'Law Abiding Citizen' is an engaging drama

[Comment Below]

By Jonathan Specht

Rating: B+

In the Dark Ages, before the development of the legal system, people who were wronged would respond with violent revenge. Eventually, people realized that private justice only created an endless cycle of violence, and the justice system was set up to hold criminals to account for their actions. The system isn't perfect, but it generally works.

The system failed Clyde Shelton. Shelton (Gerard Butler) watched as his wife and daughter were killed. While one of the men who killed them received the death penalty, the other only served three years in jail because he cut a deal with prosecutor Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx). The criminals picked the wrong man to mess with. Shelton, an inventor and contractor for U.S. intelligence agencies, nursed his anger for ten years, developing an extraordinarily elaborate plan to avenge the deaths of his wife and daughter. As it becomes increasingly clear, however, his target isn't just those who killed his family. It's the entire legal system.

"Law Abiding Citizen" is an excellent drama, with spot on performances by lead actors Foxx and Butler and a gritty but well-portrayed Philadelphia setting. Its action builds slowly but surely, with the scope of Shelton's plot becoming apparent piece by piece. The film features excellent acting from its other cast members, and even a humorous cameo by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who holds a Bible for the film's Philadelphia Mayor.

It explores questions of the meaning of justice and the value of revenge. District Attorney Rice eventually seems to come around to Shelton's view that ends justify means, saying, at one point, "F-k his civil rights." The only thing this film could have really improved is its pace. If it moved a little faster, it would be closer to an A than a B+. Still, I recommend this film.

Originally Published: Issue 821 - October 28, 2009

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