‘Terrace’ plot terrible
While Samuel L. Jackson (“Jumper”) does play the ultimate antagonist in “Lakeview Terrace,” the film’s true assailant is the irritating and uncomfortable plot.
Samuel L. Jackson plays the racist neighbor to the newlywed character played by Patrick Wilson. Photo from Movieweb.com
Interracial couple Chris (Patrick Wilson, “Evening”) and Lisa (Kerry Washington, “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”) Mattson have just bought a gorgeous new house on Lakeview Terrace. Located on top of a hill overlooking the Los Angeles valley area, it seems to be the perfect location. That is, until they meet their disturbing and racist neighbor, Abel Turner, who also happens to be a cop. With the law on his side, Abel pushes the Mattsons to their limits and forces them to decide whether or not Lakeview Terrace is going to be their permanent address.
When Sony/Screen Gems began its marketing campaign for Lakeview Terrace, they primarily focused on the downfalls of living next to an annoying neighbor. They also promoted the lack of options to resolve a conflict when that neighbor is a cop. What they purposely did not mention is the reason behind the neighbor’s contempt is due to their interracial relationship.
Making a movie with historical context about racism is one thing, but making a film about an overzealous racist neighbor only for the purpose of entertainment is another. “Lakeview Terrace” focuses so heavily on Abel’s hatred towards the interracial couple, it often becomes extremely awkward and difficult to watch.
Director Neil LaBute may have wanted to show that these tensions still exist, but he does it in such a poor fashion that his thriller quickly becomes a tragedy.
Whether or not the script was proper, Jackson undoubtedly was the best possible candidate for the job. For years he has been the ultimate intimidator. Highlights include Jules, the bible-quoting hit man in “Pulp Fiction” and the raving alcoholic insurance salesman in “Changing Lanes.” In this movie, Jackson creates a truly disturbing character that will literally stop at nothing to get his way.
A prime example of his instability comes while chasing after a suspect while on duty. When Able corners the suspect, the man threatens to kill himself with the shotgun he is holding. Cool as can be, Able walks over, pumps the gun and says, “Pull the trigger! If you are going to do it, do it!” This leads to the man undoubtedly soiling his pants and Abel taking the gun only to then knock the guy over with it while asking, “What the hell’s the matter with you?”
Wilson and the stunningly beautiful Washington do a great job of countering Jackson’s part by playing the innocent newlywed couple. Through all of their problems with Abel and the decision of whether or not to start a family, the chemistry is obvious and the audience can be assured that when the credits role, they will still be together.
Even with the convincing acting, the ridiculous events make the movie feel like fiction, instead of real life. From the Mattsons’ air conditioning getting cut to Abel attacking Chris with a chainsaw through a fence, the outcome is more humorous than threatening.
While “Lakeview Terrace” had the potential to be as thrilling as last year’s “Disturbia,” the socially inept plot makes for one unpleasant theater going experience.
Jay Brissenden can be reached at jbrissenden@nevadasagebrush.com
‘Lakeview Terrace’
Release Date: Sept. 19
Director: Neil LaBute
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington
Genre: Thriller, Suspense
Rating: PG-13 for intense thematic material, violence, sexuality, language and some drug references.
Grade: C-
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 at 12:57 am and is filed under Arts & Entertainment, Film Reviews, Vibe.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Print this post
Email this post© 2008 The Nevada Sagebrush
