Murphy's Law Review

MPAA Rating: R
Released: 1986

Murphy's Law was a mid-80's action flick starring none other than Charles Bronson, perhaps the actor best known in the annals of film history for playing roles as vigilantes and burnt out cops. In this film he plays… you got it… a burnt out cop. And yes, throughout the movie he kicks butt and takes names. But before you dismiss this as another generic action flick, make sure you read the feature attraction…

Jack Murphy (Charles Bronson) is a cop burnt out with life and seeking redemption through whiskey bottles, in large part due to a pending divorce with his ex-wife, who happens to be a stripper. Murphy attempts to convince her to change her lifestyle, but the resistant ex-flame is suddenly gunned down one night in cold blood. And worse, Murphy is framed for the murder.

When his former partners disbelieve his claims of innocence and toss him behind bars, Murphy has just one option left… to escape. The problem is, he's handcuffed to a foul-mouthed teenage girl named Arabella McGee (Kathleen Wilhoite), so naturally she is forced to come along for the ride. While the two mismatched partners attempt to uncover who is framing them, one-by-one former associates of Murphy's are brutally murdered.

Murphy must elude the law, who believes him responsible for the steadily increasing body count, as well as the Italian mob, led by Frank Vincenzo (Richard Romanus), that has a price on his head. Although both groups are trouble enough already, one particularly cold-blooded blonde assassin is also on his trail… a woman by the name of Joan Freeman (Carrie Snodgress). Who she works for and what her motives are mysteries Murphy must figure out before it's too late.

The film contains plenty of action, and the customary storyline twists are also included. But what sets this film apart from Bronson's normal faire (and most films of this type) is the levity injected by actress Kathleen Wilhoite. Her character Arabella McGee has an unlimited arsenal of highly creative vulgarities that she slings at Murphy anytime opportunity arises. Watching Murphy and the rebellious, yet good-hearted, McGee bicker back and forth throughout the film is highly enjoyable. Bronson and Wilhoite possessed some great onscreen chemistry.

Carrie Snodgress also deserves special recognition for her performance as an assassin that would make any male cower. She lends her character an intensity that is often overlooked by less competent actors. When her assassin strikes, we can see the cold-blooded hatred lurking behind her eyes.

The best thing that can be said about Murphy's Law is that it's a fun film. It provides plenty of fist fights, gunplay and more for those of us who enjoy action flicks, while also offering comic relief that may not leave us laughing hysterically, but will likely put a bemused smirk on our face.

You're never meant to take the movie too seriously; you're just meant to have fun with it. And ultimately, that's what I'm looking for when watching a film. Sure, there are times when I'm in the mood for an intelligent film classic. But for times when I'm in the mood for mindless fun, Murphy's Law is right up my alley. Give it a shot… you may also appreciate the film's subtle charm.

Movie rating: 8 stars

If you enjoyed Murphy's Law you may also find the following films to be of interest:

• Messenger of Death
• 10 to Midnight
• Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects

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