Law Abiding Citizen- What Is Justice?

You ever seen a movie where you don't know who to root for? Are you behind the Law Enforcement guys or the Law Abiding Citizen out for Justice? Well this crime thriller will make you wonder, when the justice system fails, are you above the law?

This well done thriller was written by Kurt Wimmer, whom you might remember, wrote the screenplay for the 1999 version of The Thomas Crown Affair, another superb thriller. Directing chores were handled by F. Gary Gray, The Italian Job 2003. The talents of these men is obvious in this taunt, fast paced, edge of your seat thriller.

The story line begins with a double murder, as you might well guess. Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) is a retired business man whose house is broken into, he and wife and daughter are taken captive by two men. Unspeakable things are done to the wife and daughter while the Clyde is forced to watch. These unsavory types end up murdering his wife and daughter and leaving him for dead. The good news is the villains are caught and charged with murder.

Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) a crusading Assistant District Attorney takes the case. He and his boss decide the case is not strong enough and decide to turn one criminal against his partner with a plea agreement, for ten years in prison. The other guy gets the death penalty. Clyde Shelton is not happy with the idea but is told it is a done deal.

The action really begins when the bad guy gets out of prison. Clyde has not gotten over his rage and decides to do something about it. He chops the guy up with a chain saw and sends a video of the event to Nick and his family. Pretty gruesome event, you will be shocked. You better believe, Nick arrests Clyde and tries to illicit a confession from him, because they don't have enough evidence. No go. Clyde kind of says he will confess if he gets a T-Bone steak dinner, from a fancy restaurant, delivered at 1 PM exactly to his prison cell. Nick gets bent out of shape but eventually gives in to clear the case. The steak dinner is late and Clyde shares with his cell mate. Clyde then calmly murders the guy, stabbing him to death with the steak bone. Meanwhile, Nick is acting on the information Clyde gave him, and finds the attorney for the chopped up guy, dead. If they had been on time with the dinner, they could of saved the attorney before his oxygen ran out. Clyde is sent to solitary.

The police start finding people who were involved with the case start showing up dead. All while Clyde is in solitary confinement. Nick is trying to figure out how this is being done, does Clyde have an accomplice. During his investigation he finds out Clyde was tech savy assassin who worked in the Black Ops department for our government, he is also rich from his inventions. Furthermore he is told if Clyde wants you dead, you are dead. The bodies are piling up and Nick knows he is on the list somewhere. He still is trying to figure out how it is all being done.

The conclusion of the movie is great, with Clyde planning to blow up the Mayor and her staff. While the creative ending is unfolding, you are on the very edge of your seat.

Jamie Foxx adds another fine performance to his resume. He plays the role with intensity and verve. It is interesting to watch him re-evaluate his sense of justice and his tendency to plea bargain to clear his cases. Although he is living in fear, he sticks to his principles. Gerard Butler turns in an excellent performance. Redeeming himself somewhat for his late role in a romance/comedy, which shall remain nameless. He plays with a laconic rage and that drives the movie. He deserves kudos for his layered performance.

Law Abiding Citizen really is a must see movie. You will be asking your self, whose side are you on? Put yourself in Clyde's shoes.The central theme, when justice fails, what are your choices and what would you do in that situation. You might surprise yourself with the answer.