wife (Deborah Kara Unger). The latter’s brother is an old friend, but now a rich psycho (Michael Rooker), as Richter starts a relationship with a drug-addled woman (Joanna Going). On top of all this, Ronnie manipulates him into getting involved in a risky blackmailing scheme. “Keys to Tulsa” was primarily shot in December, 1994, but not released until 1997. It’s a psychological study of several flawed people within the context of a crime drama that mixes quirky humor with serious situations. Although there are a few thrills, it’s not a thriller, but rather a soap opera meshing Tarantino with Tennessee Williams. The semi-incoherent plot is reminiscent of the contemporaneous “Cop Land,” but it’s not as satisfying as that movie, not to mention “Pulp Fiction,” “Jackie Brown” or “The Fugitive Kind.” More coherent storytelling would’ve helped, but there are other issues. The flick wallows in the seedy side of life with a curious shortage of light (even “Pulp Fiction” featured a potent message of redemption), which is ironic seeing as how Tulsa is sort of seen as America’s ‘City of God.’ When it does try to convey some noble bit, like the revelation that a certain adulterous woman truly loves her husband, it comes across awkward, disingenuous and eye-rolling. It has a notable cast, though, and there are entertaining moments here and there. Spader is great as a Dark Elvis type and Deborah Kara Unger never looked better, not to mention Going. The latter has a few nude scenes, I guess to make up for the movie’s shortcomings. But her character is so lost, so drug-addled, you feel sorry for her. Yet it’s not like these kinds of people don’t exist. At the end of the day, the flick had great potential, but needed a rewrite to work out the kinks and flush out better entertainment. Still, some of it works. It runs 1 hour, 53 minutes, and was shot in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (along with nearby McKinney) and Tulsa, Oklahoma. GRADE: C/C-
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
