‘Law Abiding Citizen,’ written by Kurt Wimmer and directed by F. Gary Gray, blurs the dividing line between justice and vengeance as well as good vs. evil.
“This film spends a lot of time paying lip service to the inequities of a broken judicial system, where some ‘justice is better than no justice’” says Glen Whipp of the Los Angeles Times.
Unsatisfied with the plea bargain given to the vicious murderer of his wife and daughter, Clyde Shelton, played by the captivating Gerard Butler, decides to take justice into his own hands.
With a series of well thought out tactics developed over 10 years, Clyde sets out to murder everyone involved in the trial as a way of teaching his lawyer Nick Rice, played by Jamie Foxx, a valuable lesson; you don’t make deals with the bad guys.
Not your typical “good guy versus bad guy” story, this film causes the audience to struggle with who the true villain is. The audience spends the first 30 minutes of the film sympathizing with Clyde as he grieves over the loss of his loved ones making it almost impossible to side against this loving father despite his malicious doings.
Butler plays into every single emotion of his character so well it’s almost scary. We see both the grieving husband and father and the psychotically vengeful killer all wrapped up into one body. I loved him in this film! Foxx’s performance is smooth and a great contrast to the craziness of his co-star.
Viola Davis also deserves recognition for her, as Roger Ebert called it, “powerful” role as Philadelphia’s mayor.
‘Law Abiding Citizen’ is full of suspense leaving the audience constantly wondering who’s next and how will they go. Though often times far fetched if you willingly suspend your disbelief you will find this film to be an intense wild ride that will leave you at the edge of your seat, but that’s just my opinion.
Hayley Smorczeski
PDF 
