There’s been quite a few sniffy reviews for Law Abiding Citizen, which is a shame, as though it is outrageously stupid, it’s also perfectly dumb Friday night entertainment. After his wife and child are murdered at the start of the film, Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) spends the next 10 years planning his revenge on the killer who missed his ride in the electric chair, and the legal team (headed by Jamie Foxx) that cut a deal with the killer during his trial. The way Shelton goes about his revenge is ludicrous to say the least (especially the twist ending), but something so absurd can only be taken with many pinches of salt. Butler seems to pick up on this and appears to be having a blast as he hams his way through the film. Foxx fares less well though and plays his part far too straight. There’s been talk of a Saw feel to the film, but this is somewhat wide of the mark. However, there is a brutal murder scene in a prison (which no doubt pushed this up to an 18 certificate) which is at odds with the “motive” of the film and is a bad misjudgement from director F. Gary Gray. Gray does at least move the film along at a fair pace, which is always necessary in a film of this nature. Just strap yourself, don’t stop to think, and look out for a cracking jump shock involving a item of communication.
The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
Enjoy the film, enjoy picking holes in it afterwards, enjoy never watching it again. Rating: 6/10.
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