Written by Bryan Clifton
What do you do when a convicted criminal is behind bars, yet he is continuing to kill people from the inside? Not just kill them, but take them out in a systematic fashion that has an entire city on pins and needles? This is the premise of “Law Abiding Citizen.”
The main character, Clyde Shelton (played by Gerard Butler), witnesses the brutal murder of his entire family. However, when not all of the killers are convicted in ways that satisfy Clyde, he decides to take the law system into his own hands and seek reconciliation for what has happened to him.
Justice is the bottom line of the movie. Clyde wants to make sure that justice is served to those who hurt him and took everything that he had in his life, that being his wife and young daughter. Clyde’s experience with the legal system leaves him unsatisfied and starts him on a quest to seek revenge no matter what the cost. This quest is what makes the movie captivating.
Each man’s view of justice forces you to examine the true meaning of the word. One man sees it as the choice with the highest probability of indictment, but the other takes things into his own hands to deliver justice in full.
Most thriller movies have a plot that is fairly predictable after about 45 minutes. “Law Abiding Citizen” is far from the norm. Just when you think you have it figured out and know what is actually taking place, a twist comes in that turns the story upside down. These twists and turns throughout the plot line are the reason why you stay on the edge of your seat the entire time.
The unpredictable plot line and unexpected ending hit on the human nature and truly make the viewer think on what he or she would do if placed in the same situation. What action would you take, or would you do anything at all? This personal battle is what makes it relatable.
If you are debating about whether to see it or not, quit the debate and just go. It will be well worth your money and time. It may not be the best date movie, but I will leave that up to your own discretion.
