Genre
Crime | Drama | Thriller
Director
Bard Furman
Country
USA
Cast
Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe, Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, Michael Pena, Bob Gunton, Frances Fisher, Bryan Cranston, William H. Macy, Trace Adkins, Laurence Mason, Margarita Levieva, Pell James, Shea Whigham, Katherine Moennig, Michael Paré, Michaela Conlin, Mackenzie Aladjem
Storyline
When a wealthy Realtor (Ryan Phillippe) is accused of assaulting a prostitute (Margarita Levieva), Mick Haller (Matthew McConaughey) is asked to defend him. The guy claims he didn't do it, but Haller soon learns that the case might be linked to an old case of his.
Opinion
I'll never get tired of saying I am no fan of Matthew McConaughey. I read good things about this film and I love legal thrillers, so I still decided to give it a shot and I'm glad I did as "The Lincoln Lawyer" is an intriguing and entertaining courtroom film.
Based on Michael Connelly's novel of the same name, the solid, well-paced story keeps you engaged from start to finish as it gradually builds tension and provides a lot of surprising twists along the way.
However, while the case was obviously the main focus and that part was well done, the subplots aren't even considered. They are in the film, like the whole family thing - why did Haller and his wife broke up? -, but they don't add enough to be relevant.
"The Lincoln Lawyer" features an interesting main character that unfortunately goes from being a cynical smug to a man who questions his moral, life and career while drinking straight from the bottle way too fast. But there's McConaughey to make things better (No, I'm not being sarcastic). I'd be lying if I said he carried the whole film because the film is solid enough to carry itself, but McConaughey really gives a great performance and entertains without taking his shirt off.
The other characters could have been built better. I haven't read the book, but I'm sure there was a better characterization there, that's typical of hollywood. Anyway, the cast does a fine job, although Marisa Tomei and Bryan Cranston are completely wasted in the film, the first because of an undeveloped and not properly used character, the second because he basically doesn't have a character.
Based on Michael Connelly's novel of the same name, the solid, well-paced story keeps you engaged from start to finish as it gradually builds tension and provides a lot of surprising twists along the way.
However, while the case was obviously the main focus and that part was well done, the subplots aren't even considered. They are in the film, like the whole family thing - why did Haller and his wife broke up? -, but they don't add enough to be relevant."The Lincoln Lawyer" features an interesting main character that unfortunately goes from being a cynical smug to a man who questions his moral, life and career while drinking straight from the bottle way too fast. But there's McConaughey to make things better (No, I'm not being sarcastic). I'd be lying if I said he carried the whole film because the film is solid enough to carry itself, but McConaughey really gives a great performance and entertains without taking his shirt off.
The other characters could have been built better. I haven't read the book, but I'm sure there was a better characterization there, that's typical of hollywood. Anyway, the cast does a fine job, although Marisa Tomei and Bryan Cranston are completely wasted in the film, the first because of an undeveloped and not properly used character, the second because he basically doesn't have a character.
I'm glad you liked this. I did too, it was way better than I expected it to be.
ReplyDeleteI was expecting it to be good because of the Thursday Movie Picks posts (if I'm not wrong, you picked it as well).
DeleteThis is so funny, I spotted your review and thought 'Ugh, I know I should see this but I can't stand Matthew McConaughey' and you feel the same way! If it gets a thumbs up from you, I'll give it a go :)
ReplyDeleteHaha the film is good enough to make you almost forget McConaughey is in it.
DeleteI don't mind him unless he is always smiling with that glint in his teeth while taking his shirt off but, otherwise, Matthew is ok. I liked him in Mud and in the film (whose title escapes me right now) where he won the Oscar. I like legal thrillers so will give this a go.
ReplyDeleteI loved him in Mud as well. And he was astonishing in Dallas Buyers Club. That Oscar was totally deserved.
Delete