Shooter - 2007

Paramount Pictures, Di Bonaventura Pictures, Grosvenor Park Impact Productions

Directed by Antoine Fuqua

Cast:

• Bob Lee Swagger – Mark Wahlberg
• Nick Memphis – Michael Pena
• Col. Isaac Johnson – Danny Glover
• Sarah Fenn – Kate Mara
• Jack Payne – Elias Koteas
• Alourdes Galindo – Rhona Mitra
• Michael Sandor – Rade Serbedzija
• Sen. Charles Meachem – Ned Beatty

Story: A Marine Sniper and his spotter are assigned to a covert operation with the CIA in Africa. As the team they are covering is withdrawing, they take out enemy targets, but they are much larger and better equipped than they were led to believe. During the battle, the spotter is killed, but the sniper, Sgt. Bob Lee Swagger, manages to escape without the support of the team in charge of the operation. Two weeks later, the CIA operative in charge suddenly disappears without a trace, and Swagger retires. Three years later, Swagger is living alone in the mountains, his only companion his dog. He gets a visit from Col. Johnson who wants Bob Lee to plan an assassination of the President in order to prevent the real thing from taking place, or so he is told. Systematically, Bob Lee is framed for the assassination of an African Archbishop who is on the dais with the President during a speech in Philadelphia, and he enlists the aid of his spotter's ex-wife and a suspended FBI agent to get to the bottom of the matter and prove his innocence.

Review: Don't you wish guys like this existed? Along the lines of Batman and The Punisher, this character is the epitome of a modern “superhero” who survives attempt after attempt to kill him and ultimately knows the game of war better than the professionals. Mark Wahlberg is exceptionally suited to this role as the rough and tough Marine disillusioned at his country's treatment and sanctioning of “black ops” while abandoning the men who carry them out. Michael Pena is the young FBI agent overcome by Wahlberg as he is making his escape from the men trying to kill him. Pena develops the character with finesse, so you believe the transition he undergoes from FBI agent to Swagger's assistant and contemporary. Kate Mara as Sarah Fenn is refreshing and believable, moving from confusion to commitment to rage in her efforts to help Swagger. Elias Koteas is the brutal, cold and ruthless enforcer whose experiences have led him to believe he is above the law. Both Danny Glover and Ned Beatty are impeccable as Col. Johnson and Sen. Meachem, the villains behind the scene, all more villainous because the operate under the guise of law. Overall the film is quick and tight, with clearly defined good guys and bad guys, and the cinematography, photography, and script are a perfect fit. Rated R for violence, language, and sexual sadism, it is sad to say the teens have probably seen this level of violence in the online games they play, but the little ones probably don't need to see it. Collectible if you like action genre films, or just like good stories.

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.