Law Abiding Citizen: A Review
In a quiet suburban home, the life of Shelton (Gerard Butler), a devoted husband and father, is shattered. Thugs break in, leaving a trail of destruction, murdering his daughter, and brutally assaulting his wife. One perpetrator faces the death penalty, but a flawed investigation and a deal orchestrated by ambitious prosecutor Rice (Jamie Foxx) allows the other to walk free. Ten years later, Shelton, disillusioned with the justice system, embarks on a meticulously planned quest for vengeance, operating from within the very prison system he seeks to dismantle.
Given the numerous times vigilantes have single-handedly restored order on screen, one might hope that “Law Abiding Citizen” would offer a fresh, unexpected take on the revenge thriller. With Kurt Wimmer (“Equilibrium,” “Ultraviolet”) as one of the screenwriters, there’s a glimmer of hope for inventive twists. The decade Shelton has to prepare should allow for some ingenious planning. Unfortunately, the film, in its runtime, falls into predictable patterns, failing to capitalize on its potential. This is particularly disappointing considering Gerard Butler’s involvement, whose presence raises expectations.
A Descent into Familiar Territory
The ten years Shelton spends plotting his revenge seem to have had a detrimental effect on the film itself. Like the grieving engineer, the creators appear to have retreated into a world of well-worn tropes, drawing inspiration from tired '90s thrillers, resulting in an uninspired imitation. A brief moment of modern horror emerges when Butler’s character uses a grinder in a scene reminiscent of “Hostel.” However, the film quickly regresses, becoming a stretched-out echo of “Se7en” and “Copycat.” Expect excessive backlighting, gloomy prisons, and hyper-intelligent inmates who display remarkable ingenuity and, of course, strip naked before being arrested.
For those disappointed with Butler’s performance, there’s always the consolation of a brief glimpse of his posterior.