Murphy's Law

Murphy's Law is a thrilling action movie released in 1986 that successfully resonates with the popular slick 80s aesthetic, featuring the intriguing combination of crime and mystery, produced by Cannon Films, and directed by J. Lee Thompson. The lead role is played by the iconic Charles Bronson, who well-crafted yet again another memorable action hero, Jack Murphy, a rugged, tough-as-nails police detective. Kathleen Wilhoite features as Arabella McGee, a brassy, loud-mouthed thief and petty criminal. Rounding out the main cast is Carrie Snodgress, portraying Joan Freeman, the striking antagonist of the film.

The plot kicks off with protagonist Jack Murphy, a hard-drinking, experienced detective who refuses to play anything but 'by his own rules'. He's of the hardened, Unforgiven Clint Eastwood mold, presenting a jaded view of the world. The gripping narrative begins when Murphy finds himself in a twisted game of cat and mouse. While he is accustomed to drive on the chaotic roads of Los Angeles as a seasoned police detective, this turns out to be a journey he wasn’t prepared to indulge in.

Contrary to his expectations, he finds himself framed for murder – a gruesome crime he didn’t commit. The victim being his ex-wife makes the charges even more sinister and exciting for the viewers, strapping them for potentially a thriller ride. Dealing with this carefully executed frame-up, Murphy, a lawman, suddenly finds himself on the opposite side of the very law he’s sworn to protect. He is hunted by his own police force, incarcerated, and shackled to a young, uncouth female convict Arabella McGee.

Arabella, played by Kathleen Wilhoite, brings a fresh contrast to Jack's stoic grit. She is a brash, fast-talking young woman with wise-cracking humor, played with a vivid energy that brings both comedy and tension to their plight. Although handcuffed to each other – literally and metaphorically – the duo forms an unlikely alliance, which serves as a humorous juxtaposition throughout their adventurous journey while highlighting their desires to set things right.

Complicating the situation, their flight is pursued by Joan Freeman, potently portrayed by Carrie Snodgress, a cold and unabashedly ruthless killer. Freeman is an antagonist with a cruel vendetta against Murphy, painting the story with a palpable tension and giving more depth to our hero's past.

Set against the backdrop of gritty Los Angeles, the film is filled with adrenaline-pumping chase scenes, breath-taking stunts, edgy moments, and just the right amount of humor. Moreover, the on-location shoot takes viewers through the grimy backstreets, busy freeways, and striking skyline adding an authentic feel to the story.

Murphy's Law, as the title signifies, focuses on an aspect of Murphy's life where anything that can go wrong, does. His struggle to survive, while being chased by both the police and a relentless killer, with an unlikely companion, creates a tantalizing suspense that lasts till the end. The engaging dialogue combined with a well-written script and excellent performances by the actors, makes the movie compelling for viewers and fans of action-packed thrillers.

Charles Bronson is outstanding as always, offering a multi-dimensional embodiment of Jack Murphy. He skillfully brings the character to life, portraying his humanity, determination, and toughness that is essential to the narrative. The chemistry he shares with Kathleen Wilhoite is exceptional, the dynamic between them providing some of the film's most memorable moments.

On the other hand, Carrie Snodgress delivers an intense performance, invoking fear every time she appears on the screen. Her portrayal of Joan Freeman is nuanced, ruthless, yet charming, making her an iconic villain in the action movie genre.

J. Lee Thompson's direction keeps the tension high and the pace fast. He masterfully manages the tone of the film, balancing the no-nonsense thrills with dashes of humor and warmth to let the characters and story breathe.

In conclusion, Murphy's Law is a thoroughly entertaining 86's action thriller. The exceptional performances of Bronson, Wilhoite, and Snodgress, coupled with Thompson's tight direction, make it a must-watch for fans of Charles Bronson and classic action cinema.