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.

The Ides of March - 2011

Cross Creek Pictures, Exclusive Media Group, Smoke House

Directed by George Clooney

Cast:

• Governor Mike Morris – George Clooney
• Stephen Meyers – Ryan Gosling
• Paul Zara – Phillip Seymour Hoffman
• Tom Duffy – Paul Giamatti
• Molly Stearns – Evan Rachel Wood
• Ida Horowicz – Marisa Tomei
• Senator Thompson – Jeffrey Wright

Story: In Ohio, the hotly contested race for the Democratic Presidential Nomination is on, Governor Morris's team is making deals, advising their candidate, and trying to keep ahead of the opponent. The bright young assistant campaign manager is working with the interns, keeping them hopping by doing all the leg work while he is busy analyzing the data. He soon discovers two problems. First, he finds out a 20 year old intern is pregnant...by the candidate. Second, he gets a call from the campaign manager of the opponent. Things quickly deteriorate from that point, and he has to decide if he will play hard ball with the big boys or take his football and go home. A well written and well directed political drama that will keep you riveted to the screen.

Review: This is not Clooney's first time in the director's chair, and his abilities as a director and an actor are constantly improving. While the film is about the Presidential race, the action centers around Gosling's character, and he seems to segue nicely from his previous romantic comedy - action adventure roles into something a bit more serious. His connection with Evan Rachel Wood is touching and real, something that might happen in the discreet world of politics, and his hypocrisy and elitist attitude is concealed in their affair. Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti are dynamic and powerful as the opposing campaign managers, and Marisa Tomei is the investigative reporter who knows how to twist the arm of her sources. Clooney also wrote the screenplay. An overall tour de force for Clooney, with solid acting, smooth action, and a surprising twist at the end. Sex and language prevent this from being a family film, but the adults and later teens will be enthralled by the accuracy of the campaign process. Collectible if you like politics.