Media: Movie

Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller

Production Year: 2009

If you're like me and watch alot of movies and television series in your free time, then you know you definitely come across plenty of duds. This thriller is NOT one of them. A very smart and well written story, and great cast. Not to mention it takes place in Philadelphia, PA - a very familiar place for me, which makes it even that much more entertaining. Not that this will affect most of you who read this review, but I previously did work in Holmesburg Prison, the prison used in this film. I was in the actual cell blocks and remember the guards telling me that the cell block names are different than what my plans show because a movie with Jamie Foxx had just been filmed there and they changed things for the movie. Just something I thought was cool while watching the movie.

Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler), is an engineering genius, devastated by the murder of his wife and daughter. Hell bent on exposing and crippling the corrupt justice system, Shelton plots his revenge in a violent and well planned plot, setting his sights on Philadelphia assistant DA, Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx).

A very well thought out script, with great acting (Butler, Foxx, Bruce McGill) and action sequences. This film kept my attention from start to finish. Butler's character, Clyde Shelton will have you rooting for him, whether his actions are justifiable or not. As I said before, the story takes place in Philadelphia and in a prison that I have worked in (Holmesburg Prison), so it really gained some added points just for that alone. But besides my personal relationship to the story, I found "Law Abiding Citizen" to be one of the best movies I've seen in quite some time. Expect a great story, cool little gadgets and very good acting.

Kurt Wimmer, ("Equilibrium", "The Thomas Crown Affair", and the upcoming spy-thriller "Salt") does an excellent job with this script. Wimmer has created a story that will undoubtably invoke some sort of emotional agreance with the main character, Clyde Chelten. As the story evolves, you will learn more and more about who, and what Clyde Chelten are capable of. There are plenty of themes throughout this film that you will find yourself saying "man, I wish this would happen in real life" (or at least I did). Wimmer touches on important themes within our society today...political corruption, justice, revenge, family and will-power. Mix all of that in with clever twists and subtle revelations regarding Clyde Shelten, you are sure to enjoy; at least appreciate the story.

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Gerard Butler or Jamie Foxx. These two have proven to be a few of my favorite actors of as late. Ok, so Gerard Butler has breached into the "romantic comedy" genre a little too much lately, but his portrayal of King Leonidas in "300" will forever grant him a little more leeway than others (for me at least). Bruce McGill delivers a strong performance as Jonas Cantrell, the District Attorney, Nick Rice's (Jamie Foxx) boss, mentor and good friend. I don't think you will find any performances that as sub-par in this film.

F. Gary Gray, who's directing of "Friday" and "Set It Off" may be his most notable pieces of work, adds another with "Law Abiding Citizen". Very close attention to detail and very authentic. He did a good job at allowing Butler and Foxx to work off of each other and deliver strong performances, while making sure the film turned out to be gritty, thought provoking and intelligent.

Great skylines and scenic pans of Philadelphia and its interlaced bridges and rivers. It made me feel right at home. I felt like they captured the essence of Philadelphia by shooting in relatable and historical areas, but also by using abandoned and run down industrial areas along the Delaware River. The special effects were great, Gray integrated fun gadgets and weapons to create visually fun and intense film. Lots of explosions, high powered guns coupled with a great use of CGI flames and mutilated bodies to create certain scene.

Sufficient with the story, doesn't detract from the film. I never questioned effects or music selection, and since I enjoyed the film, I gave it an 8.

This category for me doesn't necessarily apply to this film as there are no dance sequences or major fight sequences. None the less, the few physical confrontations are realistic, brutal and intense.