Read Positive User Reviews for Law Abiding Citizen

9

joesarahoNov 28, 2012

the people who have left these low reviews need to relax. this movie is very strong. first off gerard butler plays an awesome psycho. the whole plot and twist at the end is really awesome. I loved the way it was written and built up. thisthe people who have left these low reviews need to relax. this movie is very strong. first off gerard butler plays an awesome psycho. the whole plot and twist at the end is really awesome. I loved the way it was written and built up. this movie is a must see. everyone I have told to watch this movie has loved it. the acting is good and the twist is even better… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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8

Buckwheatjones1Aug 2, 2013

I think the critics really misunderstood this movie. Some compared it to the disgusting series "Saw" or "Torture Porn", they couldn't be more wrong, there is honestly not very much gore in the movie at all except for two quick scenes. GrantedI think the critics really misunderstood this movie. Some compared it to the disgusting series "Saw" or "Torture Porn", they couldn't be more wrong, there is honestly not very much gore in the movie at all except for two quick scenes. Granted some disgusting things are implied throughout the movie to add to its emotion and intensity and it does succeed.

Gerard Butler plays a fantastic role as a villain (possibly the only better bad guy I've seen is "The Joker" from "The Dark Knight".) Jaime Fox plays the good guy and his performance is descent.

Like others have stated the ending is one of those "really? come on now?" moments but that is when you have to say to yourself "it's just a movie."

If you're looking for a good crime thriller on a late Friday night, this is a perfect pick.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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7

A_NorthernerJun 4, 2012

Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx play the lead roles in Law Abiding Citizen, a brutal thriller in which a father and husband (Butler) makes an example of the legal system that wronged him.

Jamie Foxx plays the prosecutor who makes a plea dealGerard Butler and Jamie Foxx play the lead roles in Law Abiding Citizen, a brutal thriller in which a father and husband (Butler) makes an example of the legal system that wronged him.

Jamie Foxx plays the prosecutor who makes a plea deal with the man who killed Butler's wife and child. In exacting payback on an attorney for his previous decisions, the film is similar to Cape Fear but LAC actually shares more in common with Saw as Butler cleverly butchers his way through the cast.

LAC begins in an interesting manner and tries to argue the case for both flawed sides of the justice system. However, once Butler lands himself in jail and puts his plan into effect this balanced view disappears and is replaced by a violent killing spree. Butler's logic seems confused as he vehemently denies that his actions are revenge, but by killing everyone close to his case, I struggle to see what else they could be described as. Mass murder of the local justice system seems overkill for ensuring that lessons are learnt. The film will no doubt promote some discussion as to the point at which Butler's character's actions become unjustified and he transgresses from the film's hero to ruthless villain.

Butler outshines Foxx, initially as the troubled father and husband with a cause to fight before his descent into his role as psychopathic murderer.

Law Abiding Citizen had the potential to be a cat and mouse thriller with a conscience but is ultimately just a reasonably decent thriller, but one lacking the clever twists and intelligent ending of Saw.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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8

sammurphy66Jul 22, 2014

Whilst Law Abiding Citizen is spectacularly ridiculous, it is incredibly enjoyable and thrilling - and has you on the very edge of your seat until the end.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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7

Lopez17Aug 11, 2010

Picture it you have a beautiful wife a loving and sweet daughter a great job that you love and every night you come home to your family knowing there will be a great dinner waiting for you so you can sit around the table and just share somePicture it you have a beautiful wife a loving and sweet daughter a great job that you love and every night you come home to your family knowing there will be a great dinner waiting for you so you can sit around the table and just share some quality time with the ones you love. It is essentially the American dream; the dream that all want and most get but what if one day that dream was taken away from you? What if some crooks from off the street broke into your home rob you and murdered the ones you love Now say that the police were able to find and capture the men who murdered your family there are about to be prosecuted for the heinous crime they have committed. The Executive A.D.A( Executive Assistant District Attorney) cuts a deal with one of the murders meaning one spends five years in jail and is free while the other is sent to death row. There is one person who shares this horrifying story and that person is Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler). Two thugs looking to loot the place but instead one of them decided to take it a little further and rape and murder both his wife and daughter murdered his family. After one man is un-officially set free by a slick Executive A.D.A. and the other on death row Sheldon plots his revenge against all who have wronged him. The men who destroyed his life and the Justice system that let one of them get away. F. Gary Gray and Kurt Wimmer's "Law Abiding Citizen" is one of those films that came out last year slipped under the radar for me I had heard things about it albeit nothing good. Most critics and audiences members turned there backs on "Law Abiding Citizen" in favor of worse movies. However, compared to other movies that came out around the same time, as Law Abiding Citizenâ… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

ManselSep 30, 2019

Thought it was great! Don't know why everyone is complaining. Mr. Butler was awesome

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

AwsafDec 4, 2013

the movie start with a crack of intense but ends with unexpected disorder.So i didn't like this that much.if they ends with more explanation of the moment that would be better.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

bfoore90May 28, 2020

Has some obvious narrative faults, especially in the 2nd half but Gerard Butler is chillingly effective and sympathetic as Clyde Shelton in this crime thriller.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

mosesechsAug 24, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Clyde should have won.

He was way smarter than everybody else.

My first critical loss of interest occurs,
when Clyde hears violent banging on the front door of his house.

His wife, in a quite normal tone, yells out to Clyde to get the door.

Clyde comes down from his office or wherever,
and nonchalantly opens the door to a bat to his face;
a home invasion.

I learn later in the movie, that Clyde is a world class spy,
and sophisticated Detective Gadget sort of personality.

A world class spy would have had better skills to deal with an intruder,
and would have quickly disarmed the fat crook wielding that bat.

Later on in the trial, we find out that the prosecutor, Nick,
makes a deal with the killer and sets him free,
only to most assuredly, commit more crimes and madness.

Nick the prosecutor, even shakes the killer's hand,
with Clyde, who had lost his wife and daughter to the killer
in the earlier home invasion, was in the distance observing
all of this injustice, and fuming.

Clyde puts his super spy skills to work,
and awaits his opportunity to avenge his family's death,
because the Justice system, seemed to care more for the criminal,
than for the ordinary innocent citizen.

Clyde catches, tortures and kills his family's murderer,
and when brought into the courtroom,
baffles the court, and judge,
with his superior sense of reasoning,
and knowledge of the court system.

Anyways,
Without spoiling this movie any further,
Clyde builds an elaborate plan to foil law enforcement,
and in the end is caught.

He should not have been caught.

He would have been way smarter,
and not return to the scene of the crimes,
and would have had more sensors and technology
to alert him of any intrusion into his elaborate setup.
Other than that, "Law Abiding Citizen" is a great movie to watch. Even though he tried too hard at times, Jamie Foxx as Nick played a great role.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

grandpajoe6191Sep 25, 2011

The movie ends with a pretty cliche on top, but its the first 30 minutes of "Law Abiding Citizen" with the tension between Butler and Foxx that will entertain you.

6 of 9 users found this helpful63

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9

TheSHONov 25, 2010

Awesome movie! I do personally think the system sucks! Too many stupid rules and regulations and loop holes! Not too many people might want to admit it but I bet there are a ton of people who would love to have the brains and know how justAwesome movie! I do personally think the system sucks! Too many stupid rules and regulations and loop holes! Not too many people might want to admit it but I bet there are a ton of people who would love to have the brains and know how just like the Anti-Hero in this movie. I can tell you that if anything ever happened to my family and the maximum wasn't done against the criminals, I have no doubt that revenge will be taken into my own hands! It was really weird but I don't remember a time where I was rooting for a character of Gerard Butler's stature. Yes, there are a couple of minor flaws but overall a really well done movie.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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9

clmtigers15Dec 17, 2010

I just finished watching this movie and I don't understand what people are complaining about saying this movie is not that good. It is a very clever movie that has a very clear and loud message "Everyone has to take responsibility for theirI just finished watching this movie and I don't understand what people are complaining about saying this movie is not that good. It is a very clever movie that has a very clear and loud message "Everyone has to take responsibility for their actions." Nick played by Jamie Foxx was too concerned about his status and was focused on achieving a high conviction rate so cut deals for criminals that should be locked up for a very long time. Clyde was an innocent guy who lost his family and I can understand some people saying the good guy Clyde went way over the top to become the bad guy toward the end of the movie but I can understand why he went over the top because if you remember, Nick told Clyde at the beginning of the movie that he already finished the deal without even asking or considering Clyde's opinion. The guy lost his family and had his feet cut out from beneath him when Nick finished a deal. This is one of the best movies I've seen and it's very clever and has an important message. I'm from a different country, I wasn't born here in the United States, and I have read and witnessed about cases like these occuring often where justice is not correctly served and criminals escape day after day in my home country so maybe that's why I appreciate this movie more than others because to me, this movie is a partially a true story in some sense.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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9

GavinJun 18, 2011

CRITICS ARE STUPID!!! This movie was great! It shows how ridiculous our justice system is. Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler do a great job, I thought Colm Meaney could have done a better job with his role but other then that it was an intenseCRITICS ARE STUPID!!! This movie was great! It shows how ridiculous our justice system is. Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler do a great job, I thought Colm Meaney could have done a better job with his role but other then that it was an intense movie that was well made.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

Tss5078Feb 24, 2013

Law Abiding Citizen is the ultimate tale of revenge. After his family is killed in a brutal home invasion, Clyde Shelton waits for the legal system to do its job, unfortunately for them, they fail him, and that's when he takes matters intoLaw Abiding Citizen is the ultimate tale of revenge. After his family is killed in a brutal home invasion, Clyde Shelton waits for the legal system to do its job, unfortunately for them, they fail him, and that's when he takes matters into his own hands. This was great, such a unique tale that really blurs the line. It's very hard to decide who's the good guy and who's the bad guy in this one. That's something that makes this film unique. Gerard Butler is amazing as Shelton. Having seen several of Butler's movies previously, I thought he was just your ordinary, so-so, action star until I saw this. He has chops in this movie and can really deliver that one line, similar to Bruce Willis in Die Hard. This movie is fast moving, action packed, and isn't the same old story. Definitely go see this one!… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

JJHoodDec 30, 2013

nice. and unexpected movie. Only the finish is expect-able and a bit disappointing.
But in total a very nice movie, that does not follow the convention of Hollywood

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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7

MartyJOct 19, 2010

This film is a good all-rounder and kept me intrigued until the end, it always amazes me how critics can score things so badly and one describing it as saw with a conscience could do with getting another job.

The Ending is a let down I thinkThis film is a good all-rounder and kept me intrigued until the end, it always amazes me how critics can score things so badly and one describing it as saw with a conscience could do with getting another job.

The Ending is a let down I think its a pretty atypical Hollywood ending which they had to do otherwise it would be portraying the wrong message.

That said the whole film is very interesting and enjoyable all the way through with solid acting from all involved, Overall an enjoyable film experience and worth a watch… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

ThomasFAug 16, 2010

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Way underrated, deserves at least a 70 from critics, but they know nothing, listen to the user reviews.

Anyways it's full of action, and makes somebody really think. A++ movie would watch again.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

WasabiMar 5, 2010

This movie give you A perspective of what happen when a man lost his family and the lawmen trying to balance order. Forget what people say about this movie, watch it and have your own perspective. I enjoy it. Another way to show you how This movie give you A perspective of what happen when a man lost his family and the lawmen trying to balance order. Forget what people say about this movie, watch it and have your own perspective. I enjoy it. Another way to show you how America justice system work.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful

7

audreygFeb 16, 2010

James H. is wrong if your wife and daughter were beaten to death you're saying you would only be mad for 1 to 2 years at the most. Your wrong

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

chynadollMar 2, 2010

I don't listen to movie critics because most of the time the movies they think are good actually suck and vice-versa. Yhis movie was phenomenal. Although parts of the plot may seem implausible, there is such a powerful message being I don't listen to movie critics because most of the time the movies they think are good actually suck and vice-versa. Yhis movie was phenomenal. Although parts of the plot may seem implausible, there is such a powerful message being conveyed. Bravo...I. love it!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

8

ElPupMar 24, 2010

A great revenge flick... Though I kinda wish it ended differently though. Gerard Butler gives a really good performance (which was a supprise to me), the kills are clever, however it does start to become improbable towards the end... But a A great revenge flick... Though I kinda wish it ended differently though. Gerard Butler gives a really good performance (which was a supprise to me), the kills are clever, however it does start to become improbable towards the end... But a lack of complete realism never killed a move for me.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

AllanJMar 29, 2010

This movie was awesome!!! Based on true revenge, what happens when you pick the wrong person's life to ruin. I can't believe critics booed this movie it's one of the best this year!!!! Trust me, watch this movie if you like action.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

9

joeb.Apr 3, 2010

Gripping. A movie all law students should watch before becoming lawyers, even if it is unrealistic. This is what I would do to someone if they murdered my family.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

8

J.Oct 16, 2009

I agree with Lorenzo. The way Metacritic interprets scores (especially when a score is not given) is imperfect at best and arbitrary at worst. I would suggest reading the reviews instead of judging based on scores alone. As for the movie, I agree with Lorenzo. The way Metacritic interprets scores (especially when a score is not given) is imperfect at best and arbitrary at worst. I would suggest reading the reviews instead of judging based on scores alone. As for the movie, it's a fun revenge flick. It's not supposed to have deep insights into our society. Instead, it is a revenge story based around something that can be seen as a flaw in our justice system. You aren't supposed to be blown away by it's depth anymore than you are supposed to look for the meaning of life in the Deathwish movies. Anyone who doesn't get that should learn to lighten up before watching movies.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

BenSOct 16, 2009

Please do not listen to the critics! Law Abiding Citizen is a good movie with great actors and a powerful message. Just because critics are too dense to see it, doesn't mean this movie does not make a powerful comment on the injustices Please do not listen to the critics! Law Abiding Citizen is a good movie with great actors and a powerful message. Just because critics are too dense to see it, doesn't mean this movie does not make a powerful comment on the injustices that occur in our "justice system", while also making a comment on personal motivations. A must see!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

LorenzoL.Oct 16, 2009

This movie is just as good as the self-righteous trailers led you to believe it would be. I honestly don't understand why it's rated so low by these credits, actually I don't understand how Metacritic calculates such a low This movie is just as good as the self-righteous trailers led you to believe it would be. I honestly don't understand why it's rated so low by these credits, actually I don't understand how Metacritic calculates such a low score from reviews that don't have number values. In any case the acting is superb, the plot is great and there are even some *unexpected* plot twists. Take a chance on watching this, you'll love it.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

SaniquaSApr 10, 2010

this movie was extremely great! I think critics dont like it because it proves a point on our so called justice system!

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

LHarrisApr 11, 2010

I liked this movie. I think it was awesome and I'm a 50 yr old woman. It doesn't matter if it may seem somewhat unrealistic; it's just a movie for pete's sake.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

8

juliankleissApr 10, 2011

Law Abiding Citizen points out an imperfect justice system. In seemingly obvious cases of murder a judge might not care enough about justice and only obeys the law so as a killer can go free if there is a lack of physical evidence; lawyersLaw Abiding Citizen points out an imperfect justice system. In seemingly obvious cases of murder a judge might not care enough about justice and only obeys the law so as a killer can go free if there is a lack of physical evidence; lawyers might make deals with criminals just to put an easy end to a case; and if it gets really bad for those who work for this system they might try to find a way of how to take away the constitutional given civil rights of the person they feel threatened by. A very smart movie that gives you some food for thought about how law and justice might not always be the same. The first half of the movie is quite brutal and likely hard to watch for many viewers. The second half offers some surprise. Definitely worth watching.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

N1Acord03Oct 19, 2009

This movie by all accounts is the movie of the year. I am flabbergasted at the critique's take on this film. What movie did they see?