Law Abiding Citizen (2009) Thriller Drama Action Crime

Rated R | Threatrical Oct 16, 2009 (US) | Genres Thriller, Drama, Action, Crime | Runtime 1h 49m
Law Abiding Citizen (2009) Thriller Drama Action Crime Poster

Law Abiding Citizen Plot Synopsis:

Clyde Shelton's family is brutally murdered. The ones responsible are caught. However, because of improper procedure, the D.A., Nick Rice only has circumstantial evidence. So he decides to get one of them to testify against the other. When Shelton learns of this, he is not happy. Ten years later, the one who was convicted is being executed but something goes wrong; his execution goes awry and he suffers. They learn that someone tampered with the machine. And the other one is found dead, killed in a gruesome manner. Rice suspects Shelton, so he has him picked up. At first, Shelton agrees to a plea agreement with Rice but changes his mind. It appears that Shelton is not done, it appears he blames the whole system and is declaring war on it going after everyone involved with his family's case. So Rice has to stop him but Shelton is way ahead of him.


Synopsis / Plot Summary: A frustrated man decides to take justice into his own hands after a plea bargain sets one of his family"s killers free. He targets not only the killer but also the district attorney and others involved in the deal.

Tagline: The System Must Pay

Why Watch Law Abiding Citizen

“Law Abiding Citizen” from 2009 is a pretty intense thriller. It’s about this guy, Clyde Shelton, who’s really smart and basically becomes a vigilante. His family was attacked, and he’s super upset about how the legal system handled the case. So, he decides to take matters into his own hands to get justice.

The other main character is Nick Rice, a prosecutor. He's the one who made the deal that got one of the attackers a lighter sentence, which is what sets off Clyde. The movie turns into this cat-and-mouse game between Clyde and Nick. Clyde’s like this mastermind, setting up these wild and super calculated plans to make everyone involved in the trial pay.

What’s gripping about “Law Abiding Citizen” is how it makes you think about justice and what’s right or wrong. Clyde’s doing some really intense stuff, but you also kind of get why he's so angry. Nick, on the other hand, is trying to do his job, but he’s also got to face the consequences of his decisions.

The movie’s got a bunch of suspense and some pretty wild scenes where Clyde’s plans unfold. It’s not just action – it also makes you question the justice system and what you’d do in Clyde’s shoes.

“Law Abiding Citizen” is a solid pick if you like movies that are thrilling but also make you think. It’s got that mix of action and a storyline that’s about more than just the chase. Just be ready for some intense moments and a story that keeps you guessing what’s going to happen next!

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Official Trailer

  • Law Abiding Citizen Official Trailer

Law Abiding Citizen Movie Information:

Type: Movie
Year: 2009 (more 2009 movies)
MPAA Rating: R
Runtime: 109 minutes /
Genres:  Thriller, Drama, Action, Crime
Directors: F. Gary Gray
Stars: Jamie Foxx, Gerard Butler, Colm Meaney, Bruce McGill, Leslie Bibb … (cast list)
Release Date: Theatrical Release Date Oct 16, 2009
Box Office: $73,357,727
Awards: 3
Nominations: 5
Language: English
Country: United States
Release Dates: Movie Release Dates / Law Abiding Citizen Release Dates In Theaters: Oct 16, 2009
Producers: Gerard Butler, Lucas Foster, Dave Gare, Mark Gill, Michael Goguen, Robert Katz, Neil Sacker, Alan Siegel, Gregory Veeser, Ian Watermeier, Jeff G. Waxman, Kurt Wimmer
Musicians: Brian Tyler
Cinematographers: Jonathan Sela
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