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Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

2009 • 1h 49m • Drama, Thriller • R
On September 29, 2026
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All reviews

John Chard on Law Abiding Citizen

8/10 · Jun 6, 2014

It’s difficult to argue with destiny. Gerard Butler portrays Clyde Shelton, a man who is compelled to witness his wife and daughter assaulted and killed in his home, only to then see the legal system let those responsible go free. He responds by launching a personal vendetta against nearly everyone connected to the case. Critics really didn't care for it, with assessments calling it simplistic, ridiculous, unpleasant, and ethically questionable, as well as characterizing it as a film that lectures on morality! As the critics insisted would happen, it still earned a significant amount of money at theaters and is generally enjoyed by many who like action, revenge, or thriller movies. Revenge films often spark discussion, but what’s not frequently mentioned is the opportunity they provide for audiences to experience events through a character's eyes. While most people rely on our legal systems to function properly, it’s easy to imagine wanting to unleash intense anger given comparable situations. Law Abiding Citizen is an entertaining film; beneath the surface, it attempts to make a statement and poses some important questions. Do these thoughtful ideas manage to break through the graphic violence? No, they're lost in a flurry of energetic action and impactful brutality, but they’re present, sharply so. Nevertheless, for its shocking moments, unexpected turns, and over-the-top sequences, this film is quite good. Experiencing life through movies – it’s fantastic. 8/10

Source on TMDB