Law Abiding Citizen

While some like to play hardcore and boo you off the stage, trying to convince you that you've failed miserably with the latest movie, Felix Gary Gray, I applaud you. You put a frustrated man in the mind game with Jamie Foxx, letting his frustrations shake the whole justice system.

Some critics claim that you ripped off Saw and Hostel; stealing boldly their precious gore and violence. Does it mean that every single movie with a murder or two in it is a Saw rip off? Does it mean that now producers will stop making crime and mystery movies to avoid being called ”a Hostel rip off”? Does that mean that the tinsel town of Hollywood is giving up on thrillers just to let Saw and Hostel live off of old glory? I hardly think so.

Gore and premeditated murders are the only links that connect Law Abiding Citizen and Saw. Or Hostel. Is that a reason to call Gray’s movie “a rip off?” I have to say it again, I hardly think so.

Both in Saw and Hostel, murders are only for the thrill’s sake. Law Abiding Citizen has risen above that, giving the plot a firm structure; something to revolve around, not just plain killings. The movie opens with the scenes from seemingly usual day for the Shelton family. But “just another day” turns into the last day for Clyde’s little daughter and wife. A home invasion left two family members dead; Clyde (Gerard Butler) stabbed.

The criminal justice system works differently than Clyde thought and that’s where the issues begin. Nick Rice, the prosecutor, portrayed by Jamie Foxx, has his own vision of how justice should work - it doesn’t matter what’s right but what can be proven in court. He only cares about maintaining his 96% conviction rate. After Clyde finds out that the murderer of his family is set free thanks to Rice and his accomplice convicted to death, a fast paced movie speeds up.

Ten years of hibernation for Clyde has come to a halt. But was he hibernating or maybe making plans for his inevitable comeback?

This movie isn’t about gore; sure there is gore but the motion picture is so much more. It’s about the mind game and realizing mistakes, changing the way something functions. It’s about Clyde’s genius mind and his persistence to make justice actually do justice. His reasons are clear and it’s not hard to relate to them; and him. This is one of rare movies that aren’t predictable. It’s so deftly and precisely made, premeditated. The characters’ actions don’t leave space for mistakes. Every scene gets you thinking, leaving you surprised and on the edge of your seat. The characters are highly developed but Clyde’s cynicism and intelligence make the movie memorable and extraordinary.

Twists and turns are pervasive throughout the movie, just like suspense. A morality tale sends out a clear message but it’s up to us whether to accept it or not.

Gerard Butler, King Leonidas you portrayed in the movie 300 would be very proud of you. It takes a lot for a cold face to become a hero but you pulled it off in a second.