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Canadian cinema, but also of the Nineties, and it has a distinct 1990's vibe that resonates throughout, yet it isn't outdated or "old" in the slightest.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.

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

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.

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.