The Lincoln Lawyer (Lionsgate)
Connellys Characters Come To Life
Matthew McConaughey has had a spotted career as an actor. He made a major impression when he played the young attorney in the film version of John Grishams A Time To Kill. Since that time he has indulged himself with light romantic comedy roles as well as action adventures. This has kept his name in front of the public but it has done little to elevate his status as an actor. Now along comes another lawyer role in the screen version of Michael Connellys The Lincoln Lawyer and the old McConaughey is back.
Mickey Haller (McConaughey) is a slightly oily, slightly seedy defense attorney. He represents all types of reprehensible clients who contact him through his office in his Lincoln town car. Due to a DUI he can not drive the car himself so he has it driven by Earl (Laurance Mason), a droll observer of life.
Haller has an ex-wife (Marisa Tomei) who is a prosecutor, and they have a small daughter. Despite the divorce they have a close relationship. Haller also has his own investigator, Frank Levin (William H Macy); a source in the bail business, Val Valenzuela (John Leguizamo); and a client serving a life sentence for murder, Jesus Martinez (Michael Pena). All of these people are tied together by a new case Mickey catches involving a rich real estate agent, Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe).
Roulet is charged with sexual assault and attempted murder of a young woman. He swears he is innocent and Mickey takes his case. As the case moves forward there are complications at every turn. Mickey has to use all his skills to try and win the case and also to keep his friends and family alive.
The role of Haller fits McConaughey like a glove and his ease in the role is enhanced by the talented supporting cast that has been assembled. The plot is crisp and explosive with the audience hanging on to every scene to see which way the story is headed.
The movie is rated R for profanity and violence.
Connellys novels are all best sellers and THE LINCOLN LAWYER was one of his best. Since it came out he has used the character of Mickey Haller in a couple of others. Heres hoping McConaughey reprises his role in future adaptations of those books. Were talking about a franchise!
If you like intriguing mysteries blended with the best in courtroom dramas then you have to see The Lincoln Lawyer. It is fast-paced, well acted and sure to entertain you. McConaughey is back in the game with this role and lets hope he sticks around for a while.
I scored The Lincoln Lawyer an honest 7 out of 10.
