Samuel L. Jackson Steals Show in Otherwise Mild Thriller

Lakeview Terrace, which is directed by Neil LaBute is simply a tale of racism. It's a different kind of racism that we've seen or read about in the past and in the movies, but undoubtedly one that people struggle with in this modern day. LaBute has a distinct style of keeping people in suspense. His last work, the disastrous 2006 remake of The Wicker Man, kinda showed that, but to very little effect. It's put it to slightly more effect here, but we end up with nearly the same results.

The story centers around Samuel L. Jackson's character, Abel Turner. He's a devoted father, very protective of his two children. He shows this by treating his house like a military base. Abel is also a Los Angeles police officer. He's one of those cops that doesn't mind putting the law into his own hands. A nerve of Abel's is struck when an inter-racial couple move in next door. They are Chris (Patrick Wilson) and Lisa (Kerry Washington), newlyweds. From the moment they arrive, Abel keeps a close eye on them. He plays off as being the nice neighbor, but at the same time, shines his brightly lit backyard lights right into their window. Chris has a couple of secrets from his wife, one of them being that he sucks down a cigarette before he goes in the house. Abel makes it his duty to inform her of this. He does everything possible to make their lives miserable, which includes having a fellow officer's bachelor party moved to his place. He gives them hell, right to the boiling point.

Samuel L. Jackson takes the cake here. He's the whole show. He may do a bit of overacting, but his steel-eyed glare is enough to send a shiver down anyone's spine. The film starts out building a nice suspenseful plane, but never quite reaches the point where we eagerly grasp our arm rests, slide to the edge of the seat, and ask, "What's gonna happen next?" Instead, we're left with a glassy stare. Wilson and Washington don't bring much to the screen. In fact, their characters are rather dull. Now, it should be noted that Lake View Terrace was also the area where Rodney King was attacked by police officers in 1991, and yes, his name and famous quote are mentioned in this film. There is also a subplot involving a forest fire that's steadily heading towards the area. Now, I imagine that this is to set it in a current real life situation, but it comes off rather pointless and a bit unnecessary. Still, there is an entertainment value to behold, mainly thanks to the works of Jackson. You can enjoy watching him any day.

3 stars