The Lincoln Lawyer

The Verdict Is In!

Director: Brad Furman

Writer: John Romano, Michael Connelly

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe, William H. Macy, Josh Lucas, Michael Peña, John Leguizamo

RANT: I have even more good news. As I watched the workers come out of theater 1 at the Regal theater that I frequent in Westbury, NY, I was informed that IMAX theater to be operational in April will be open this coming weekend. Just in time for Sucker Punch!

SYNOPSIS: Mick Haller is requested specifically to take on a defense for a rich young man. During the investigation and trial, he finds more truth than he bargains for.

Director Brad Furman brings Michael Connelly's The Lincoln Lawyer to the big screen. Main character lawyer Mick Haller is embodied in the slick coolness and charisma that only Matthew McConaughey can bring. With a wink and a smile, Haller manages to glide effortlessly through the courtrooms, working the system to his advantage. Even his ex-wife still has a soft spot in her heart and bed for Mick, even though their reasons for separate become obvious.

The film is part courtroom drama, part whodunit, all McConaughey! Not a stranger to the inside of a courtroom with A Time To Kill, McConaughey comes out on top with The Lincoln Lawyer. With a string of recent, not-so-spectacular films, this movie will return some luster to his career. He charms and smolders in equal amounts, knowing when to disarm and when to lash out.

Every scene is Matthew McConaughey's. But he is surrounded by an excellent cast. Ryan Phillippe stars as Louis Ross Roulet, Haller's new client and possible rapist and/or killer. Phillippe is a rock when it comes to figuring out his innocence or guilt. Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei (yes, it is law to add the title) appears as Haller's ex-wife Maggie McPherson, turning on the same skills as she did in The Wrestler - minus the stripping. Wait, there is a little underwear action from Marissa, so you have that to look forward to.

The story is entertaining, but has a few weak moments. Private investigator Frank Levin's character (William H. Macy) is never really fleshed out. Also, the fact that Earl (Laurence Mason) drives Haller around in a black Lincoln Continental is due to Haller losing his license, but the back story that could have been told is left obscure. Even the on-again, off-again relationship between Maggie and Mick could have been ramped up.

With bikers, snitches, prostitutes, and a man's innocence on the line, The Lincoln Lawyer will satisfy the Connelly and Grisham fans. McConaughey is back on the top of his game. Let's just hope that Matthew doesn't decide to make Sahara II.

Worth: Matinee or Netflix

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