Discover Gerard Butler’s Hidden Gem: A 26% Rotten Tomatoes Revenge Thriller Finds a New Streaming Platform

Law Abiding Citizen: A Spotlight on Vigilante Cinema Returns to Netflix

The Evolution of Vigilante Films

Vigilante films have undergone significant shifts in societal acceptance over the years. While mainstream cinema has evolved, the gritty appeal of vigilante characters like Charles Bronson in “Death Wish” remains a topic of debate. Films like Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver” have polarized audiences for decades. In 2009, “Law Abiding Citizen” attempted to reinvigorate the vigilante thriller genre by infusing it with a critique of the justice system.

Law Abiding Citizen’s Renewed Interest on Netflix

This October, “Law Abiding Citizen” returns to the spotlight as it becomes available for streaming on Netflix. The film, starring Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx, explores themes of justice and vengeance. Butler plays a man devastated by the murder of his family, while Foxx portrays a prosecutor whose plea deal leads to the release of the killer. Disillusioned by the failure of the justice system, Butler’s character resorts to his own brand of justice.

Critical Reception and Box Office Performance

Despite its intriguing premise, “Law Abiding Citizen” was met with mixed reviews. Critics aimed their disapproval at the film’s intense violence overshadowing its social commentary, resulting in a 26% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus described it as “unnecessarily violent and unflinchingly absurd,” marking it with subpar acting and an unrealistic plot. Nonetheless, the film managed to become moderately successful, grossing nearly $130 million globally against a budget of $50 million.

Director F. Gary Gray’s Career Trajectory

At the helm of “Law Abiding Citizen” was director F. Gary Gray, already renowned for the remake of “The Italian Job.” Following this film, he directed the acclaimed biopic “Straight Outta Compton” and the blockbuster “The Fate of the Furious,” which grossed over a billion dollars. Despite a challenging experience while directing “Men in Black: International,” Gray continued to build on his impressive filmography. His recent work, the heist comedy “Lift” starring Kevin Hart, debuted in 2024 on Netflix and can also be streamed as a light follow-up to “Law Abiding Citizen.”

Key Details

For those who are interested in revisiting this thrilling film or watching it for the first time, “Law Abiding Citizen” is now available on Netflix. Stay updated with Emegypt for more entertainment news and reviews.