Matthew McConaughey is shown in a scene from “The Lincoln Lawyer.” (Photo credit: Lionsgate)
‘Lincoln Lawyer’ contains a surprising depth, thanks to McConaughey
Justice comes in a multitude of forms, each as fluid as the person administering it. What one may deem appropriate may shock another. But that’s the thing about justice: No two people will ever see it in the same light. And that is no more apparent than in the new drama, “The Lincoln Lawyer.” Combining suspense, thrills and a lot of grit, “Lincoln Lawyer” and its star, Matthew McConaughey (“Sahara,” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days“), coalesce into a surprisingly exciting drama that goes a long way to redeeming McConaughey’s good name.
“The Lincoln Lawyer,” adapted from the Michael Connelly book of the same title, tells the story of a defense lawyer whose primary rule is in life is “If you can pay, you can play.” In his sharp suits, fancy loafers and iconic Lincoln Town Car, Mick Haller (McConaughey) weaves in and out of courtrooms and jail cells, doling advice to anyone who can pay for it, regardless of their innocence. However, matters soon devolve into suspenseful chaos as Mick gets rope into a situation that blindsides him. By taking a case defending a rich Beverly Hills playboy (Ryan Phillippe, “Cruel Intentions“) accused of beating up a woman, Mick gets tangled up in something far deeper than he realized, and it turns into a race against time and the law to figure out just what is going on. Mystery, deception and murder plague Mick on his journey to uncover the truth.
The actors in this movie excel in ways that were unexpected. For once, a director (Brad Furman) asked more of McConaughey than to show off his ridiculous ads and pearly white smile. And it’s as if he just got up out of bed and decided to do something worth remembering. And Marisa Tomei (“The Wrestler“) just shines as Mick’s ex-wife and mother of his daughter. She’s instantly likable and relatable. It’s a good balance to the hardness of Mick. And William H. Macy’s character provides just enough comic relief to be entertaining without being kitsch.
And along with some great acting, the film shooting and editing were fantastic, staying close and sharp throughout the entire film.
“Lincoln Lawyer” turned out to be a pleasant surprise. While nothing earth-shattering, it was worth the price of admission, even if you had read the book beforehand. Besides, who doesn’t want to see McConaughey actually act and not just charm women into bed?
Three linguistic stars out of five.
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