Treed Murray (2001) User Reviews

8/10 Hidden gem. Solid acting by leads, moves well, fair script.

[yak-yak · 8/10 · 10 November 2004]

This is really one of those hidden gems of a movie. The plot is so simple: An executive type gets trapped in a tree by a group of young hoods. It's all psychological stuff, virtually zero dollars spent on set design and such, because it's just a park. The acting by all of the main characters is quite solid, especially that of the group leader. A bit of excess drama at one point with scary people doing scary things, but it wasn't too overdone. They got the point across anyway.

This is really worth renting. It's not action-packed, but it's going to keep you watching until it's over.

8/10

A good examination of issues, though built on cliche characters

[ajs-1 · 8/10 · 16 September 2001]

While this movie seems to revolve around characters and situations that are cliche and perhaps more based on American media archetypes than reality, Treed Murray nevertheless turns out to be a thought-provoking examination of issues relevant to today's times.

Growing up watching the TV series Degrassi Junior High, we always used to joke that for a show noted for its "reality" they sure did a remarkable job of overlaying every possible teen calamity on a very small group of characters. This movie can be accused of a similar projection. However, perhaps in 90 minutes of film this sort of license may be not only allowable, but necessary.

Overall, this is a very worthwhile, entertaining and interesting film, that manages to stand quite apart from those movies from which its characters have been lifted.

An extended after-school special

[rgcustomer · 6/10 · 15 December 2010]

This film is chock full o' cliché.

You have the black teen robber, the young female whore, the businessman with a secret, the white boy wannabe thug. It never ends.

Once Murray is chased up a tree by the robbers, it's scripted and shot pretty much like a stage play, with each side patiently waiting turn to say its oh-so-clever piece.

There is no realism, and no tension. Not one of these characters feels real, and so we don't really care what happens to any of them in the end. Frankly, the Ravens should have been allowed to clean up. I mean, they walk right past with a severed head (what was that all about?) and you're NOT going to use them? But of course, in the end, you have the injured angel, the weeping whore, the coward runs away, etc. etc. Lessons learned. Mission accomplished. Yawn.

And, of course, the credits say it was funded by pretty much every Canadian funding agency in existence. I can't even remember them all. Canada, Ontario, Television, Film, various channels (even beyond the usual), and so on. For all that, we deserve better.

Concrete Jungle Boogie

[cchase · 14 December 2003]

Taking a page from old-fashioned, one-off thrillers from the Sixties and Seventies like LADY IN A CAGE or THE INCIDENT, writer/director William Phillips uses a deceptively simple plot to produce a psychological thriller/character study that at the very least is engaging. Thank goodness the producers made sure that it got a title change before reaching American screens. As it is, the new title "GET DOWN" may trick some people into thinking this is some kind of disco period piece like CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC. For anyone who may have given this film the brush-off for that reason, let me assure you: this one is WAY better.

The premise is straight to the point: a harried businessman, John Murray (David Hewlett from the excellent CUBE, another controversial indie flick), is on his way to work downtown, and probably late. Not wanting to be bothered by the homeless people and the panhandlers, he decides to take a short cut through the city park. Bad luck for him. On the way, he is stopped by a young thug whom he asks for directions. The teen demands money for his help, and when Murray refuses, the kid blocks his way and demands his wallet. P*ssed off by this, Murray pops the kid in the face with his briefcase, which results in the sudden appearance of the rest of the "gang" the young thug belongs to. WORSE luck for him.

A chase ensues, and a desperate Murray resorts to the only thing he thinks will prevent him from a severe beating: he climbs a very tall tree. Hence the title. Now a war of words, wills and wild attempts to get at him begins, revealing things about Murray and the young punks who are after him, that let the audience in on one important truth...none of us is better than anyone else, even when we'd like to believe we are. Because as it turns out, we are more alike than we want to admit, or may even realize.

For a small, short film with no big names to speak of, there are strong performances all round, with Hewlett leading the cast. Murray is not a likeable character, even when we know that he's in the right about defending himself, yet Hewlett still manages to make him seem human and flawed, rather than outright hateful, which would've been a major hardship for the film to overcome.

All the young performers are fairly good, with Cle Bennett a remarkable standout as the "gang's" leader, Shark. He has a lot of the same vibe and style as ANGEL'S J. August Richards, and I suspect it won't be too long before we end up seeing him getting a lot more work.

Though the socio-political and economic issues addressed here have reviewed before, and in much better fashion in other movies, at least Phillips guides his cast in a way that makes it all seem fresh and original. That said, the director couldn't miss throwing in a least one homage, namely to John Carpenter. It involves a very unexpectedly creepy scene, in which Murray witnesses first hand, the one thing that makes his aggressors actually run for the hills, (or in this case, the bushes.) It is a very goosebump-raising scene that carries with it echoes of ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK or ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13, and you've gotta love somebody with enough smarts and savvy to give 'props' to those two classics.

I'll give this four out of five stars. A bigger name cast and a more seasoned director would have raised GET DOWN'S cinematic pedigree, but as is, it won't leave you bored, and not too disappointed, (unless, like me, you don't get into the anti-climactic finish.)

solid writerly movie***contains spoilers

[selenedm999 · 7/10 · 21 March 2007]

***contains possible spoilers*** As a fan if "indie" cinema, and what they used to call guerrilla (sp?) film-making, I'm always very intrigued by movies that take next to nothing and make it into a lot. The way to do this is with a good cast, and a solid script, which Treed Murray has.

The plot is basic: an advertising executive gets chased by a group of teenaged criminals. He climbs a tree for safety, and spends the night there. The kids decide to stick around (rather than do the easy thing and leave with his briefcase), and what follows is a tense character study that ends in violence. The lesson here is the old cliché, "Be sure your sins will find you out." Although there's nothing altogether new on the character front (rich white guys, thick headed but loyal white trash guy, white trash chick, and a couple of badass black kids that are twice as smart but lack direction), the thrill of the movie is watching the characters interact. The writing mostly rings true, and the actors and filmmakers worked hard to avoid the worst of the predictables. At the end of it, you're not left feeling good about the characters' lives, and I found myself really thinking of them as people and wondering what would happen next.

The setting of the movie only barely distinguishes itself as Toronto. The one down side to the movie is that in trying to examine the race divide, which is just as clear in Canada only much subtler than in the U.S., it underscores its own racism. You know the rich white guys are going to be fine because hey, they're rich and white. The white trash dude will be fine because he's also white and male. The chick will be fine because she can always sell her a$$ or have a kid and go on welfare (in Ontario the stereotype is reduced to that--we take much better care of our poor here than in the States but it doesn't say much for women or the poor). But you have the feeling that the kids who are truly screwed are the black kids. Shark, who at least had his gang at the beginning, isn't left with much, and Carter's left with nothing at all. Although you know it's the truth, it's still an awkward one, because I think we escape to movies to watch the people we wish we were. It's uncomfortable when they fail.

Near impossible to turn the TV off during this one

[unbend_5440 · 10/10 · 27 November 2002]

A man named Murray gets into an altercation with a gang after getting lost in a park. The gang then chases him and Murray is forced to hide in a tree. Of course it doesn't take the gang longer than a minute to find him hiding up there (and thankfully it didn't take them longer... that would've made for a poor movie). This is how Treed Murray begins. The rest of the movie takes place over the course of one night, with Murray hiding in the tree, and the gang waiting, taunting, intimidating, and threatening him from down on the ground.

Of course Treed Murray isn't as simple or basic as the plot may lead you to believe. At only 90 minutes long, it manages to be more intriguing, fascinating and brilliant than any movie I think I've seen in the past year. The dialogue, which makes up 95% of the film, is more than enough to carry the entire movie on it's own. On top of that there are amazing performances from all the actors. David Hewlett, who was the best thing about the Canadian show Traders, is in almost every scene as the main character, Murray. He brings so much to the movie and his character. At every point in the movie you sympathize with him, despite his character being a bit of a low life. It seemed like every other scene had some new revelation about Murray that gives you good reason to hate him, yet Hewlett still makes him a likeable guy somehow. If Treed Murray can get as much great exposure as one of Hewlett's earlier movies CUBE got, he could become one of Canada's next big acting exports.

But as brilliant as David Hewlett was in Treed Murray, myself and everyone else who watched it with me thought he was upstaged by Cle Bennett, who plays the gang leader Shark. Bennett is powerful and charismatic, an odd thing for a young and fairly inexperienced actor. One of the questions brought up in the story is why Shark is the leader, and why he makes all the decisions for the rest of the gang. I'm thinking if I knew someone like him, I'd probably do whatever he said too. I hope there's a Director out there looking to hire Bennett, because he has such star potential.

In the end what really works about Treed Murray is it's realism and character development. Even though Murray is the hero of the film, he has many flaws. And even though all the gang members would be clear cut villains in a typical American movie, here they have several redeemable qualities. I loved that all the characters had interesting and honest things to say. Despite the fact they're trying to kill a guy for no reason, I found myself agreeing with so much that they said.

Treed Murray is one of those rare movies that you not only can't turn off once it begins, but you can also watch over and over and over again. I give it 10 out of 10. If I was allowed to give it anything higher, I would. I LOVE this movie.

Better than "Kids"?

[pipster101 · 10/10 · 12 February 2003]

I caught this on cable last night and have to say that this was as riveting and shocking in places as Larry Clark's "Kids". To have a movie shot in one location solely relying on its script-writing is unusual, but a script working as effectively as this certainly provides a breath of fresh air. A hugely inventive and original film - see this or miss out.

you realise that everyone is both heroic and no-heroic

[apban · 10/10 · 19 January 2005]

If you were to read a summary of a film about a man stuck in a tree and you weren't at least intrigued about how a director and actors could sustain a film for about 94 minutes about a man in a tree then you clearly are a person with no curiosity. If like me you are a curious person then you have to watch this film and if you are not curious then i especially insist that you watch this film.

Simple concept. Business man Murry is on his way to work and to avoid homeless people and the crowd takes a short cut through the park. On the way he is stopped by a 14 year old who demands five bucks for directions. Murry who is not keen and to waste five bucks knocks the youth in the face unfortunately for him the rest of the gang pops out and Murry runs. Tired and with no way out he climbs a tree. From here on in is the setting of the film, Murry in a tree surrounded with five youths.

The acting by the entire cast is of high quality David Hewlett's performance as Murry is just a pleasure to watch as he tries to save himself but as he also reveals more of his sort comings. As the film progress' your perception of all the characters change as you realise that everyone is both heroic and no-heroic. The depth and breath of the characters is what makes this film intriguing, this film is purely about people and the lengths people go to survive and to belong to something.

Astounding film...

[heydere2 · 10/10 · 30 January 2002]

Saw a special "Genie" (Canadian Oscar) screening this past Sunday evening. I had heard nothing but good things about this film, so i decided to attend. I was blown away. Amazing acting (THE WHOLE CAST!-which is rare these days), great direction, and the best thing of all is that it basically takes place all in one location, and does not come of as "theater" at all. I loved it, highly recommend it.

The Truth

[ecktownnfg · 1/10 · 20 May 2003]

I never really felt the need to post a review on here because who am I to say what a good movie is? However, I was appalled when I saw that this movie got an 8/10. Yes, Rear Window was set in one scene and was a great thriller. This movie was set in one scene and was not nearly as affective as Rear Window. Not debatable. Furthermore, this movie is ranked as high as The Graduate, higher than Forrest Gump and Sling Blade. That is simply inexcusable. This movie was lame because there was so many fallacies. My first question is why didn't the guy pee on the gang? That would have added some action to the movie! But seriously, he gets down and he walks towards the kid instead of running away when the kid obviously wasn't going to do anything. He didn't grab the bat...or anything. It was like okay maybe he wanted to save the kid, but then he rats him out anyhow. Furthermore, what kind of cop believes that cheer the gang was doing, like doesnt even check it out at all? PFFFFT...It's just like come on...get real. This movie=The Graduate is a bigger joke than this cinematography debacle! My favorite part (other than the fact that it was over) was when the "gang" first came out. It was so funny that it was a racially and sexually diverse gang. It was just like Wow, I hope this isn't a sign of what's coming. The kids were so NOT TOUGH. They deserve to get jumped for being in this movie.

"8 mile meets Juice"-What a laugh. Please do yourself a favor and do not waste your money on this. It's not half as good as what people are posting.

Oh, the things one finds on late night Canadian television.

[Decko_koji_obecava · 20 April 2006]

I was flicking through channels on my TV dial at 1:30am couple of nights ago when I stumbled upon this thing already deep into opening credits. Though the little that I saw of the introductory sequence had me convinced it was at best a corny Canadian TV 'project' or an episode of some US syndicated TV series shot in Toronto I still decided to keep watching. And I'm glad I did. Well, kind of.

The first part of the movie (chase scene, Murray getting on the tree, first physical confrontations before the impasse, etc.) is truly riveting. It exploits every big city dweller's palpable fear - that of being victimized in a random, senseless act of violence. Basically, this is the same shtick Steven Spielberg built his movie empire on: introduce a rudimentary phobia every normal person harbours to some degree, extend it to extreme levels, and then exploit it cinematically to no end - his movie "Duel", and even "Jaws" to a lesser extent, often came to mind during the initial stages of "Treed Murray". So, kudos to William Philips for, at least, keeping me on the edge of my seat. At this point I still cared about all characters and was really interested in seeing where the plot takes them.

Unfortunately, the movie starts derailing sometime into the public park tree standoff. Despite coming off as this great menacing force in the beginning, watching these 5 hoodlums gets to be a major drag as time goes on. The screenplay tries its hardest to put a human face on them through minor, halfassed subplots, in hopes of providing the story with fresh legs, but all the details they (in)voluntarily surrender about personal hardships pale in comparison with the fact they're chomping at the bit to kill this random guy for absolutely no reason. We also learn Murray is no choir boy himself, but again, the fact that he cheats on his pregnant wife, occasionally uses hard drugs, and generally seems to be a manipulative, self involved jerk is completely irrelevant when viewed against the insanely murderous path these kids are on.

The fact that screenplay calls on the kid-gangsters to take turns at being evil, insightful, conniving, benevolent, barbaric, caring, bloodthirsty, poignant, etc. doesn't help either. That it comes off hokey is no great surprise as such series of transformations would be next to impossible even for seasoned pros to pull off, let alone a bunch of teen actors.

One also can't help but notice the unrealistic touches throughout the film. Murray, lame ad-exec who probably never lifted anything heavier than a pencil in his life, exhibits remarkable balance and stamina in fighting off a couple of charging gangbangers from a narrow tree branch. While incapacitating one of them, the other manages to get on the tree and Murray amazingly further succeeds in cuffing and tying him using a personal belt - quite a feat considering for example that it usually takes two trained cops to cuff an overzealous protester on terra firma.

Still, I'd be more than willing to overlook all the artificial moments had the movie been more brave and direct. It started off with a lot of potential but quickly started losing its punch.

Kept me on the edge of my seat

[vikte-sn · 10/10 · 16 March 2015]

When I read a synopsis of the movie before watching it, I was expecting it to be silly and light - I mean, a story about a guy ambushed in a tree by some kids can't be serious, can it? But it was nothing like I expected. This must be the cheapest thriller with the most mundane setting and characters in the history, but somehow it manages to provide with more adrenaline than most of the "guns and explosions" kind of movies. All the characters are both lovable and hatable, so you don't just root for a "good guy", you worry about all of them.

I strongly recommend it even for those who don't really care for dramas and thrillers (I'm one of those people).

Captivating even if you miss the beginning

[calgarywino · 8/10 · 3 June 2015]

I stumbled across this movie on Warner Brothers TV and even though I missed the first part of the movie it was so captivating that I had so watch it.

The premise though seemingly simple, relied upon character studies of people in a stressful situation where everybody feels over their heads, even those supposedly in control. This has been done many times before so it's not unusual, but I liked the idea of Canadian 'gang kids' who have an executive treed in a park overnight.

All in one scene emotions could run through fear, bravado, self doubt and aggression; the darkness of the people mirrored that of the night. Both inner and outer group conflicts manifested themselves as the night wore on. There was subterfuge, guile, bluffing and cunning and for the most part, the dialogue didn't seem forced or false. Throughout all and the acting was excellent.

In disagreement with another reviewer I thought that just having another thoroughly evil gang passing through and not choosing to involve them further was wise and kept unnecessary complications from distracting from the group dynamics we'd already gotten familiar with. The other gang just served to highlight the insecurities and more human aspects of our gang's personas, and therefor made the outcome more plausible.

Detractors of the film should know that for the most part, Canada is a kinder and gentler country, where firearms are restricted so are not common, and we don't have as many issues with large inner city slums or ghettos. The makeup of 'our' Toronto gang was African Americans, Caucasians and one girl, which is certainly not stereotypical. The movie speculated how Canadian 'wannabe' gang members might try to ape the actions of the more street hardened thugs south of the border who make the papers every day, but in reality be more unsure and fearful of the real consequences of their actions.

Lastly, all the situations and changes and revelations the individuals underwent made the ending plausible and showed that sometimes in extreme circumstances when the poop really hits the fan, opposing sides can come together to offer kindness and caring and come to the aid of others even at risk to themselves.

That's the Canadian way.

A pretty good low budget film

[leandros85 · 8/10 · 7 July 2005]

This Canadian film is one of the best in reflecting young delinquents' life and psychology. It is about a man, Murray who takes a shortcut in a city park, and loses direction. He is confronted with a young boy, Carter who demands him five dollars for directions. After a confrontation, Murray kicks Carter, and a gang appears. Murray runs away and climbs a tree. After not being able to bring Murray down, the band decides to wait for him, so they will be able to punish him. The whole action of the movie will happen on this tree. We will have the opportunity to get an insight in a gang's life, and the film will be full of interesting dialogs between the gang members and Murray.

The screenplay is very good, the characters are good, essential for a low budget film like this. The characters are always innovating. There is only one location, and a low number of characters. But the good screenplay, and the good acting performance distracts the attention from this. A nice movie, must be seen if you have time.

Bad title great flick!

[wow-2 · 9/10 · 18 February 2003]

I didn't expect to even watch this film but I basically forgot to change the channel and was fixed to the T.V. from start to finish. Great story line, great twists, fairly well acted but it would have been nice to throw a few more buckaroos at a script like this. Not a masterpiece but I was definitely captivated from start to finish.

A high-concept Canadian thriller, nicely staged, shamelessly contrived, but fun to watch.

[TheVid · 5 May 2003]

Unenlightening social observations mar what's essentially an emotionally-driven confrontation film. As it is, there's too much pandering to typical urban stereotypes and cheesy melodrama instead of simply a raw struggle for survival. Engaging enough, but way too practical when it should have been primitive.

great movie

[christella · 9/10 · 3 February 2008]

watched this to see other work David hewlett had done. i was blown away by this movie. that man can really act! wonderful simple premise well executed,brilliantly directed,excellent ensemble cast. David hewlett and cle bennett shine as the main protagonists,a movie set in a tree with just an excellent script to hold your focus.

rent or even buy this movie and you will watch it more than once.

the ending was not too much of a surprise,and would have liked more of around up at the end,but that is just personal preference

watching David as murray,play the gang off one another is brilliantly done,and finding out that murray is just as flawed as they are is superb.

David Hewlett Reminds Me of Jack Lemmon.

[anaconda-40658 · 8/10 · 5 November 2015]

Treed Murray (2001): Dir: William Phillip / Cast: David Hewlett, Cle Bennett, Kevin Duhaney, Jessica Greco, Aaron Ashmore: Low budget yet intelligent film about being trapped to the point where survival is your only weapon. David Hewlett plays an advertising executive who takes a fatal shortcut through the park. When he asks for directions he is pursued by a gang. He takes refuge in a very high tree but his brief case doesn't make it thus becoming property of the foes. It becomes a battle of wits that can become tiresome due too its central location. One scene that doesn't work is the gang climbing the tree only to be knocked out. It plays for humour, which is inappropriately placed. Directed by William Phillips who is as innovative as possible with its limited location. Hewlett as Murray Roberts goes from successful executive to clinging to his life. Certain revelations are made that affect him both good and bad. Cle Bennett as the gang leader who manipulates his cousin will have to make an important choice by film's end. Kevin Duhaney plays Bennett's cousin whom Murray first assaults in order to flee. He will learn the errors of gang life. Jessica Greco plays a female whom will place within Murray's past with secrets of her own. For having limited locations, it is top rate independent filmmaking. Intriguing view of power and the will to prevail. Score: 8 / 10

Some of the best that Canada has to offer

[SusieSalmonLikeTheFish · 10/10 · 12 April 2017]

Treed Murray is one of those films that you'll either love or loathe depending on your preferences. It's very character-driven and surprisingly psychological in nature, exploring the parallels and unexpected commonalities between a wealthy family-man, and a gang of young hoodlums who just happen to cross paths with him when he mildly injures one of them (without meaning to of course). They chase him up a tree, and the rest is history. These bad seeds drag the poor guy through his worst nightmares, including a young addict girl named Kelly (Jessica Greco from 'Welcome to Dead House') framing him for cheating on his wife and thus causing his already dysfunctional marriage to die that very night. However Murray finds that he's less than the innocent victim, and he begins to connect with the gang, realizing that they've all had their past traumas and that they all have friends and family even if they don't always display the best behaviour or judgment.

Don't be put off by the idea of the drama though, because this film has a lot of comedy, too. We've got everything from a delusional homeless man (Julian Richings from 'Patch Town' and 'Hard Core Logo') thinking that the kids climbing up the tree are angels, to the gang's hilarious attempt to get Murray to say sorry. I honestly can't think of any bad qualities that 'Treed Murray' even has. It has some profanity but not to the point of being vulgar or obnoxious. Its acting is amazing. The soundtrack is subtle and neither invasive nor annoying. The story in and of itself is definitely original, too. All in all this is a classic of not only Canadian cinema, but also of the Nineties, and it has a distinct 1990's vibe that resonates throughout, yet it isn't outdated or "old" in the slightest. Excellent film, and one that everyone should see at least once.

Worth it

[sweepsupplies · 9/10 · 3 January 2008]

I bought this movie because I wanted to watch more movies with David Hewlett. I have to say he is really good in this film. He makes his Murray a believable person with faults and good points. At first I couldn't see how he could win against the gang( he is in a tree for most of the film, trapped) but he is a good talker and that is a real advantage and at times he sticks his foot is his mouth big time. The rest of the actors are good and believable. Only thing is that all of the main people are not who you think they are. Funny how we all think we can tell who everybody is just by meeting them. This movie proves this to not be the case. The acting in this low budget film is great and the story line is not new just not over done.

Worst movie ever ?

[jpeahs · 21 May 2003]

After watching this movie, I came here expecting it to get a rating somewhere under 3. I was astonished seeing the 8, and more astonished reading the reviews. This movie was just plain awful, the characters weren't very believable if you ask me. I thought the funniest part was at the end when that guy(I didn't bother remembering the names) went to get his grandfathers gun from the garage, real tough gang there. Then the part where they were cheering Murray and the cop just went away, ugh. FJOEWIJGROIJG is the only way I can describe it, I'm just in awe at the high rating from IMDB voters.

Don't judge this film by its title!

[alansmithee_1 · 8/10 · 21 April 2006]

**POSSIBLE MINOR SPOILERS IN PARAGRAPH 5**

I watched "Treed Murray" for the second time the other night, and found I had forgotten just how brilliant this film was (in spite of its atrocious title). I agree with the reviewer who contends that Toronto is the only setting where this storyline would work, since gang members in any American metropolis would have just whipped out a gun and settled the matter in about 5 seconds flat. Instead, "Treed Murray" serves up a mesmerizing study of human psychology, where no character is black or white and no one emerges unscathed.

The situation is straightforward. On his way to work one morning, advertising executive Murray takes a shortcut through a city park, where he's accosted by a teen named Carter who asks him for money. Murray refuses and shoves Carter down, whereupon he is chased by Carter's gang and takes refuge in a tree. The rest of the film involves Murray's attempts to talk his way out of the tree, using his skill as a master manipulator to play head games with his captors.

That's the plot in a nutshell, but this is by no means a plot-driven movie. It's more of a modern morality play, one that would easily lend itself to a stage treatment. Each character is carefully drawn and defined by their place in society: Murray, on the top rung of the social ladder, literally looks down on the "punks" from his perch on high. He judges them as they pace below him, trapped in limbo, unable to move onward due to their thirst for revenge. Yet the arrangement is not as one-sided as it looks, for the 5 youths -- under the command of Shark, their streetwise leader -- manage to hold their own against Murray's alternately glib and savage tongue. They repay his malice in numerous ways, even as he works to erode their gang loyalties and pit them against one another.

The balance and flow of the film are expertly realized, thanks to outstanding performances from a (small) cast of relative unknowns. We alternate between swells of violent hatred and quiet, tender moments where the enemies connect emotionally or unite briefly for a common cause. It's frequently hard to identify whether a character is being genuine or manipulative by what they say -- an ambiguity which serves the movie well, since it forces us to question and doubt along with the characters. I found it nothing short of riveting to witness the shifting power dynamics as the characters expose one another's prejudices, while inadvertently uncovering their shared humanity. It's raw and unsettling stuff to watch, but it carries a powerful message: like Murray and the street gang, we are all bound to one another as fallen creatures. Each one of us is flawed and vulnerable, equally capable of compassion or of ruthless depravity.

My picks for favorite scenes include: 1) Murray's sermon on how he, the marketing guru, "made" the gang's resident poser; 2) Murray's one-on-one scenes with Kelly and Carter; 3) Murray dropping his coat to cover a shivering Kelly; 4) the nail-biting climax; and 5) the chilling walk-through of Raven and his gang, proving that there are far greater evils in the world than the cat-and-mouse antics of our main characters.

Don't let the title put you off. "Treed Murray" is a movie well worth seeing… and one you're unlikely to forget for a long time after.

Eight stars out of a possible 10.

One of the best of this year's Genie crop

[timberck · 8/10 · 5 February 2002]

This is a good film! Good, solid performances. A clever idea that is well carried out. The images were rather bland, but that is really the only down-side. Good solid screenwriting for a change, too. One of the best of this year's Genie crop. Definitely worth seeing.

Highly recommended!

[Carnoic · 8/10 · 24 February 2007]

I was really curious to see how the people involved in the making of this film would sustain the idea of a man hiding in a tree while being menaced by a gang. Now that I've watched the film I can see that they not only managed it, they managed it very well :)

The plot of this film surprised me quite a few times and it avoided stereotypical behaviour that I would normally expect in films with these types of characters.

David Hewlett's performance as Murray is excellent, as are the performances of the other actors - everyone did a really good job.

If you get the chance to watch this film then take it, you won't be disappointed.

It's about seeing yourself thru someone else's eyes

[mjs_chic · 8/10 · 28 July 2006]

I bought this movie because of Mr. Hewlett. I find him fascinating. The few people who had seen this movie warned me how "stupid" it was. I disagree. I don't know about other people out there, but this film hit home. I didn't see any villain or hero in this movie. I just saw people, normal people. Neither good or bad, just misdirected. Yes the kids chased him up a tree and kept him there for a night while they argued about what to do. Yes he did admit to getting it on with prostitutes and that he saw no problem with taking illegal narcotics. The scene where Kel gets him to admit how unfaithful he has been is brilliant. That's when he realizes he's just as "bad" as the kids who have him trapped in a tree. I recommend this movie for anyone who wants to see a movie about seeing who you really are thru the eyes of someone else.