Treed Murray
Smart, savvy advertising executive Murray Roberts (Hewlett) is in control of his urban world. But a run-in with a would-be mugger and his gang in a large metropolitan park reveals the limits of his control. Cornered, Murray seeks refuge in a massive tree, leaving him stranded and surrounded by the young thugs and their leader Shark. Murray and Shark embark on a deadly war of wits that ultimately leaves the gang devastated and Murray confronted with the harsh reality of his own life.
Member Reviews
Dramatic, character-driven - eoguy
A simple premise leads to much more than might be expected. While this is a plot device kind of similar to Phone Booth, where two parties are at a standoff trying to owtwit each other, this film offers incites into human nature, class differences and prejudices. With the verbal interplay between Murray and the various "gang" members, the tide of advantage sways several times and each character is shown aspects of different people's lives that they probably have not considered before. Don't think that this is some kind of New Age action flick where we all get in touch with our inner selves. It's not. It simply takes a simple (and perhaps silly) premise and through that holds up a mirror to several different aspects of life.
As a little trivia tidbit, this movie came out in the U.S. under the title "Get Down" and features a slightly more "urban" cover box with the two black leads taking precedence over Murray's image -- making this look more like some sort of gang war action hit than a high-drama Canadian movie. Whatever it takes to sell it, I guess.~ DEEP TROUBLING EMOTIONAL RIDE IS ENGROSSING CHARACTER THRILLER ~ Solid 5 Stars ~ - SqueakyChair
SNAPSHOT: Mounting intensity in it's approach. Moody in it's delivery. Subtle in it's twists. Teasing in it's promises. Sharp in it's nuances. Riveting moments. A deep insight into urban violence, and poverty/circumstances driven youth. EXCELLENT FRESH PREMISE.
MORE THOUGHTS: It drew me in and i liked it. You will either consider it brilliant or crap. Fresh performances by some talented no-names. Superb performance by Daivd Hewlett as Murray.
Might i suggest from ZIP.ca
" Heaven "
~~> http://www.zip.ca/browse/title.aspx?f=titleId(114283)
FINAL WORD: ~ MOST HIGHLY RECOMMEND - A RATING RESERVED FOR ONLY A FEW FILMS ~ or SoSaysSqueakyChairQuirky and watchable - Watcher
This is a quirky movie that I think is worth a look. The story appears almost plotless, but there is actually a good deal of action, considering the characters all stay around a tree. The acting is mostly solid, and though the dialogue can be a little stilted at times, the characters are fairly well-developed. If you like a fast-paced, action-packed film, this probably isn't for you. It's more of a cross between a smart, talky art-house film and a touch of after-school special for grown-ups.
Ottawa
Member Reviews
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Dramatic, character-driven - eoguy
A simple premise leads to much more than might be expected. While this is a plot device kind of similar to Phone Booth, where two parties are at a standoff trying to owtwit each other, this film offers incites into human nature, class differences and prejudices. ...~ DEEP TROUBLING EMOTIONAL RIDE IS ENGROSSING CHARACTER THRILLER ~ Solid 5 Stars ~ - SqueakyChair
SNAPSHOT: Mounting intensity in it's approach. Moody in it's delivery. Subtle in it's twists. Teasing in it's promises. Sharp in it's nuances. Riveting moments. A deep insight into urban violence, and poverty/circumstances driven youth. EXCELLENT FRESH ...Quirky and watchable - Watcher
This is a quirky movie that I think is worth a look. The story appears almost plotless, but there is actually a good deal of action, considering the characters all stay around a tree. The acting is mostly solid, and though the dialogue can be a little stilted ...