74 reviews
He's been framed!
After the ridiculous yet entertaining 'Death Wish 3,' Charles Bronson and his fans needed to relax for a while. Fortunately enough, Bronson and director J. Lee Thompson came out in 1986 with the actioner/dark comedy 'Murphy's Law,' whose texture is almost the complete opposite of DW3. While still carrying its fair share of sex, violence, and overall bad taste, 'Murphy's Law' is a light-hearted film by comparison and makes neat changes to Bronson's on-screen persona.
In a workmanlike script by Gail Morgan Hickman (of TV's 'The Equalizer'), Bronson reprises his earlier cop roles as Jack Murphy, a Los Angeles detective who is going to pieces after breaking up with his sex-starved wife. Murphy is a heavy drinker who struggles to get out of bed in the morning; when he does manage to rise, he argues with other detectives on the force and nags his ex (Angel Topkins), who has begun stripping at a local nightclub.
To fulfill Murphy's Law - "if anything can go wrong, it will" - the justice system has released Joan Freeman (Carrie Snodgress), a psychopath whom Murphy arrested for murder ten years before. Dead-set on revenge, Freeman returns to knock off everyone linked to her case, including Murphy and his acquaintances. Sure enough, Murphy is collared for the death of his ex-wife and finds himself in lockup with Arabella McGee (Kathleen Wilhoite), a foul-mouthed young woman whom he just arrested for driving off with his car. Handcuffed to one another, he manages to take McGee hostage and escape from jail. The bulk of 'Murphy's Law' follows Murphy and McGee in their search for the real killer, ticking off an already-livid mob boss (Richard Romanus) in the process.
Like other Bronson films from the 80s, 'Murphy's Law' doesn't boast Oscar-worthy scriptwriting, acting, or technical work. The film is geared towards an average Bronson connoisseur, with Charles quietly sweeping out the trash. But 'Murphy's Law' isn't without heart: Bronson looks very human, with a healthy amount of vulnerability. In what other 80s film does Bronson get arrested, bleed, pass out, have a concussion, make a friend, and even sit down for a sandwich?
Bronson and Kathleen Wilhoite don't have "chemistry" per se, but to watch an odd friendship develop between Murphy and McGee is entertaining in itself. Although Wilhoite is given a ridiculous number of swear words to toss around ("jock itch" and "camel crotch" are two good ones), McGee still comes off as lovable, a girl you'd actually love to hang around and steal cars with. Carrie Snodgress balances the humor of Murphy and McGee with an intense performance as the killer. The supporting cast, including Robert F. Lyons, Bill Henderson, and Richard Romanus, is quite good, although Romanus is guilty of overacting in certain scenes as mob head Frank Vincenzo.
Compared to J. Lee Thompson's other films of the decade, 'Murphy's Law' is above average technically. The film was decently edited by his son Peter and Charles Simmons (although you should watch Vincenzo's robe during the hooker scene) and crisp cinematography was supplied by Alex Phillips Jr., another Thompson mainstay. Of disappointing quality is the music by Marc Donahue and Valentine McCallum, which is synthesized and very repetitive. Wilhoite sings the more pleasing end theme.
Highly recommended for action fans and a must for Bronson collectors, 'Murphy's Law' is available on DVD from MGM Home Entertainment in dual widescreen and standard format with three-language subtitles. To my surprise, the digital transfer is excellent, showing crystal-clear visuals and almost no grain. Murphy's theatrical trailer is included as an extra, which looks shopworn and has Bronson saying "Don't -mess- with Jack Murphy." Fill in the blank yourself.
After 'Murphy's Law,' Bronson and Thompson hit a dry spell with 'Death Wish 4' and 'Messenger of Death.' They ended their collaboration in 1989 with the engaging 'Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects,' Thompson's last film as a director. Bronson's wife Jill Ireland, incidentally, co-produced 'Murphy' with Pancho Kohner.
*** out of 4
In a workmanlike script by Gail Morgan Hickman (of TV's 'The Equalizer'), Bronson reprises his earlier cop roles as Jack Murphy, a Los Angeles detective who is going to pieces after breaking up with his sex-starved wife. Murphy is a heavy drinker who struggles to get out of bed in the morning; when he does manage to rise, he argues with other detectives on the force and nags his ex (Angel Topkins), who has begun stripping at a local nightclub.
To fulfill Murphy's Law - "if anything can go wrong, it will" - the justice system has released Joan Freeman (Carrie Snodgress), a psychopath whom Murphy arrested for murder ten years before. Dead-set on revenge, Freeman returns to knock off everyone linked to her case, including Murphy and his acquaintances. Sure enough, Murphy is collared for the death of his ex-wife and finds himself in lockup with Arabella McGee (Kathleen Wilhoite), a foul-mouthed young woman whom he just arrested for driving off with his car. Handcuffed to one another, he manages to take McGee hostage and escape from jail. The bulk of 'Murphy's Law' follows Murphy and McGee in their search for the real killer, ticking off an already-livid mob boss (Richard Romanus) in the process.
Like other Bronson films from the 80s, 'Murphy's Law' doesn't boast Oscar-worthy scriptwriting, acting, or technical work. The film is geared towards an average Bronson connoisseur, with Charles quietly sweeping out the trash. But 'Murphy's Law' isn't without heart: Bronson looks very human, with a healthy amount of vulnerability. In what other 80s film does Bronson get arrested, bleed, pass out, have a concussion, make a friend, and even sit down for a sandwich?
Bronson and Kathleen Wilhoite don't have "chemistry" per se, but to watch an odd friendship develop between Murphy and McGee is entertaining in itself. Although Wilhoite is given a ridiculous number of swear words to toss around ("jock itch" and "camel crotch" are two good ones), McGee still comes off as lovable, a girl you'd actually love to hang around and steal cars with. Carrie Snodgress balances the humor of Murphy and McGee with an intense performance as the killer. The supporting cast, including Robert F. Lyons, Bill Henderson, and Richard Romanus, is quite good, although Romanus is guilty of overacting in certain scenes as mob head Frank Vincenzo.
Compared to J. Lee Thompson's other films of the decade, 'Murphy's Law' is above average technically. The film was decently edited by his son Peter and Charles Simmons (although you should watch Vincenzo's robe during the hooker scene) and crisp cinematography was supplied by Alex Phillips Jr., another Thompson mainstay. Of disappointing quality is the music by Marc Donahue and Valentine McCallum, which is synthesized and very repetitive. Wilhoite sings the more pleasing end theme.
Highly recommended for action fans and a must for Bronson collectors, 'Murphy's Law' is available on DVD from MGM Home Entertainment in dual widescreen and standard format with three-language subtitles. To my surprise, the digital transfer is excellent, showing crystal-clear visuals and almost no grain. Murphy's theatrical trailer is included as an extra, which looks shopworn and has Bronson saying "Don't -mess- with Jack Murphy." Fill in the blank yourself.
After 'Murphy's Law,' Bronson and Thompson hit a dry spell with 'Death Wish 4' and 'Messenger of Death.' They ended their collaboration in 1989 with the engaging 'Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects,' Thompson's last film as a director. Bronson's wife Jill Ireland, incidentally, co-produced 'Murphy' with Pancho Kohner.
*** out of 4
- paul_johnr
- Feb 9, 2006
- Permalink
"Go To Hell.................. Ladies First"
- bkoganbing
- May 20, 2007
- Permalink
classic bronson doing what he does best; kicking ass
while he was still making movies for cannon films which is no longer in existence, bronson took the lead in this cop thriller from the early eighties. he stars as jack murphy a worn and beaten down cop who has been framed for the murder of his wife who left him to become a stripper in a sleazy bar. while on the run from the mob as well, and trying to clear his name, he is handcuffed to a mouthy petty thief named arabella mcgee. considering it is kathleen whilhoite's first starring role in a feature (she plays arabella) she turned in a great and funny performance. she has a mouth like a trucker but has some very creative and imaginative ways of telling people off who displease her ie. snot-licking donkey fart among other things. while she is more than half of bronson's age the writers were trying to build some kind of weird sexual tension between the two and it clearly wasn't working. it came off more creepy and awkward than anything else. while bronson's later movies won't win any awards it will keep you entertained.
- michellelocke007
- Sep 14, 2010
- Permalink
Don't 'mess' with Jack Murphy!
I found this Charles Bronson/J. Lee Thompson film combo to be not so bad after all. Bronson plays tough as nails detective/cop Jack Murphy who lost his wife and now has a big drinking problem. Along the way through his travels he runs into a very mouthy young lady who eventually becomes friendly with him. The action is all there along with some rare Bronson dark-humor as well. It seems as though somebody is getting revenge on Bronson and his cronies for an unfortunate incident that had happened years prior. Very well done movie, I thought at times it was a little cheesy (I keep forgetting that this flick was from 1986). Not bad at all. Definitely a rating or two (or three) higher than Director Thompson and Bronsons next film combo 'Death Wish 4 : The Crackdown'. It is worth a viewing. 7 out of 10 stars will definitely do.
- legendaryunderdog
- May 17, 2008
- Permalink
"What took you so long, butt-crust?"
Mostly routine, but agreeably trashy goodness from the Charles Bronson-J. Lee Thompson- Cannon Group-1980s assembly line. The almighty Bronson plays Jack Murphy, a detective whose motto is simple: "Don't *beep* with Jack Murphy." But of course, somebody does: a vindictive, psychotic woman named Joan Freeman (Carrie Snodgress), who goes about murdering people who Jack knows and framing him for the crimes. However, Jack seizes upon an opportunity, breaking out of prison while handcuffed (shades of "The Defiant Ones") to a foul mouthed car thief, Arabella McGee (scene stealing Kathleen Wilhoite).
With this team, you expect some pretty straightforward, and effectively sleazy, entertainment. It's fairly violent as well as exploitative (ever delectable Angel Tompkins, as Jacks' ex-wife Jan, plays a stripper and shows off some of the goods). Gail Morgan Hickmans' story is diverting, throwing in a subplot involving a mobster named Frank Vincenzo (Richard Romanus) and creating a reasonable body count.
What gives this otherwise formulaic scenario a shot in the arm is the give and take between Bronson and the sexy, husky voiced Wilhoite. She's constantly firing off insults at him. While they were much more profane in the original script, Wilhoites' one-liners are still ridiculously funny. And you can see that Bronson is having some fun with this premise. It's not often that he had a full blown sidekick in one of his vehicles.
Other familiar faces that turn up include Robert F. Lyons, Bill Henderson, James Luisi, Janet MacLachlan, and Lawrence Tierney. It is somewhat novel that our vengeance crazed villain is female, and Snodgress is just fine as the kind of psycho who's *well aware* that they're a psycho.
Capped off by a finale that offers up some fairly good suspense, and a typically amusing Bronson quip.
Wilhoite gets an "introducing" credit, although she'd actually made her film debut in "Private School" three years previous. She also belts out the theme song over the end credits.
Seven out of 10.
With this team, you expect some pretty straightforward, and effectively sleazy, entertainment. It's fairly violent as well as exploitative (ever delectable Angel Tompkins, as Jacks' ex-wife Jan, plays a stripper and shows off some of the goods). Gail Morgan Hickmans' story is diverting, throwing in a subplot involving a mobster named Frank Vincenzo (Richard Romanus) and creating a reasonable body count.
What gives this otherwise formulaic scenario a shot in the arm is the give and take between Bronson and the sexy, husky voiced Wilhoite. She's constantly firing off insults at him. While they were much more profane in the original script, Wilhoites' one-liners are still ridiculously funny. And you can see that Bronson is having some fun with this premise. It's not often that he had a full blown sidekick in one of his vehicles.
Other familiar faces that turn up include Robert F. Lyons, Bill Henderson, James Luisi, Janet MacLachlan, and Lawrence Tierney. It is somewhat novel that our vengeance crazed villain is female, and Snodgress is just fine as the kind of psycho who's *well aware* that they're a psycho.
Capped off by a finale that offers up some fairly good suspense, and a typically amusing Bronson quip.
Wilhoite gets an "introducing" credit, although she'd actually made her film debut in "Private School" three years previous. She also belts out the theme song over the end credits.
Seven out of 10.
- Hey_Sweden
- Jan 11, 2017
- Permalink
A+ Bronson!
All right folks, we all know the late Mister Bronson wasn't a good "actor" in the traditional sense. When you went to see his films, you didn't go to see him do Shakespeare or Tennessee Williams, you went to see him blow scum away and he always delivered. I think he had a higher body count then Clint Eastwood. Murphy's Law is probably the closest thing he ever did to a comedy. He and Kathleen Wilhoite made a good team as a foul mouthed street girl and a drunken framed for murder cop on the run. Wilhoite has to set some kind of a record in this film for the most swear words (the most imaginative swear words). Bronson is stony faced as usual but that was just him. I like the scene where he plays Russian Roulette on that one mobster (he literally catches him with his pants down). Jack Murphy is a burnt out drunk but you still feel for him. The only thing I couldn't figure out is why he didn't show them that bump on the back of his head after those guys killed his ex wife and tried to make it look like he did it? Lapse of logic there. The jail break and helicopter scene are the best part of the film as is the final shootout. Carrie Snodgrass is wonderful as the female psychopath and I love this exchange she has with Bronson (You go to hell!...Ladies first!). Bronson was never really able to have another hit as big as Death Wish (who could top that?). However this film is worth a look, after all in how many films does the hero throw his groceries at the bad guys and get kneed in the cojones by the heroine? Look for 1940s gangster star Lawrence Tierney in a cameo.
Typical Charles Bronson film with psychopath included
Surprisingly Good 80s Bronson B Movie *** out of *****
- Welshfilmfan
- Feb 2, 2009
- Permalink
Decent Bronson movie
This is a decent Bronson movie, not that great, maybe worth a rent if you're a fan. But Kathleen Wilhoite's character gets a bit annoying. Action packed, some decent scenes, and a helicopter crash into a barn where horny hillbillies await! 3/5 Stars
- mrfilmmaker666
- Nov 25, 2003
- Permalink
Murphy's Law (1986) ***
I revisited this for the first time in several years, and I really enjoyed it. It's got a stronger and different Charles Bronson performance in it as he plays a cop who's one of several targets on an insane woman's hit list as she seeks vengeance after getting out of jail. In addition to the good Bronson performance, I thought the female killer (Carrie Snodgress) was a welcome addition and was a fairly formidable villainess. The big problem in the film is the repetitive and childish "potty-mouth" name calling by the annoying Kathleen Wilhoite; it's not funny especially after a couple dozen times, nor are the names especially creative. She plays a young car thief who gets mixed up with Bronson and comes close to spoiling the movie; thankfully there is still enough action going on that I'm willing to ignore her and call this a good film of its type. *** out of ****
- JoeKarlosi
- Jun 20, 2008
- Permalink
My Least Favorite Bronson Flick - But Still Watchable due to Bronson
- Witchfinder-General-666
- Jan 25, 2008
- Permalink
Dont Mess with Jack Murphy
I think that Charles Bronson's performance as an alcoholic washed up cop is great. This is a great cop movie that doesnt fit the mold of most police films made. It is entertaining, and though Arabella's mouth gets a little annoying the film holds your attention. The villain in this film is unique and as mean as they come. Check it out if you like Bronson!!
- chillinvillin81
- Jan 31, 2004
- Permalink
"Ladies first" is the last thing this lady will hear, thanks to Jack Murphy
If the movie can get any possibly worse, it does...
Chuck Bronson stars as Jack Murphy, a cop who is the suspect of the murder of his ex-wife turned stripper, seems that Bronson is being framed by a lunatic female serial killer (Played rather well by Carrie Snodgress) and she is making his life a personal hell, however Bronson best known for his Death Wish antics, brings vigilante justice to dispatch her as soon as possible. For a little more fun (Mainly because the body count wasn't rising in the three digit column), Bronson also takes on mobsters. I'm a huge Charles Bronson fan, I loved Death Wish, Hard Times and The Mechanic, I also have a soft spot for the Death Wish sequels. Still when I saw this in theaters twenty years ago, it wounded me, I kept thinking, You're Charles Bronson, how could you even possibly consider doing something like this? The action sequences in particular are badly staged with Bronson doing little motion, also acting wise Bronson looks as if he wants to get the hell out of dodge and leave the set in a huff. However this all makes Murphy's Law a sub-par action flick, what makes it fall in the "Terrible" category is the dialog consists of some of the worst things ever written in a script. I believe this is the only movie where someone tries to stop a speeding car with a bag of groceries and actually succeeds.
* out of 4-(Bad)
* out of 4-(Bad)
- fmarkland32
- Jul 2, 2006
- Permalink
Well you just don't mess with him.
Veteran detective Jack Murphy is a highly wanted man, after being framed for the murder of his ex-wife, he escapes and sets off in pursuit of the real killer. But Jack not only has the killer to occupy his mind, he also has the mob hoping to bring him down as well.
Murphy's Law is a very enjoyable and tidy thriller, it finds Charles Bronson in a role that requires a cool veneer, that he delivers is something of a given to this particular viewer, but the unflustered nature of the character actually lifts this film above many of Bronson's other 80s efforts.
The plot is simple, and some of the dialogue comes heavy with a slice of cheese, but the set pieces stand up, and here we have a female villain worthy of the title. Carrie Snodgress is the lady in question, and although underused because of Murphy's other plot strands, she puts gusto and menace into the role of the vengeful Joan Freeman.
A running plot strand involving Murphy and Kathleen Wilhoite's youthful and foul mouthed Arabella McGee, only hinders the film instead of enhancing it, though the simmering sexual tension between the two does make for an intriguing arc - and it definitely helps the film's finale deliver the goods with added impact.
Perhaps I'm being over biased towards Bronson? But I honestly believe that this film is seriously undervalued on internet sites, so enjoy the cool leading man and take in a great female villain - even if she is sadly under written. 7/10
Murphy's Law is a very enjoyable and tidy thriller, it finds Charles Bronson in a role that requires a cool veneer, that he delivers is something of a given to this particular viewer, but the unflustered nature of the character actually lifts this film above many of Bronson's other 80s efforts.
The plot is simple, and some of the dialogue comes heavy with a slice of cheese, but the set pieces stand up, and here we have a female villain worthy of the title. Carrie Snodgress is the lady in question, and although underused because of Murphy's other plot strands, she puts gusto and menace into the role of the vengeful Joan Freeman.
A running plot strand involving Murphy and Kathleen Wilhoite's youthful and foul mouthed Arabella McGee, only hinders the film instead of enhancing it, though the simmering sexual tension between the two does make for an intriguing arc - and it definitely helps the film's finale deliver the goods with added impact.
Perhaps I'm being over biased towards Bronson? But I honestly believe that this film is seriously undervalued on internet sites, so enjoy the cool leading man and take in a great female villain - even if she is sadly under written. 7/10
- hitchcockthelegend
- Aug 25, 2008
- Permalink
Excellent action film
I am a great fan of Charles Bronson, and this is indeed a great action film with plenty of violence in the same vein as the Death Wish series. You are not bored for one minute, as there's always so much going on. And I just love Bronson's way of dealing with tricky situations. The only thing that frightened me was the lady villain. Her face, her dialogues, her look were really FRIGHTENING. They certainly found the actress for the job. No doubt they wouldn't make films like that today since we are now living under the yoke of political correctness ! All the more reason to buy the dvd to get a breath of fresh air and personal liberty !
- nicholas.rhodes
- Jun 27, 2003
- Permalink
Great insults!
Our group watched this on valentine's day and I can tell you that it was a wonderful idea. We ended up writing down as many of those excellent 80's insults as possible, and our list ended up filling an entire page. You just don't see movies anymore where a major character says things like "I must have boogers for brains," or "eat it toe jam," let alone calls Bronson a "Snot Licking Donkey Fart" or a "Camel Crotch." We agonized over the seething sexual subtext throughout the film, wondering "would they or wouldn't they?" For maximum fun, appoint someone to yell "BRONSONED!!!!" whenever a heaping helping of snarling .44 Magnum super-justice appears imminent.
Lazy action thriller.
Charles Bronson once again re-teams with director J. Lee Thompson (it isn't exactly Cary Grant and Alfred Hitchcock is it?) for another hard boiled thriller. You don't have to have much cinematic experience to know what to expect when these two fellows put their talents together....and once again, it's all violence and foul language in a dreadfully familiar psycho-on-the-loose thriller.
Bronson plays a loose cannon of a cop - a sort of inexpressive cousin of Dirty Harry - who has a booze problem since separating from his wife (who's also a sleazy stripper). To add to his woes, he upsets the local Mob bigwig by gunning down his brother, and even more trouble heads his way when a female stalker starts calling him on the phone and warning him that she means to kill him. His wife and her slimy lover are murdered; Bronson is framed for the slaying and spends the rest of the picture eluding the cops whilst attempting to unveil the real killer, aided by a dirty-mouthed lady car thief.
The action sequences in this one are generally sub-standard, and the performances are fairly lazy. Wilhoite makes her movie debut and tries hard, but the script does her no favours by asking at least ten smart-ass wisecracks too many of her. Bronson looks like a caricature of himself, phoning in an undemanding Death Wish-style performance with the one difference being that this time he is marginally on the right side of the law. Snodgress, interestingly cast as a female crackpot, widens her eyes in violent rage and looks like a pantomime baddie in every predictable scene she's in.
Bronson plays a loose cannon of a cop - a sort of inexpressive cousin of Dirty Harry - who has a booze problem since separating from his wife (who's also a sleazy stripper). To add to his woes, he upsets the local Mob bigwig by gunning down his brother, and even more trouble heads his way when a female stalker starts calling him on the phone and warning him that she means to kill him. His wife and her slimy lover are murdered; Bronson is framed for the slaying and spends the rest of the picture eluding the cops whilst attempting to unveil the real killer, aided by a dirty-mouthed lady car thief.
The action sequences in this one are generally sub-standard, and the performances are fairly lazy. Wilhoite makes her movie debut and tries hard, but the script does her no favours by asking at least ten smart-ass wisecracks too many of her. Bronson looks like a caricature of himself, phoning in an undemanding Death Wish-style performance with the one difference being that this time he is marginally on the right side of the law. Snodgress, interestingly cast as a female crackpot, widens her eyes in violent rage and looks like a pantomime baddie in every predictable scene she's in.
- barnabyrudge
- Sep 8, 2003
- Permalink
Surprisingly Progressive For 2021
Charles Bronson plays Murphy. A drunken lifer cop who stumbles around town struggling through investigations while also lamenting about an ex-wife who would prefer being a stripper than being married to him. Ouch.
For a reason we will discover late in the flick, he is being hunted by a FEMALE ASSASSIN. Played wonderfully by Carrie Snodgrass (which looks like a role Helen Mirren would rock today). She is brutal and calculating and devoid of any maternal instincts.
Bronson is also saddled with a street urchin played by Katherine Wilhoite. She's foul mouthed and mean but also streetwise when it comes to surviving. Together they set out to clear Murphy's name from a crime he'd been framed for.
What I dig about J. Lee Thompson, is that he really doesn't paint a pretty picture when it comes to humanity. People do ugly things. And innocent people do get killed. In a lesser flick, I think they would sanitize the violence. But he doesn't. And for a movie made in the mid-80's it's surprising how well it holds up. Bronson isn't going to be known for his depth in character here. He is...who he is. Which isn't a bad thing. You want him to be the sad sack cop. Burned out and tired. Fed up. He looks and acts physically tired. In this case, the thing does work for what it is.
For a reason we will discover late in the flick, he is being hunted by a FEMALE ASSASSIN. Played wonderfully by Carrie Snodgrass (which looks like a role Helen Mirren would rock today). She is brutal and calculating and devoid of any maternal instincts.
Bronson is also saddled with a street urchin played by Katherine Wilhoite. She's foul mouthed and mean but also streetwise when it comes to surviving. Together they set out to clear Murphy's name from a crime he'd been framed for.
What I dig about J. Lee Thompson, is that he really doesn't paint a pretty picture when it comes to humanity. People do ugly things. And innocent people do get killed. In a lesser flick, I think they would sanitize the violence. But he doesn't. And for a movie made in the mid-80's it's surprising how well it holds up. Bronson isn't going to be known for his depth in character here. He is...who he is. Which isn't a bad thing. You want him to be the sad sack cop. Burned out and tired. Fed up. He looks and acts physically tired. In this case, the thing does work for what it is.
OK if predictable.
An OK if relentlessly, thoroughly predictable Bronson thriller, certainly better than a "Death Wish" sequel. Some amusing profanities stand out and almost save the very boring script. Thomson's direction is routine.
Bronson's law, is the only law you need to know
Murphys Law is a tight, action packed, psychological adventure, thriller. There, I said it. It's one of his better vehicles. I love adventure thrillers like this, and it's revenge theme is a bonus. Settling an old score, psycho killer (Snodgress), who's escaped from the looney bun, sets up Bronson good, only having him escape, handcuffed to a reluctant foul mouthed prisoner (the great versatile character actress, Kathleen Wilhoitte) where they escape in a helicopter off the top off the police building then crash into a barn, occupied by druggie bikers. I'll just let you see how Bronson handles this one. Wilhoitte's insults deserves recognition for their originality. Soon the two become pals, where she assists him in tracking down the SOB responsible for killing his wife, then framing him. One suspect, a gangster, who Bronson cautions, with his own brand of Murphy's Law, after he made threats towards him, is literally caught with his pants down down. If you love watching Bronson do what he does best, just add this better title to the list. Murphy, a bit of a boozer too, doesn't like other cops insulting his wife either.
- PeterMitchell-506-564364
- May 5, 2013
- Permalink
Makes Cobra look like Tango and Cash
- TheOldGuyFromHalloween3
- Jul 12, 2023
- Permalink
Jack Murphy is the law and you just broke it!
- The Bronson Fan
- Jul 20, 2003
- Permalink
When you just can't take a break.
Life for police detective Jack Murphy is the pits, especially after his wife left him and has become a stripper. He hit's the bottle, and gets into scuffles with his fellow officers. Things get worse when he's suddenly framed for his wife and lover's murder, and he's arrested. He gets handcuffed to the dirty-mouthed street thief he caught earlier. By chance they both manage to escape and Murphy goes after the real killer, to only find out he's the one being preyed upon by the mafia and psychotic murderer.
This tough guy image really works for Charles Bronson, and makes any standard revenge story compelling. In it's defence, this Bronson vehicle (produced by Cannon) might be routine, but Gail Morgan Hickman's above average screenplay has plenty going on and throws our way a few effective surprises. The strategic story is grounded by its hard as nails approach, where the sombre and seedy urban atmosphere can be a brutal smack in the guts. Even the humour has that dark touch, but what did get tiresome was the constant potty-language and banter erupting from Kathleen Wilhoite's explosively charming character. Did it grate! The compulsively uneven, but hard-bitten script keeps on the move and can draw tension, but never goes in to much depth of the characters and situations. What begins interestingly enough, changes course for a buddy story with awkward attempts of humour and nastiness. In parts it kinda reminded me of Eastwood's superior action film "The Gauntlet (1977)".
J. Lee Thompson's efficient direction is sharply observed and packs grittiness, but really lacked the avid jolts. The professional camera work visually gets amongst the dirt, but can provide some airy scope. The crisp sounding music score is very well balanced. A weary looking Bronson might look like he's slumming it in, but his low-scale turn works accordingly and keeps you hanging on. Kathleen Wilhoite's lively chemistry with Bronson wasn't bad. Carrie Snodgress neatly goes about her psychotic part with utter coldness and Richard Romanus is perfectly cast as a seamy mobster. Look out for an amusing cameo role by Lawrence Tierney.
Roughly engaging and mildly humorous revenge b-film.
This tough guy image really works for Charles Bronson, and makes any standard revenge story compelling. In it's defence, this Bronson vehicle (produced by Cannon) might be routine, but Gail Morgan Hickman's above average screenplay has plenty going on and throws our way a few effective surprises. The strategic story is grounded by its hard as nails approach, where the sombre and seedy urban atmosphere can be a brutal smack in the guts. Even the humour has that dark touch, but what did get tiresome was the constant potty-language and banter erupting from Kathleen Wilhoite's explosively charming character. Did it grate! The compulsively uneven, but hard-bitten script keeps on the move and can draw tension, but never goes in to much depth of the characters and situations. What begins interestingly enough, changes course for a buddy story with awkward attempts of humour and nastiness. In parts it kinda reminded me of Eastwood's superior action film "The Gauntlet (1977)".
J. Lee Thompson's efficient direction is sharply observed and packs grittiness, but really lacked the avid jolts. The professional camera work visually gets amongst the dirt, but can provide some airy scope. The crisp sounding music score is very well balanced. A weary looking Bronson might look like he's slumming it in, but his low-scale turn works accordingly and keeps you hanging on. Kathleen Wilhoite's lively chemistry with Bronson wasn't bad. Carrie Snodgress neatly goes about her psychotic part with utter coldness and Richard Romanus is perfectly cast as a seamy mobster. Look out for an amusing cameo role by Lawrence Tierney.
Roughly engaging and mildly humorous revenge b-film.
- lost-in-limbo
- Aug 27, 2007
- Permalink
Cheesy, over the top 80's action movie, still lots of fun though
When I first read the synopsis to this film I thought I'd get to see an older, more experienced Vigellante type of character that old Charlie has used his audience with.
Actually this film is not even close to the Death Wish series, not even with the last two, which were quite mediocre, if not bad. In some ways Murphy's Law reminds me of Stallone's Cobra: over the top attitude, cheesy dialogs and colorful language, the whole B+ action film recipe.
Don't be discouraged though, give Murphy a chance and watch the film, it can be fun. I did just that, at least for Bronson's sake, if not for the production it's self, we all know that Le Monstre Sacre's filmography is actually cinema history. I give it a 5/10, it is a watchable action flick, especially on those nights when you just have nothing else better to do.
Actually this film is not even close to the Death Wish series, not even with the last two, which were quite mediocre, if not bad. In some ways Murphy's Law reminds me of Stallone's Cobra: over the top attitude, cheesy dialogs and colorful language, the whole B+ action film recipe.
Don't be discouraged though, give Murphy a chance and watch the film, it can be fun. I did just that, at least for Bronson's sake, if not for the production it's self, we all know that Le Monstre Sacre's filmography is actually cinema history. I give it a 5/10, it is a watchable action flick, especially on those nights when you just have nothing else better to do.
- mureshanaugustin
- Jun 5, 2010
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