Law Abiding Citizen

Law Abiding Citizen

I just came back from the cinema where I watched “Law Abiding Citizen“.  I vaguely remember seeing a trailer for this film, but other than that it wasn’t ringing any bells or setting any expectations.  Even though 7.3/10 IMDB rating was promising.

The film turned out to be rather awesome!  From the first scenes it looked like it had enough of everything – drama, action, plot twists, etc.  It also felt nicely paced – not too fast, and not too slow.  And it was getting better with every scene.  I was somehow thinking that it would turn into one of those numerous revenge movies, where you could see through and predict things easily, but it didn’t.  Just when I thought I had it figured, the plot was taking another twist, turning the movie even more interesting.

It’s difficult to talk about specifics without giving spoilers away, but I’ll try.  While, as I said, I really enjoyed the film, the ending wasn’t up to the par with the rest of the film. It felt hurried into and even like it was from another movie or something.  I would prefer a different one.  But if there was a chance to shift the movie anywhere, I’d start the opposite direction after the scene with the judge.

Again, cryptically speaking to avoid spoilers, I think the film raises an excellent point on the fight of good and evil.  And, unlike many other movies that do the same, there is some really big and strong evil.  And, again, unlike in many other movies, the good is represented mighty powerful even if outnumbered.  And there is the fight between the two for the whole film.  But the ending spoils the fight a bit, since the fight and the whole point of counter-balancing one with another fades away for something else.  And I am not even sure what that something else is.

Anyway, nevermind the rant.  If you watch the film, you’ll know what I am talking about.  And I highly recommend that you do.  There is something for everyone and there is a lot for people who like this type of films.  5 stars.

Be Cool

Be Cool” is ought to be one of the less promoted celebrity full movies of all times. I haven’t heard anything about this film until today – no posters, no trailers, no rumors – nothing.

Directed by: F. Gary Gray
Genres: Comedy, Crime, Music
Cast: John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Vince Vaughn, Cedric the Entertainer, André 3000, Steven Tyler, Robert Pastorelli, Christina Milian, Paul Adelstein, Debi Mazar, Gregory Alan Williams, Harvey Keitel, The Rock, Danny DeVito, James Woods
IMDB raintg: 5.5
My rating: 7.5 [rate 7.5]

John Travolta is dancing with Uma Thurman in the movie with Harvey Keitel and it’s not “Pulp Fiction”? Yes. Danny DeVito is in and the film is both a comedy and a crime movie? Yes. The Rock is playing a gay guy and he’s got more screen time than Aerosmith voice Steven Tyler who is also in the movie? Yes. Vince Vaughn is in too and he’s trying to make out for more than himself. See, he thinks that he’s black and he sounds like Samuel Jackson half the time and like Snoop Dog the other half. And I haven’t even named half of the people yet.

The story is rather cliche, but it’s done well. In a nutshell – lots of criminals and show businessmen are trying to get over each other over money and power. But it has lots of charm and humor to it. Cedric the Entertainer plays a leader of a crime gang. But he lives in a good neighborhood himself and has Harward education behind his back. The monologou on racism was outstanding! Oh, and his gang is great too. Especially his first assistant.

There are lots and lots of things happening on the background. They are those nice touches that make up a movie. A Russian mafia guy with two black eyes and a rig, floored armchairs in Uma’s house, her wearing a “Widow” t-shirt after her husband was killed in the first two minutes of the movie – these and lots more is what made the film so good.

Character development and dialogues were outstanding.

Additionally, it was perfect technically. Camera work was great. Soundtrack – excellent. Costume and decor designs – fantastic. Especially costumes. Some of them were changing like for every scene of the movie (Uma’s), and other’s stayed the same during all the time (Travolta’s).

Now, all of that was perfect. The only thing that is offsetting this film is the story. An original plot would have made this one into a perfect movie. As it is, it’ll stay on my “Very good” shelf.