By Ruth Ferguson
NDG Editor
Clyde Shelton’s (Gerard Butler) world is destroyed when his wife and daughter are murdered, and he is stunned when Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) cut a deal with one defendant to add a death penalty conviction to his resume.
Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx is all about swagger making him a good fit for the role. Even coupled with hints of humor in this dark film, he makes it work. He is so cocky and seemingly invincible; you almost look forward to his come-uppance. By the end of the film, Rice is humbled and the audience is emotionally spent – but satisfied.
Women who enjoyed the animated Gerard Butler wearing leather underpants in 300, will be happy to hear, he inexplicably strips and greets the police SWAT team bursting through glass doors. And he does not look too bad shirtless in jeans when escorted to the car, either. Although, it is odd Shelton does not have a single cut on his chest despite being thrown to a floor covered in glass while nude.
The film is not without its flaws, but it hits the mark in so many ways, the audience will be forgiving. Slip ups such as why Foxx practically quoted Denzel Washington’s Alonzo from Training Day, almost take the viewer out of the moment. Also, one wonders if they ran out of special effects funding for the final scene.
This film combines the best features of director F. Gary Gary’s earlier popular movies. Italian Job (2003) boasted an intricate plot with twists and turns, and A Man Apart (2003) focused on violent revenge.
Law Abiding Citizen is definitely entertaining, not only for its visceral satisfying acts of revenge, but also for the smart cat and mouse game it plays with morality. Throw in swagger, violence, a little nudity and a lot of hi-tech toys that go bang, and the film will satisfy a broad audience.
