If you except this operates in its own little world you'll have a good time

Rating: 7/10 (25 October 2009)

Gerard Butler stars as a man who's wife and daughter are killed by home invaders. He survives the attack, but when its time to go to trial, the self centered prosecutor, Jamie Foxx, decides that a trial isn't in the best interest of the case and pleas it out with the result that the real monster of the invaders essentially walks. Butler then conspires to get revenge not only on the invaders but everyone in the system that allowed justice not to be served.
Taking it on its own terms, this is a film that operates in its own twisted little world, this is a very good revenge thriller. What sets the film apart from every other Death Wish style thriller is Butler is under arrest at the time the really big fireworks take place. The fact that he is alone in his cell is what frustrates everyone in the film and makes for exciting viewing for the audience.
Lets be real, this isn't a great film. It is a very good one. The problem with the film is its operating in its own world where things happen because they are dramatically exciting rather then they make sense dramatically or even make the film remotely real world like. The more you think about the film the more problems you will find. (I also find the ending seems to have come in from another movie, but by the time it happens I had given up any hope of logic and reason.) I like the film. Its a good mindless popcorn film. Unlikely to win any awards I do think this will end up in semi heavy rotation on cable, at least for a while.