Director: Brad Furman
Novel: Michael Connelly
Screenplay: John Romano
Producers: Sidney Kimmel, Gary Lucchesi, Tom Rosenberg, Scott Steindorff, Richard S. Wright
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe, William H. Macy, Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, John Leguizamo
MPAA Rating: R
Running time: 118 min.

(3.5/5)

When early screenings of director Brad Furman’s The Lincoln Lawyer started to generate a bit of positive buzz, I was more than a little surprised. The trailer hadn’t looked particularly good and as much as I like Matthew McConaughey, I haven’t seen a movie of his I’ve enjoyed since 2005’s Sahara and it’s been even longer since he’s been good on screen (I’m thinking 1999’s Edtv). Add in Ryan Phillippe who is generally uninteresting onscreen and you have a duo which leave me wanting for more. I needed to see for myself what all the hubbub was about and I’m quite happy I did.

The story is based on Michael Connelly’s novel, the title of which comes from the fact that McConaughey’s Mick Haller is a lawyer that conducts a pretty big chunk of his business from the back seat of his old school Lincoln. He makes a living defending questionable characters; as long as you can pay the fees, he’s happy to represent you. And then his bail bondsman buddy Val (John Leguizamo in a great small performance) gives him news of an assault and battery case across town involving a young man who’s loaded and whose family is willing to put up some pricey real estate to secure release. Seeing dollar signs, Haller checks it out and soon finds himself in the middle of a case he doesn’t want but is unable to get out of; something to do with his conscience and his father’s warning never to put an innocent man in jail.

The Lincoln Lawyer actually has a couple of interesting twists, a few of which I didn’t see coming but this isn’t a movie that’s trying to confuse you about the details. Things are laid out in an easy to follow manner, evidence is shared with the audience as is information that unfolds the case bit by bit. This isn’t much of a mystery, that’s not the story here, but John Romano, who adapted Connelly’s book, gets kudos for his ability to spread information effectively, revealing information at key points to keep the audience interested. We get enough to stay on board with the story but not enough to figure it all out too early and even when we do figure it out, there’s still enough of an emotional pull that you want to know how it’s going to play out.

This isn’t the first time McConaughey has played a lawyer and it’s a role that suits him well. I think it’s something to do with his ability to be both a bit of a dick and completely likeable at the same time. It plays well into these slightly shady characters who are doing good works while sometimes crossing the line just a little. He’s charismatic and plays down and out quite well. The supporting cast is also impressive including good performances from Marisa Tomei as Haller’s ex-wife (and this isn’t the scream at each other type of relationship – far from it), William H. Macy as Haller’s investigator, and Josh Lucas as the District Attorney. There’s also a long list of bit players including Frances Fisher, Michael Peña and Bryan Cranston among others who round out an impressive supporting cast.

Furman’s direction is good but I felt that he was trying to imitate Michael Mann’s style and not quite succeeding yet in spite of the occasionally annoying zooms The Lincoln Lawyer, like Unstoppable, takes familiar material and delivers a solid, entertaining drama. The 70s inspired opening credit sequence complete with porn-like soundtrack didn’t hurt either.