Law Abiding Citizen: Movie Review

Are you a ‘Law Abiding Citizen’?

This is the third review I’ve written in recent months that’s included the presence of Gerard Butler. The Scotsman has managed to wangle himself into a ton of great films over the past 2 years, making him a sort after addition to any genre of film. What sets him apart from the competition is his ability, and willingness, to transform his once type cast persona into a variety of likeable characters. “300” may have kick started his road to success, but it hasn’t condemned him to the land of action hero has-beens.

In his latest offering entitled “Law Abiding Citizen”, a film that he produces under his Evil Twins banner alongside business partner Alan Siegel, he brings to life one of the juiciest vengeance seekers in recent cinematic history. His character? A loving family man named Clyde Shelton whose family is brutally murdered during a robbery.

The lawyer responsible for bringing the murderers to justice is Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx), an ambitious attorney with a 96% conviction rate, one he wishes to maintain no matter what the cost. But in the law driven capital of Philadelphia it is often justice that plays second fiddle to the corrupt judicial system. Thus, Shelton is forced to accept a second rate conviction due to circumstantial evidence, which sees one of the killers face a mere 5 years in prison. It is at this point that the story takes off driving the plot 10 years into the future where we’re re-introduced to the key characters that appear to have advanced both intellectually and morally.

Shelton has spent those 10 long years meticulously preparing his attack on the men who cost him everything, adding a long list of names to his death wish list, whilst Price’s career continued to grow from strength to strength. When their paths cross once more, in the wake of a mounting body count, it proves a thrilling cat and mouse chase bringing the city to its knees at the hands of Shelton, who remains securely locked behind bars.

It’s great to come across a well-conceived plot executed in brilliant style. It’s the formula that made those 90s action thrillers so much fun to watch and has the added advantage of a dedicated and developed cast that manage the material graciously. Butler, who initially opted for the role of Nick Price, found a multilateral presence in the tormented character of Clyde Shelton. This presence he brings to life in a fashion that is not only frightening but also deeply emotional and sometimes even amusing.

Foxx, who humbly accepts the fact that his character merely subsidizes Butler’s lead, creates a lawman that is the mirror image of his counterpart yet not far removed. On face value this film may seem brutish, but beneath the surface lies layer upon layer of morally challenging substance played out by a man pushed beyond his limits. Even as Shelton murders both the guilty and the innocent, you can’t help but cheer him on, as he impresses the audience with his expertise in methods of destruction.

Director F Gary Gray (The Italian Job), who found this film to be a career highlight in the making, quietly proves his ability to successfully use the tools of modern filmmaking, without forgetting the importance of strong character development amidst the gunshots and explosions. The thrills are diverse and moving, and the premise will, as with the other films in this genre, leave you with a burning question: What would you do if you’re family was taken from you?

Whether this question arises or not, prepare to be jolted in your seat by the captivating tale of two family men on opposite ends of the law, both intent on guiding one another toward a truth that may or may not be the answer they were looking for.

Rating: ****
Running time: 109 min

Jasyn Howes
On Screen