Great Movie, But The Ending Has Many Flaws

Rating: 6/10 (9 August 2010)

Is it just me or has Gerard Butler been getting more attention lately? I respect the fact that he is versatile and change from playing a plethora of roles ranging from the rough and rugged Spartan in "300" and then next thing you know he'll embrace you with his charm and wit in the romantic comedy "P.S. I Love You". Now in "Law Abiding Citizen", he's getting the adulation from the smart viewers all the while looking intimidating, carrying that rage that's brewing in him throughout the film.
The opening scene in the movie commences with a break-in in which Clyde Shelton's (Butler) wife and daughter are killed. During the trial, attorney Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) negotiates that the killer will serve five years in jail and his accomplice will get the death penalty. This doesn't sit very well for the angered Clyde feeling that the accomplice was got the worst end of the sentence. Ten years later, we see a vengeful Clyde ready to take justice in his own hands. But Nick is dumbfounded as he tries to elaborate the motives behind Clyde's motives.
What differs this movie from F. Gary Gray's previous project, "The Negotiator" the action gets fueled up a notch. And while Foxx and Butler's pairing pales in comparison to Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey, the twists and turns in "Law Abiding Citizen" will keep you enthralled. But the motives behind the proceedings take an upsetting backseat.
Screenwriter Kurt Wimmer manages to pull off a handsome solution to the conclusion of the film, but it's unclear of what they were trying to get at. It boggles the mind as to whether Wimmer pondered with more than one conclusion and I have doubts as to whether the one he selected was a wise decision. The premise was well in intentions, but the ending left me with an empty unsatisfying feeling. Others may feel differently about it saying it was the perfect way to wrap up this movie. What irks me is that the justice in the end remains unclear.
Overall it was an honor to watch. The tension brewing between Foxx and Butler was a treat for the eyes. The supporting cast backs up the two leads, but it's the duo of Foxx and Butler that carry the film. Though not as strong as "The Negotiator" but the entertainment is well above average.