Lakeview Terrace
Studio: Screen Gems/Sony Pictures Entertainment; Overbrook Entertainment
Rated PG-13 for intense thematic material, violence, sexuality, language and some drug references
This movie tells the story of a gated community, and the gated lifestyle of one of its residents. It takes place in the hot, dry backdrop of suburban Los Angeles in summer, which gives no respite to the fiery feelings running rampant in the cozy cul-de-sac.
Abel Turner (Samuel L. Jackson in a role that beckons to his over-the-top tough-guy roles without being too over-the top) and his two children Celia and Marcus live here together; Abel is a loving if controlling father, and very strong in his beliefs. Abel’s a police officer with the LAPD, and his jaded attitude doesn’t seem to extend to his co-workers. One day a new family moves in next door; they just happen to be interracial. Chris Mattson (Patrick Wilson, soon to star in what will surely be one of the best comic-book-to-movie adaptations this decade, Watchmen) and his wife Lisa face many difficulties in their new home, not least of which being their new neighbor’s racist attitudes and outlook. He’ll do anything to force this new happy couple out, and when the brush fires so prevalent this time of year start up again and threaten to engulf the peaceful cul-de-sac, tensions and hostility rise, hotter than ever.
The movie shows Abel at work in a domestic dispute situation, and when he chooses to strike his quarry, Internal Affairs chooses to give him some time off. This doesn’t bode well for his temper or his attitude, as our frayed couple soon find out. The movie’s climax is tense, but cathartic; though, no spoilers will be here! You’ll have to see the movie to see how things turn out.
Sam Jackson is great in his role as Abel, a tough, racist cop who doesn’t really care about anything or anyone besides what he wants and what he believes is best for his children. Get in the way of him or his beliefs, and he’ll give you a lesson you won’t soon forget.
Patrick Wilson plays the role of the loving husband pushed to extremes by circumstances beyond his control, and does it well. He doesn’t take any huge, implausible revenge on his stubborn neighbor, but realizes the value of talking out his problems.
Rating: **** (I had no complaints; the movie did what it set out to do, no more, no less.)<–>