Law Abiding Citizen Film Review

Another late review for a film that has been out for about a week, and it just so happens to be another Gerard Butler film. This time I was able to enjoy the film in a decent cinema, one that did not involve a waiter and a pub. Nope for this film I went to the Cinemagic in Hooksett NH.

The first feelings I had about the film when walking into auditorium one was "this movie must suck!" due to the fact that the auditorium was one of the smallest in the cinema. After finding my seat and drinking half of my large Coca-Cola the previews began. I knew I was in for one hell of a ride just by the trailers before the feature. I was graced with the preview of the upcoming horror film The Crazies which I presume is a remake that I know very little about but I am hooked to learn more just from the trailer.

Moving beyond the digression and onto the main event, the film was entertaining. I was not, however, on the edge of my seat. I had seen one too many Quentin Tarantino films to be shocked by brutal torture, violence and exploding heads. Thanks to the brilliant Tarantino I am cursed with being the only one in the audience laughing. While I am on this digression, I think I will go ahead and say that if you are a Tarantino fan go see this movie if you have not already.

The movie is almost predictable, however it stumps you just when you think you have figured it out. Gerard Butler displays his character very well. A man who has lost everything and never got justice, his emotions and empathy are dead and dumped in a dumpster. Butler shows us just how evil any human can be, but also how human it is to be inhumane. Although the character has lost his sense of reason and is definitly the antagonist, you are still cheering for him.

Aside from Butler, his co-star Jamie Foxx excells. His character is not likable. He is only thinking about one person and one person alone, himself. Foxx does his job with great integrity and emotionality. Like a child being awoken to the real and cruel world.

The film is as stated in several reviews, fast paste. The beginning hits you hard like a baseball bat to the face. The stage is set, then the chaos consumes the whole thing and closes with a bang.

Enough with praising the film, it is time for me to point out what I did not enjoy. The ending was the only real pain that had to be endured. I do not plan on giving it away, in case you happen to be reading this before ever seeing the film, do not worry. The ending was blatant hollywood fiction. All realism left the second the end began. It carried out the emotionality of the film and brought it to a close, but it was very unsatisfying.

All in all the film was great. I recommend it. Performances were fantastic, script was decent and the suspense was vivid.

A Nightmare On Elm Street Preview

When I first learned that there was going to be a remake of A Nightmare On Elm Street, my ultimately favorite 80's horror flick, I had mixed feelings. The only real thought that was traveling through my head was "if Robert Englund does not reprise his role as the ultimate villain Freddy Kruger I am not giving a rat's ass about this film." However doing further studies I learned as to who was going to take on the role.

Jackie Earle Haley is nothing more than an ingenious choice of an actor for this role. After watching him perform as Rorschach in the adaptation of Alan Moore's "Watchmen" my faith in the remake had been brought from neutral to ecstatic. There was no doubt in my head that a brilliant actor such as Haley could only better one of the best and classic horror villains to date. (But don't get me wrong Robert Englund is forever the best Freddy Kruger).

When I went to sign onto my neglected myspace page, I noticed a very large and cool looking link that lead to the new teaser trailer for the upcoming remake. Naturally I had to click on it. After waiting for a good fifteen minutes for the myspace player to buffer the two minute video, I was able to watch the trailer without interruption except for perhaps squeaking like a school girl in excitement.

All in all I was blown away by the trailer. I can't really say much about what is good and what is bad about this film yet on account not a lot of facts where given. It looks like they may have taken some liberties with the Kruger background. Yes he was killed by angry parents in a factory. Yes he was burned to death. However, from what is shown it looks like Kruger may have been a wrongfully accused child murderer unlike in the original when he was a blatant child murderer. This would make more sense for a spirit to come back and seek revenge like Freddy does. If he was evil and then killed things would work out and he'd probably just be gone, but with if he was wrongfully punished he has a reason to stay. However, I cannot say for sure becaus the trailer was only two minutes. I do think it would be pretty neat to see an innocent Freddy take revenge than the usual guilty Freddy.

From what I have seen in the trailer it also looks like they may have included several scenes and situations from several of the other old films rather than just the original one. Which is good becuase some of the best deaths were in the other ones. Let's just hope they keep Johnny Depps classic scene of getting swallowed by the bed! The idea that they'll be combining films is good in my opinion becuase then we won't have to put up with terrible remake sequels and can keep A Nightmare on Elm Street just one good solid horror flick.

I look forward to seeing this in the cinema and can't wait for it's release. It is set to release April 30th of next year. Do expect a full review when that time comes.

-Dalton