The Lincoln Lawyer

Defense lawyer Mick Haller (Matthew McConaughey) is as slick as they come, known for his ability to work the legal system and work miracles for the lowest of the low. But, when Mick takes on a new client, Louis (Ryan Phillippe), he begins to question what it is to be a defense attorney, especially when he learns his client is not only guilty of the crime he’s accused of but also several murders. Now the question becomes how to keep his ex, Maggie (Marisa Tomei) and his daughter, safe. One part suspense, one part courtroom procedural, and one part Columbo and you’ve got the makings for a fresh script. Based on Michael Connelly’s novel, this adapted screenplay plays well, breaks the audience’s expectations of a surprise twist, and chooses to focus instead on telling a good story. Interesting and well acted characters keep the story moving forward– which proves it doesn’t necessarily take explosions, car chases, shoot outs, or special effects to make a Hollywood based film succeed. Worth at least a matinee. The Lincoln Lawyer is rated R.