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

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.

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.

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.