Is Keys to Tulsa Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Keys to Tulsa is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 113 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Keys to Tulsa Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1997, Keys to Tulsa enters the Crime genre with a narrative focused on Richter Boudreau is on a bad streak: Languishing in the shadow of his celebrity mother, he loses his job as a film critic for the town paper, and now he's been approached with a dangerous proposition that ultimately leads to blackmail. Under the direction of Leslie Greif, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Eric Stoltz. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Keys to Tulsa offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Keys to Tulsa resonates with current cultural themes in the Crime space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Keys to Tulsa is available for streaming on fuboTV. It is also featured on platforms like Shout! Factory Amazon Channel. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Video roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Keys to Tulsa centers on a unique premise within the Crime landscape. Richter Boudreau is on a bad streak: Languishing in the shadow of his celebrity mother, he loses his job as a film critic for the town paper, and now he's been approached with a dangerous proposition that ultimately leads to blackmail. Richter's friend Ronnie ropes him into a scheme to steal the inheritance of his wife, Vicky. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1997 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Keys to Tulsa has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Keys to Tulsa sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Keys to Tulsa (1997): with an audience rating of 4.7/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Crime, Drama, Thriller cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Keys to Tulsa Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $57,252 |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Where to Watch Keys to Tulsa Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV
Shout! Factory Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
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Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Keys to Tulsa is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.7/10, and global collection metrics, Keys to Tulsa stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keys to Tulsa movie hit or flop?
Keys to Tulsa is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.7/10 and lower collections.
Is Keys to Tulsa worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.7/10, Keys to Tulsa may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Keys to Tulsa online?
Keys to Tulsa is currently available for streaming on fuboTV. You can also check for it on platforms like fuboTV, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Keys to Tulsa movie hit or flop?
Keys to Tulsa is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.7/10 and lower collections.
Is Keys to Tulsa worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.7/10, Keys to Tulsa may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Keys to Tulsa online?
Keys to Tulsa is currently available for streaming on fuboTV. You can also check for it on platforms like fuboTV, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel depending on your region.
What is the story of Keys to Tulsa?
Keys to Tulsa is a Crime, Drama, Thriller movie that follows: Richter Boudreau is on a bad streak: Languishing in the shadow of his celebrity mother, he loses his job as a film critic for the town paper, and now he's been approached with a dangerous proposition ...
Is Keys to Tulsa family friendly?
Keys to Tulsa falls under Crime, Drama, Thriller, which often contain intense scenes. Parental discretion is advised.
What language is Keys to Tulsa available in?
Keys to Tulsa is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
Richter Boudreau is on a bad streak: Languishing in the shadow of his celebrity mother, he loses his job as a film critic for the town paper, and now he's been approached with a dangerous proposition that ultimately leads to blackmail. Richter's friend Ronnie ropes him into a scheme to steal the inheritance of his wife, Vicky.
Critic Reviews
**_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-