Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

Rating: 7/10 (18 October 2009)

The movie opens on two burglars violently breaking into Gerard Butler's home, raping his wife, and killing her and their child. Butler's out for blood, but up and coming prosecutor Jamie Foxx is more concerned with keeping his 96% conviction rate going than administering justice to both robbers. He makes a deal with one of the burglars to turn over on the other; one gets the death penalty, one a minor sentence. Butler's devastated.
Fast forward 10 years. Butler goes on a bloody rampage, dishing out his own vigilante brand of justice, first with the two robbers, then moving on to those in the justice system he holds responsible. Foxx, now a major player in the justice system, quickly realizes he's behind it all. After being arrested and locked up, Butler still somehow manages to manipulate outside events, causing a number of further deaths. Foxx is puzzled but determined. What ensues is a mysterious and gritty revenge story. As the death toll rises, Foxx comes closer to figuring it all out, but Butler always seems to be one step ahead.
By the end the audience is allowed access to Butler's secret. Ebert said in his review it was something of a let down, but given the 10 years Butler had to plan his revenge, it didn't require that much suspension of disbelief.
Where the movie falters is in the lesson Butler attempts to teach. He's a little like John Doe in Se7en, preaching a bloody and violent sermon. But unlike Doe, we're supposed to sympathize with Butler, and despite his hardships I don't think his message was necessarily true, let alone able to justify the body count.
Law Abiding Citizen is still a good thriller. I enjoyed it. If nothing else, it at least delivers what it promises.
7/10