Notebook Reviews: MURPHY’S ROMANCE

Martin Ritt  – 1985

Martin Ritt’s Murphy’s Romance is an amiable romantic comedy with a charming Oscar nominated performance from the great James Garner. Sally Field might be the star of Murphy’s Romance, but Garner steals the film – the guy is just a movie star. 

The main problem with Ritt’s film is that it’s almost too nice – even the Fields’ ex-husband seems like a good guy. The whole thing lacks any sense of urgency or dramatic thrust, but sometimes it’s just good to go with the flow in this type of movie. Overall, Murphy’s Romance is entertaing, if a little lightweight.