LAW ABIDING CITIZEN (REVIEW)
What
a surprise, literally! From the shattering opening minutes of this film, the drama
unfolds at a rapid clip without once losing that upstanding, thrilling momentum.
The blood-soaked action begins when well-read scientist, Clyde
Shelton (Gerard Butler) loses his family to a pair of psychotic home invaders.
His life has fallen by the wayside all around him, however, a flicker of revenge
breathes what little life he has left of existence. Ten years later, as one of
the maniacs remains on death row, the other is released after negotiating a deal
with a smarmy Philadelphia District Attorney, Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx). All of a
sudden, the scheduled and much hyped execution of the convicted goes haywire,
while his accomplice is found cut into 28 pieces at a random warehouse.
Shelton
gleefully confesses personally to the D.A when fingers point towards his alleged
involvement. There is a provision, however, before these confessions are made
public, Rice must agree to fulfil a few bizarre requests first. Brushing it aside
at first, Rice becomes vapid when more participants in the case turn up dead.
It's all about payback.
After a little private investigation,
Shelton may not be exactly who he says and more importantly, he may not stop the
carnage until he brings down the whole administration down. A slick cat and mouse
chase ensures, splashes of violence mask emotional depth, but the efficient thrills
are effective enough to build tension. Director F. Gary Gray has not made a film
so riveting since his early career bank heist drama, 'Set if Off'. Gruesome revenge
by one man, 'Death Wish' vigilante style is nothing new, but the high tech manner
and absorbing manner in which Shelton goes about his business, is simply impossible
to ignore. This is where a torture warning should be apparent. Some of the tactics
would not be out of context in a 'Saw' movie.
Perversion of
justice is exploited in the plot - shady deals from lawyers are only the beginning
of the corruption within the ranks of this system. A Scotsman, Gerard Butler ('300'),
is a fine actor who can sing ('Phantom of the Opera') and do successful comedy
('The Ugly Truth'), is also completely suited to this bloodlust role of the vengeful
Clyde Shelton. He seemed to gain support from the audience because he misses his
wife & child, even after maiming his victims.
Oscar winner,
Jamie Foxx is all nervous energy as the corrupt D.A. Rice, twitching as if he
may be next on the hit-list without expressing physical fear. It's only when the
tables are turned that Rice begins to emphasize before agreeing to sort out the
matter, legally. Brooke Mills, unforgettable in the original 1988 version of 'Hairspray',
has an all too condensed, but effective role as Clyde's doomed wife, while Viola
Davis as the Mayor, provides a little female strength.
The
eye rolling twist within the final stages may not be quite logical, but WOW! That
was the word on everybody's lips as I left the cinema, still attempting to process
what just happened. See it before the end is unveiled.
Shane
A. Bassett
