The Lincoln Lawyer - 2011

Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment

Directed by Brad Furman

Cast:

• Mick Haller – Matthew McConaughey
• Maggie McPherson – Marisa Tomei
• Louis Roulet – Ryan Phillipe
• Frank Levin – William H. Macy
• Ted Minton – Josh Lucas
• Val Valenzuela – John Leguizamo
• Jesus Martinez – Michael Pena
• Cecil Dobbs – Bob Gunton
• Mary Windsor – Frances Fisher
• Detective Lanksford – Bryan Cranston
• Eddie Vogel – Trace Adkins

Story: Ah, the life of a successful defense attorney in Los Angeles. All glamour and movie stars. Not! Matthew Haller realistically defends the scum of the Earth, and he knows it. His clients are drug dealers, murderers, and other criminals, but he comforts himself with the fact they pay well. His office is the back seat of his classic Lincoln Continental, and his part-time chauffeur and bodyguard is ready and observant. But sometimes, you have to actually defend a client who might be innocent, and if you lose, the fact that you failed at your job is likely to haunt you. That's what happens when another attorney, Val Valenzuela, drops a case in Haller's lap, a young man from a family with money accused of attempted rape and assault. His ex-wife is the prosecutor, and Haller discovers he is defending a guilty man, but a client of his who is serving time on death row may be innocent. How can Haller defend his client when he knows he is guilty?

Review: Okay, so not the most original plot, but some nice twists and turns. Matthew McConaughey gives a good performance in this courtroom drama, and is supported by an incredibly able cast. Veteran character actors William H. Macy and John Leguizamo add class and excitement with excellent portrayals of the investigator and the referring attorney. The remaining cast rises to their level, so we have a cast of professionals giving us a polished and entertaining production. The fact that two of the most beautiful ladies in film are included doesn't hurt. Marisa Tomei manages to keep her clothing on (unlike The Wrestler) in spite of a torrid love scene with McConaughey. And the absolutely beautiful Frances Fisher is incredible as the domineering mother of the accused who is footing the bill through her son. Kudos to Trace Adkins for a small but well done performance as the leader of the motorcycle gang who has Haller on retainer. (I guess no one is satisfied with just being an excellent singer and performer anymore.) Overall, the film is fast paced, well edited, and entertaining, exactly what a good movie should be. Rated R for violence, sexual innuendo, and language, this one is for the older teens and the adults. Too much explaining for the rug rats. Collectible? Not particularly, unless you are a fan of McConaughey, Tomei, or good courtroom drama.