Law Abiding Citizen (Theaters)

There were no clear cut winners by the end of this film. No good guys or bad guys or real resolution by its closing credits. Law Abiding Citizen digs deep into the mind of a man who has lost everything and has nothing left to lose. Although highly implausible, this film definitely questions our justice system and gives you a closer look at the ugly truths of a judicial system which is far from perfect.

Both Jamie Foxx and Gerald Butler were excellent in their casted roles. In fact, during the entire film I was actually uncertain as to who I would cheer for. Foxx takes on the role of prosecution attorney Nick Rice, who’s client Clyde Shelton (Gerald Butler), just lost his entire family in a robbery gone bad. Rice’s decision to short change Shelton becomes a life changing one, and as the film progresses, the decision made directly affects Rice’s life and the lives of everyone around him.

Gerald Butler was great in 300, fantastic in RocknRolla, and a devil in Dracula 2000. Yet despite all his creditable roles, this was perhaps his finest performance of his career thus far. Although he was portrayed as a loving father and husband at the films opening, the changes made by the loss of family and the betrayal of his country transforms him into this beast of a man, who will stop it nothing until his vision of final justice is realized. Yet, despite his extremely cruel and deliberate acts of violence, the hints of pain and anguish he experiences is enough to sympathize for his character when you put yourself in his shoes even for a few moments.

The film was not free from flaws however. Although well casted and fairly intelligent, there was much to be desired at its climax and ending. I’m really not sure if I can elaborate without giving too much away, but I will say that the mystery shrouding Butlers character was erased almost immediately in the last thirty minutes or so.

Overall, this film was an enjoyable one. Despite its mediocre ending which lowered its value on my five star ranking, I’d still recommend it to anyone into action/thriller type films. It will not disappoint.