not for kids
Violent vengeance thriller has lots of bloody brutality.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Law Abiding Citizen contains several scenes of extremely bloody violence -- in addition to the home invasion/robbery/attempted rape/murder sequence that it begins with, there's a brutal stabbing and a horrifying torture scene in which a chemically paralyzed man is strapped to a gurney and has his limbs and organs sliced off. Viewers don't see the actual slicing, but they do see the man's limbless, mutilated corpse, and some of the crueler acts are discussed at length. The matter-of-fact nature of the brutal scenes is particularly disquieting. There's also plenty of strong language, some sexual content (including partial nudity), drinking, and drug use.
- Families can talk about the movie's violence. How does the impact of the violence here compare to that of "torture porn" horror movies like Saw? Which is more upsetting, and why?
- Where's the line between vigilante justice and cold-blooded murder? Are we supposed to admire Clyde when he kills criminals, but not when he kills people at the district attorney's office?
- What's the difference between "justice" and "law"? Do pleabargains and other deals keep the mechanism of justice tunning smoothlyor divert it from its true intent?
The good stuff
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Messages: The plot's more philosophical points about the problems of the legal system are drowned out by its murders and gory violence.
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Role models: Clyde is a grief-stricken man on a brutal terrorist campaign of revenge; Nick is a career lawyer who, at first is more interested in his conviction rate than in fighting to uphold the letter of the law.
What to watch for
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Violence: Scenes of torture; also scenes in which a young child watches the torture on DVD. An attempted rape, which is called off in order to commit murder. A lethal injection is deliberately engineered to cause agony. Scenes of stabbing, shooting, beatings, and bombs going off -- both large incendiary devices and small, hand-held deathtraps. In one bloody, brutal, and shocking scene, a man is stabbed with a sharp object repeatedly in the jugular, with copious amounts of blood. Scenes of bloody corpses as well as people paralyzed by shellfish venom.
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Sex: Nude male and female buttocks. Discussions of sex acts in vulgar language.
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Language: Frequent strong language, including "f--k," "motherf--ker," "balls," "prick," "ass," "piss," "s--t," "bitch," "a--hole," "damn," "hell," "Jesus Christ," and more.
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Consumerism: Very few brands are shown/talked about, but Pepsi products are seen, and iPod is mentioned by name.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Cocaine use is shown; characters drink beer, wine, and liquor.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Tops My List by clairemiata
My boyfriend pratically dragged me to the theaters to see it and dragged me out to leave. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. An interesting look at how we as a so called civilized society handle so called law and order. A great topic to get any party started. I'm definately buying this when it comes to stores.
5
One of the best movies i seen at the theaters.. period by andrewjayman
first of all i would like to say that when i went into see this movie i thought it would be one of those that has all the good parts on the previews. from the start i gets you right to the edge of your seat and has you clinching the arm rests, which doesnt let up until the final showdown. i strongly recommend this movie, and might go see it again. if you want to see a lot of suspence and a lot of action then look no further!! trust me!!
5
This is a Phenomenal movie!! by 304Gadgetman
Just when I think Gerard Butler couldn't possibly get any better, he goes and teams up with Jamie Foxx and pulls out a rivetting drama like this ? truly amazing. Watching this movie unfold had me thinking that the human psyche is truly capable of doing the things that Butler accomplished in this movie. Given the resources, who among us could say that they wouldn't attempt some form of what Butler did? Foxx was an utter jerk in this picture, but it was the catalyst that Butler's character needed to go to the lengths to which he went. The way everything unfolded in the plot of this movie was truly phenomenal, and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Go see it if you haven't already!!!
5
Law Abiding Citizen by bahiaw
This was the best thriller I have seen in many years. Jaime Fox and Gerard Butler were outstanding in their 'cat & mouse' roles. Unbelievable twists and turns. Time well spent at the movies for a change!
This movie is strictly for an adult audience due to graphic violence and language.
4
Great Action, Good Storyline, Subplot Is Thin by rodneyc3
Lots of action and edge of the seat suspense. Gerard Butler plays an awesome bad guy. Jamie Foxx doesn't really stretch since he is an arrogant butt in real life. But I digress...
The main plot is very thriling and the twists really keep you totally engrossed in the movie. There are plenty of booms and gunplay, plus some very gorey death scenes. This is not for the faint of heart. It is one of the best action movies in quite a while.
But the storyline slips a bit when you get into the workings of city hall and the actions of the mayor. It is pretty weak. And of course, it makes no sense when the star has to be the hero and does tasks that the character would never do in real life. But of course this sets up the big climatic ending.
And one of my measures of any movie is how long did I feel that I was in the theater. This movie runs about two hours but at the end it was like I had one been there an hour. Time flew by and the action was well paced.
Great movie, Go See It!!
4
Violent by bonbon6219
I love Gerard Butler, and was expecting some violence, but this movie had more than I expected, and pretty brutal too, right from the get go.
Hated the ending, but overall, I would say it was ok.
5
Law Abiding Citizen by skipph
On a scale of 1 - 10 I rate this a 12! One of the best scripts I have seen in a long time. Movie is not predictable. In a few scenes you know whats coming but it startles you when it does. Not your typical shootem up!
Gerard Butler and Jamie Fox are excellent as foes in this movie. Fox gives it a touch of class in his portrayal. Butlers's role is somewhat predictable in his retributions but how he carries them out will come as a surprise at the end. Movie may have some Academy award potential in it's script and likely a supporting actor for Fox.
VERY entertaining movie and worth the price of admission, coke and popcorn. This movie lived up to and even exceeded my expectations.
Definitely a must go recommendation from this fan!
4
Law Abiding Citizen by stonesthrow2002
I have a 3 year old daughter so this movie got to me. It got to me because if anyone hurt my little ones, hell hath no furry like what I would bring. Saying that, I honestly think that those who don't have children won't like this movie much. You just won't understand a parent's overwhelming need to protect or it's rage as it pertains to their children. Before children, I wouldn't have either so it's understandable. Parenthood changes things. Parents, something in you will stir and you'll probably enjoy it. My wife isn't much for violence and cursing but she was just as happy as me to see people get what they deserved. For those that think this film is about revenge, you are missing the true point of this film. It's about changing perception and someone's sense of direction, altering their course to do what's right. The REVENGE plot is just a smoke screen. Understanding this piece of information, will probably allow you to enjoy this movie.
5
"Law Abiding Citizen" by CritiqueEye
Action, intrique, fast paced, and bloody!
Go see it.....edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next and when.
5
Awesome Movie! A must see! by LUV MOVIES N NY YANKEES
This movie really brings an array of emotions from beginning to end.
There is a lot of drama and shocking moments to make both eyes bulge wide open during the film.
You might jump at a particular scene or two.
The movie flows and there never is a dull moment.
Its intense, entertaining, and although I wish it would've ended differently, the entire movie is just brilliant and I can't wait to see it again.
I wont be a dopey reviewer and give all details away like some do. Go see it for yourself and enjoy!!!