The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

None of its many flaws are considerable enough to affect the efficiency of this fine thriller. Entertaining for the qualities of a well-constructed and realistic novel from Michael Connelly to which the screenplay do justice and a surprisingly great comeback by Matthew McConaughey, The Lincoln Lawyer happens to make us want to see McConaughey in the same role again, supported by a very decent cast (except Ryan Philippe who is awful as always) It is a visually-appealing (though without justification) achievement that doesn't bring anything new to the genre, but still remains great fun.

Mick Haller: Are you sure there's not anything that you're not telling me?

For a March release coming out a week after winter's summer film - Battle: Los Angeles, it certainly feels like The Lincoln Lawyer is quite the event itself. Ads have been everywhere for this movie, but I can certainly see its appeal. There is a large list of actors involved, the story is based off of a bestselling novel, and courtroom dramas tend to be quite appealing for audiences. It helps that the film is very entertaining, with strong performances from many of these actors. I also can't help but think that rolling around in a black Lincoln may cause some attraction as well.

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Los Angeles criminal attorney represents a rich Beverly Hills playboy accused of rape and attempted murder. What seems simple becomes complex as the facts of the case unfold in this captivating legal thriller. Fascinating complications arise that introduce doubt concerning how our hero will handle the defense. The viewer feels just as invested in the proceedings. Is he in over his head or can he rise to the challenge? It's these twists that keep the audience guessing and maintains the exciting action all through the picture. Matthew McConaughey is charismatic as the titular lawyer, so named because he operates out of the back of his Lincoln Town car. His office of choice is only one of several humorous touches that appealingly add to his slightly goofy character. He delivers some witty quips too. It's arguably his best performance since A Time to Kill and it's nice to see him do more than just coast on his good looks. Director Brad Furman occasionally tries to punch up the visuals with slick camera tricks. Unnecessary considering the plot is riveting enough. There are also a few too many climaxes which lessen the more powerful impact of a simple conclusion. One ending would've been sufficient. Those minor flaws aside, this is a very satisfying story that explores legal ethics intelligently and manages to inject humor as well. A welcome return to greatness for McConaughey and for intelligent courtroom drama.

Matthew McConaughey plays Mickey Haller, a smoother-than-silk-on-satin LA criminal defense attorney whose office is inside of a Lincoln sedan. He represents an entire variety of career criminals and sleeps well at night after getting them off; until he comes across a case that turns his world upside down.

Loved it. McConaughey is famous for his goofy romantic comedies so it was a nice change of pace seeing him in a legal crime drama. He was so effortlessly cool and I loved the vintage R&B; and hip-hop soundtrack, it really flowed with the atmosphere. What was funny was that Ryan Phillippe who plays his sleazy client played his role so well that I think its only going to feed into America's view of him as a jerk. And William H. Macy was likeable as always.

McConaughey's charm was definitely an asset to him in this film. He seems to be an amoral "ambulance chaser" with no qualms about representing meth producers, murderers or drug mules, yet he and his ex-wife (Marisa Tomei) are amicably separated and dote on their young daughter. For a role that clearly reads "sleazy" and "soulless," you can't help but like him and actually root for him. It has the usual twists and turns you'd expect in a murky criminal case, something you'd expect to see on an episode of Law & Order: SVU, but its the characters (McConaughey specifically) that draw you in and keep you seated.