Read Mixed User Reviews for Law Abiding Citizen

4

BenSOct 3, 2010

Law Abiding Citizen has a very strong beginning. I found myself caring for "Clyde" (Gerrard Butler) and wanting to see how he would change the American justice system. The scene where Clyde is in court and argues with the judge is a greatLaw Abiding Citizen has a very strong beginning. I found myself caring for "Clyde" (Gerrard Butler) and wanting to see how he would change the American justice system. The scene where Clyde is in court and argues with the judge is a great example of this - he uses the system itself to prove his argument, and shows that the law needs to be changed for true justice to be served.

Then the second half of the movie comes along, and Clyde's character shifts from an intelligent citizen to a complete psychopath. All that was clever about this film turns into a mindless bloody mess. By the end I was left wondering what had happened.… Expand

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

All this user's reviews

5

DougG.Oct 23, 2009

Some shocking moments, but the movie is very flawed and the ending is horrible.

2 of 2 users found this helpful

6

OnAnarchyJan 20, 2013

After years of intending to watch this film finally did I get a chance to. After all the hype given to me by friends and family this film was a bit disappointing. I guess if you're a logical thinker, or an analyzer of movies you can seeAfter years of intending to watch this film finally did I get a chance to. After all the hype given to me by friends and family this film was a bit disappointing. I guess if you're a logical thinker, or an analyzer of movies you can see through the plot fairly easily. The ending was also rather troublesome, even though it had the potential to be great.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

5

JohnGMar 1, 2010

This movie started out great with an interesting premise and the promise that justice was going to prevail and the bad guys were going to get their just desserts. However, as the movie progressed, the good guy most deserving of getting his This movie started out great with an interesting premise and the promise that justice was going to prevail and the bad guys were going to get their just desserts. However, as the movie progressed, the good guy most deserving of getting his revenge went way over the top, morphing from a greiving father and husband into the killer-clown from "Saw". At the same time the plot morphed from being mostly believable to totally preposterous. By the time of the movies climax, I had pretty much lost interest and felt cheated out of a movie that could have and should have been much better.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

4

ChadS.Oct 20, 2009

Among things most moviegoers don't want to see, a small girl being murdered during a home invasion would surely be close to topping the list, especially if the child makes bracelets that spell out "daddy" for her proud papa. Since "Law Among things most moviegoers don't want to see, a small girl being murdered during a home invasion would surely be close to topping the list, especially if the child makes bracelets that spell out "daddy" for her proud papa. Since "Law Abiding Citizen" turns out to be "Clyde: Portrait of a Serial Killer(or "Clean Shaven Death Wish), in which the daddy-turned-vigilante(played by Gerald Butler) starts killing, not NYC lowlifes like a Scottish Charles Bronson, but innocent people, ala Henry(Michael Rooker) in the 1989 John McNaughton film, brutality needs to match brutality, because the cause and effect of the carnage needs to be better proportioned. Our reaction to a decollated head, or a woman in car being blown up to smithereens, is more visceral, and far outweighs an abstract murder that took place beyond the fade-out, when it comes to impacting the audience, who needs to sympathize with Clyde's loss during his self-righteous killing spree. Not nearly enough time is spent on establishing Clyde as a husband and father. The filmmaker cuts to the chase, mere minutes into "Law Abiding Citizen", so, impassioned speech with his lawyer Nick(Jamie Foxx) about justice notwithstanding, the film largely pre-supposes Clyde's family man integrity as a given. In most cases, flashbacks often do nothing for a film, except oversell the protagonist's loss with affected sentimentality, in a scene that depicts happier times, where the grieving spouse gets all red-eyed after waking up from a reverie. This time around, it would help "Law Abiding Citizen", if Clyde displayed some sign of humanity, since the fallout from his vengeance is so distortedly pronounced, the film's message about a broken judicial system gets lost in the arterial spray.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

6

ydnar4Feb 7, 2015

I had really high expectations for Law Abiding Citizen after watching the first scene. It really started out strong and made me excited for what would happen next, but then it gets too ahead of itself. The first 40 minutes of the movie areI had really high expectations for Law Abiding Citizen after watching the first scene. It really started out strong and made me excited for what would happen next, but then it gets too ahead of itself. The first 40 minutes of the movie are the best and then the last hour sort of drags on. I enjoyed Jamie Foxx's role but I don't understand why he is so involved in the story when he is a lawyer. He shouldn't have anything to do with most of the events in the movie. I understand he is there in order to make the movie more intense but it sacrifices realism. He should have been a cop. Then ending was sort of good but semi-predictable. I didn't think that this movie is really bad I just found a lot of things flawed with it. I'm sure many people would still enjoy the film. Just don't think too hard about it.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

6

ForTheReviewNov 4, 2014

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie was very interesting. Watching someone outsmart the authorities is always entertaining.

Gerard Butler played his character perfectly. He is a great anti-hero/mastermind actor. A similar movie to Law Abiding Citizen with a lead character being a dark mastermind is Inside Man. Gerard Butler stars in it, too!

However, i was very let down with the ending to this movie. Despite as sinister as it sounds, it would have been amazing to see Clyde's plan workout in the end. I feel it would have given a better remembrance to his name, and his motive. The tip that Nick received at the end was very disappointing; to have Clyde's plan spoiled by a tip was just sad.

The movie is very underrated. Great plot, exceptional acting, and disappointing ending. To be fair, though, i could see many people content with the way the movie ended. Probably in my top 20 list of movies. 6/10.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

6

raciocinioOct 21, 2015

A movie that don't have a great final losse points. this movie is amazing Butler ever is amazing without doubt deserves a 10 but the final is so stupid and idiot that only because of final losse 4 points.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

6

YorkManJan 19, 2016

Interesting thriller with a severe tinge of violence and an adult theme. Well directed and scored, it's unfortunately let down by a poorly written script and (apart from Gerard Butler) a cast on auto-pilot.

The premise is interestingInteresting thriller with a severe tinge of violence and an adult theme. Well directed and scored, it's unfortunately let down by a poorly written script and (apart from Gerard Butler) a cast on auto-pilot.

The premise is interesting enough, but it's how it is presented that fails. Too much that is obvious, is overtly obvious, and the little bits which are 'filled in' as the film continues just feel like the tired cliches of 'i know a guy' who then provides the necessary information for the good guys to finally come good.

Jamie Foxx's performance is woeful, he lacks the dynamic emotional range to convey the struggle of a man who is losing everything he holds dear who, despite his claims of intelligence and integrity, has no idea how these acts are being accomplished.
His almost deadpan delivery only makes the audience want the bad guy to succeed, and when he is ultimately foiled, it's not a win for the good guys... It's just feels like an absolute cop out, especially as there's no epilogue to show if anything about the 'system' has changed.

However, it's not a bad movie. The central performance of Butler redeems it a great deal and, if you like action and violence mixed in with a fairly intelligent plot, you won't be disappointed.
But, if you're looking for someone that possesses the dialogue and performances to match, then one to avoid.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

6

TinoTrivinoDec 25, 2015

Let us be honest, this is just another "vigilanti" movie, this kind of movies which encourage not to believe in the law system and like in the wild western take action of your own..
Well the movie was good produced, filmed and edited. VeryLet us be honest, this is just another "vigilanti" movie, this kind of movies which encourage not to believe in the law system and like in the wild western take action of your own..
Well the movie was good produced, filmed and edited. Very good acting thats why i give it a 6, specially the soundtrack.
But, the story is so full of **** fill of **** because it show us a simple version of the evil, and another simple version of a good and lonely person which you can only see in Hollywood.
Perhaps thats why people copy European Movies because they are more realistic and alive.
Again, the movie wasnt bad, but its for hillbillies who think the world is divided between evil and good, black and white, good and wrong, etc...
anyway... try it, now its in dvd, and if you are poor, try p2p, its not piracy unless you sell it.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

4

hoops2448Jan 6, 2012

Law Abiding Citizen plays with some interesting themes and issues but it doesn't seem to have a clue what it wants to say. Is the justice system corrupt? Is serious reform needed? Are Clyde's (Gerard Butler) actions justified? The film neverLaw Abiding Citizen plays with some interesting themes and issues but it doesn't seem to have a clue what it wants to say. Is the justice system corrupt? Is serious reform needed? Are Clyde's (Gerard Butler) actions justified? The film never gets close to answering these questions as it fumbles from act to act. It's a shame really because the performances aren't bad, Butler plays light and dark well with Jamie Foxx actually being a perfect foil for him as the straight laced realist. They play well off each other and dialogue wise, the script is pretty good so some scenes are thoroughly entertaining at least aesthetically. The problem is that the final product is so remarkably empty you can't look back on the things you like and leave the viewing with a positive reaction. It's a film trying to make some kind of a point but all you really get is a dark, gritty thriller that is void of substance. It doesn't help that the last 40 minutes move the film from gritty, character drama to cliche filled farce with a final twist so remarkably stupid it just ruins it further.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

5

asylumspadezNov 24, 2011

What started off so interesting ends so poorly. The acting is fine (I didnt really like Jamie Fox as the lead, Thought he was a poor fit) and the action was good. The story is so generic though that it just takes away from the overall value.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

5

WangD.Apr 11, 2010

the ideas are appealing sort of a "dark night" destination but the deliverance is very flawed

1 of 2 users found this helpful

4

TBoneOct 17, 2009

Great movie, terrible ending.

1 of 2 users found this helpful

4

HalfwelshmanJun 15, 2012

Law Abiding Citizen has decent performances from its two leads Jamie Foxx, playing a dedicated prosecution lawyer and Gerard Butler as a man cheated by flawed American justice system who takes the law into his own hands as a murderousLaw Abiding Citizen has decent performances from its two leads Jamie Foxx, playing a dedicated prosecution lawyer and Gerard Butler as a man cheated by flawed American justice system who takes the law into his own hands as a murderous vigilante. It's technically competent throughout and with the addition of a serviceable script the film should be an intelligent and memorable thriller providing an insightful critique on law and morality. Somehow though, Law Abiding CItizen never rises above mediocrity, and is a largely forgettable affair. After an exciting initial setup, the narrative plods and becomes utterly ridiculous towards the final act, which is so over-the-top it wouldn't look out of place in a 70s disaster movie. Characterisation is also inconsistent, with Foxx's heavily moralistic and by-the-book lawyer conveniently able to bypass his long-held convictions when it suits the story. In addition, though he makes a decent enough anti-hero throughout, Butler does occasionally slip back into his natural Scottish dialect during the more intense and demanding scenes. Law Abiding Citizen only just manages to stay afloat thanks to director F. Gary Gray's craftsmenship and the talent of the lead performers. It falls utterly flat in other areas, however, because of misjudgements of tone, uneven pacing and a critical lack of commitment to the big ideas behind the film. The film is passable, but nothing more.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

6

moviegrabbagJun 12, 2011

This movie was actually kind of fun. Is it a cliche oh heck yeah. But it does have some pretty inventive ways of killing off some people and some of the ways the villain is able to do the things that he does. The acting is also very solidThis movie was actually kind of fun. Is it a cliche oh heck yeah. But it does have some pretty inventive ways of killing off some people and some of the ways the villain is able to do the things that he does. The acting is also very solid with the exception of a certain mayor. Overall this is worth a watch.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

4

imthenoobFeb 2, 2013

The potential was there and the movie definently had it's moment but overall, It not only failed to draw you in but the poor dialogue and acting by the cast (aside from Butler who was the only good one imo) sort of ruined it imo.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

4

ECantonaDec 23, 2013

Movie started out very disturbingly. What a strong start for a thriller? Well, it was, yeah. Though, at some point it started to become a bad movie. The way it started to focus on just violence and nothing else was just nothing i was hopingMovie started out very disturbingly. What a strong start for a thriller? Well, it was, yeah. Though, at some point it started to become a bad movie. The way it started to focus on just violence and nothing else was just nothing i was hoping from the story. This movie could have been done better.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

5

TDKinDallasNov 7, 2009

I really enjoyed this movie, until the end. The ending was horrible. I forgave some of the non-story telling in the beginning with the obligatory plot fill-ins during the movie, but come on. **SPOILER ALERT** This isn't a movie ruining I really enjoyed this movie, until the end. The ending was horrible. I forgave some of the non-story telling in the beginning with the obligatory plot fill-ins during the movie, but come on. **SPOILER ALERT** This isn't a movie ruining spoiler, but how does he not notice that someone has broken into his lair? There is a lot more to complain about and I don't want to ruin anymore, but I say it again, come on!… Expand