Law Abiding Citizen

Over All Rating: 3 Stars

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Story: 2.5 Stars
Direction: 3.5 Stars
Photography: 3 Stars
Acting: 3 Stars
Characterization: 3 Stars
Effects: 1 Stars
Dialogues: 2 Stars
Entertainment Factor: 4 Stars

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Director: F. Gray Gray [link]

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It starts out with a very gripping (and for a parent/family person almost nauseating) scene. It then paces into the meat of the story fairly quickly, skips thru the boring parts remarkably well. It maintains a very taut narration and a "keep you guessing" story line, attempting to break all the cliches (like the one where instead of taking the bail, he surprises us by biting back at the judge) - well done Felix!

The overall storytelling was as entertaining as the Italian Job remake, which was a lot of fun to watch (Disclaimer: I love heist/con movies). I the script/story line would have provided the same level of support. The plot falls off the cliff (and since its got a great start its a tall cliff) about 60 % of the way into the movie.

Gerard Butler's character was pretty decent, his acting was okay too. Jamie Foxx also did pretty well (though I felt his character did not achieve the full potential).

Leslie Bibb's character was completely unnecessary for the movie. Initially I thought she was the outsider helping the insider, that would have been a cliche but at-least would have justified her existence. But no.

I am sure James Bond will crib about the lack of suave gadgets after the reboot of that franchise after seeing this movie.

The biggest problem with the movie, and where it fell apart was the point of it all and more importantly, if making the point was the point of it all then there was no good reason for sparing Jamie Foxx. He should have been the first on the list. Another issue with the logic was that there are over 5 prison facilities in Philly area, so digging under a prison with the assumption that it would be the prison where he would ultimately be held is quite a bit hopefull. Also having so many chances to quietly take him out, without any damages to governmental property, Jamie finally chooses to go with blow up option, taking out half of the governmental compound.

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Now, here's what I would have changed if I was in control.

* Give a good solid reason for not killing Jamie Foxx's character, maybe he is Gerard's child's god father and they have a history.

* Reduce the dependence on gadgetry and improve the wit factor.

* Not kill so many seemingly innocent folks (how ever obnoxious their characters might have been portrayed).

* Change the ending / maybe Jamie shoots him OR he escapes.