Rating:MA 15+
Running Time: 119 minutes
Release Date: 31 March 2011
The Lincoln Lawyer stars Matthew McConaughey as brash defence attorney Mick Haller who conducts his business from the back of his Lincoln town car driven by chauffeur, Erle (Laurence Mason). He also comes under fire from the DA’s office for his successful defence of common criminals, prostitutes and bikers.However Mick dreams of high priced retainers and upmarket clientele which finally come true when he lands wealthy, Beverley Hills playboy, Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillipe) on charges of attempted murder. To assist the case, Haller engages the services of Investigator Frank Levin (Willian H. Macy) but the more they unearth the more complex it gets.
Directed by relative rookie, Brad Furman the screenplay adapted by John Romano is based on the novel of the same name by Michael Connolly. In this crime thriller the usual courtroom drama, twists, turns and last minute tactics are employed. McConaughey (How to lose a Guy in 10 Days) is perfectly cast as the cocky, smooth talking lawyer so much so that he doesn’t even have to act. He also manages to keep his shirt on throughout the film except for two brief moments which aren’t purely gratuitous. Marisa Tomei is great as his ex-wife and moral compass, Maggie. Her character brings some much needed depth to McConaughey’s role, preventing him from being merely a caricature. Ryan Phillipe’s (Cruel Intentions) performance sparring with McConaughey is chameleon like and enchanting. The other supporting cast in William H. Macy and Frances Fisher as Phillipe’s socialite mother are also stellar in their roles.
Even though the storyline is somewhat predictable, the great casting, acting and slick production values right down to the opening credits make this film entertaining. SmarmyMcConaughey makes this film so it’s hard to image anyone else in this part. The dialogue is engaging and it is well paced to keep you interested throughout.
Thoroughly enjoyable 3/5 stars
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