logblog

From the minute I first saw that trailer, I knew I wanted to see this movie. “Lakeview Terrace” is the story of Abel Turner (Samuel L. Jackson), an aging cop and father of two children, both of which he controls with an iron fist. At first, we think Abel is just a strict father, correcting their grammar mistakes and forbidding his son to wear a Kobe Bryant jersey because of the things he stands for. As the movie continues, however, we find out that Abel is pretty intense about everything in his life and work. This is only accentuated when Chris and Lisa Mattson (Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington), an interracial couple (he’s white and she’s black) move next door. Abel pretty much does whatever he can to make sure the Mattsons know they are not welcome in his neighborhood, ranging from sneaky verbal abuse and bright security lights all the way to.. well you’ll have to see the movie to find out.

I really liked the movie. I thought the characters were very real (save some of the opening scenes in which the Mattsons were a little TOO happy for me, but I think that was necessary to contrast things that happen for them later in the story) and the plot was interesting. I found it thoughtful that Jackson’s villain was never straight up evil, but rather a complex character dealing with things that have happened to him in ways others might not choose.

And let me just tell you that it’s super appropriate that this movie about racial tension is TENSE! I wanted a suspense thriller and I got one. Every time I thought the movie might resolve in an anti-climactic cop out, it did the exact opposite, not finishing until a very suspenseful and satisfying ending was achieved.

Overall, I gotta say it was a great movie, and one that I would highly recommend. It’s scary, tense, and thought provoking, while never playing to stereotypes or becoming offensive (in my opinion). My only complaint is that they call the Mattson’s house a “starter house,” and I would LOVE if that house was my starter house. I mean, it was a freakin’ mansion.

Go see the movie, folks! It was a good’n!