“The hungry rabbit jumps.” —Simon
Today’s quick review: Seeking Justice. Will Gerard (Nicolas Cage), a New Orleans high school teacher, makes a desperate decision when his wife Laura (January Jones) is raped: he accepts an offer from a stranger named Simon (Guy Pearce) to have the culprit killed in exchange for a favor. But when Will’s favor comes due, he must choose between performing the questionable deeds Simon wants from him and crossing a dangerous man with eyes everywhere.
Seeking Justice is a crime thriller with a good plot and a dash of action. The movie revolves around a shadowy organization that lets ordinary citizens get justice outside the legal system in exchange for helping out with later operations. Having introduced its premise, Seeking Justice keeps its cards close to its chest. It is up to Will to determine how far he is willing to get involved and how to get himself out when things go too far.
To its credit, Seeking Justice actually has an interesting plot. Simon’s organization has a nice sense of menace to it without feeling too overblown. The mystery of just what Will has gotten himself into unfolds at a steady pace, and its twists are generally rewarding. The movie also balances its tone well: tense but not frightening, violent but not gruesome, and just plausible enough to hook the viewer.
Beyond these qualities, Seeking Justice is a midrate thriller. The script holds the plot together and avoids any major problems, but it is missing the extra edge that the best crime thrillers have. Nicolas Cage turns in a serviceable performance as Will Gerard, while Guy Pearce does an impressive job with Simon. Seeking Justice also shifts its focus over time, leaving its early questions about rape and vigilantism by the wayside in favor of the main plot.
Watch Seeking Justice if you are in the mood for a competent, plot-driven thriller. Seeking Justice lacks the quality to impress viewers with high standards, but those who buy into its premise will find the movie worthwhile. Skip it if you are looking for flawless writing or real action. For a thriller with a similar mystery and science fiction elements, check out The Adjustment Bureau. For an edgy drama that touches on similar ideas, check out Fight Club.
6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for an interesting premise and decent execution.