Murphy's Stroke backdrop
🏆

Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Murphy's Stroke.

View Review →
WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Murphy's Stroke Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1980)

The horse Gay Future is at the centre of an Irish betting syndicate in 1974 which saw trainer Antony Collins present a poor performing horse at his stables. The betting stakes were...

✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Drama, TV Movie cinema, then Murphy's Stroke offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1980 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Drama films
Fans of TV Movie films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

Murphy's Stroke stands as a 1980 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Drama, TV Movie landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "The horse Gay Future is at the centre of an Irish betting syndicate in 1974 which saw trainer Antony Collins present a poor performing horse at his stables. The betting stakes were subsequently raised, before the real horse was entered in the race."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Niall Tóibín attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Murphy's Stroke worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Murphy's Stroke misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 70 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.

⏳ Time Investment

70MIN

At approximately 1.2 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.