Law-Abiding Citizen (2009)

Gerard Butler further burnishes his tough-guy image in Law-Abiding Citizen, a gritty thriller that reminds us how grit is something that grates the teeth and is not made from hominy. Butler is Clyde Shelton, a man who not only nurtures a grudge with the justice system for ten years following a trial of the murderer of his little girl but he has the unique skills to carry out a plan for vengeance so complex that no one can foresee each devastating assault or explosion. How does he do it -- and does he have help? The police stumble onto part of the solution midway through the plot or they never would have stopped this guy. It's a revenge movie unlike any other I've seen -- perhaps like The Usual Suspects meets Prison Break with a touch of Swordfish. It will hold you to your seat! 4.5 stars. (9-2-10 posted 9-19-10)