The Lincoln Lawyer – An eOne Films’ Release

http://thelincolnlawyermovie.com/

Release Date: March 18th

Rated 14A for sexual violence and coarse language

Running time: 119 minutes

 

Brad Furman (dir.)

 

John Romano (screenplay)

 

Based on the novel by Michael Connelly

 

Cliff Martinez (music)

 

Matthew McConaughey as Mick Haller

Marisa Tomei as Maggie McPherson

Ryan Phillippe as Louis Roulet

William H. Macy as Frank Levin

Josh Lucas as Ted Minton

John Leguizamo as Val Valenzuela

Michael Peña as Jesus Martinez

Bob Gunton as Cecil Dobbs

Frances Fisher as Mary Windsor

Bryan Cranston as Detective Lankford

 

©eOne Films.  All Rights Reserved.  Photorapher: Saeed Adyani

Matthew McConaughey (left, as Mick Haller) and Ryan Phillippe (right, as Louis Roulet) star in The Lincoln Lawyer.

 

Our reviews below:

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The Lincoln Lawyer Review By John C.

***1/2 (out of 4)

The Lincoln Lawyer is one of those movies that at times feels like a throwback to the hard-boiled legal thrillers of yesteryear, yet still manages to seem fresh and believable as every twist and turn is slowly revealed.  Leading man Matthew McConaughey shines here in his best work yet, and that is one of the main reasons why I’m so highly recommending it.

 

Doing most of his business out of the back of his Lincoln, lawyer Mick Haller (McConaughey) is hired to represent Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), who’s being convicted of mercilessly beating a prostitute.  When Roulet claims his innocence, Haller feels he may have a way to get him out of the life sentence.  But when he starts to dig deeper into the case with the help of private investigator Frank Levin (William H. Macy), Haller has reason to believe that somebody may be getting set up, as they uncover a possible crime ring where nothing is as it seems.

 

At 119 minutes, the film moves forward at a perfectly acceptable pace.  There are a few long stretches between big reveals, but every twist pays off.  One of the biggest feats here is that we don’t see any of the plot turns coming, yet they don’t feel contrived or easy.  I particularly enjoyed the way that we are allowed to find out portions of the plot as the characters do, through the expertly written courtroom scenes.

 

An adaptation of the best-selling novel by Michael Connelly, The Lincoln Lawyer is anchored by excellent leading work from Matthew McConaughey and a strong supporting cast that also includes Marisa Tomei.  The story is also strong, making this a smart and entertaining legal thriller for adults that often has a mature and classic feel.

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The Lincoln Lawyer Review by Erin V.

***1/2 (out of 4)

In The Lincoln Lawyer, Matthew McConaughey plays Mick Haller – a lawyer who operates out of the back seat of his Lincoln.  When a major case falls into his lap – that of rich playboy Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), who is accused of attempted rape/murder – he ends up sucked into a web of deceit deeper than he’d ever bargained for, and one that may put his life in danger.

 

The fine performances from its leading and supporting cast, ensure that we are engaged following the well-written story and characters.  Plus, after years of seeing McConaughey play several mediocre rom-com roles in a row, this is a breath of fresh air to see him take on this more dramatic role – and succeed.

 

The Lincoln Lawyer is a smart movie that keeps you guessing with its many twists and turns, and despite the two hour running time, it never drags.  Up there with the best legal thrillers, this one will be enjoyed by adults looking for an intelligent, well made film.

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The Lincoln Lawyer Review by Nicole

**** (out of 4)

The Lincoln Lawyer is a fascinating and exciting legal drama that will leave you guessing until the end.  Based on the best-selling novel by Michael Connelly, The Lincoln Lawyer follows criminal defence lawyer Mick Haller (Matthew McConaughey) as he takes on the case of local playboy Louis Roulet (Riyan Phillippe), who has been accused of the rape and attempted murder of a sex-trade worker.  Things are not what they initially seem, and Haller’s job of defending suspects may be more dangerous than he expected.

 

The Lincoln Lawyer is intelligent and suspense filled every step of the way.  Brilliantly underplayed, this film is completely believable.  Every detail has been thoroughly planned out, leaving none of the contrivances that are present in many drugstore novels.  With complex lead characters, excellent acting and a surprising twist, this is one of the best films I have seen this year.  If you are a fan of mysteries or legal dramas, then The Lincoln Lawyer is one you don’t want to miss.

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The Lincoln Lawyer Review by Maureen

***1/2 (out of 4)

Guilty or not, everyone has the right to a good defence lawyer.  Matthew McConaughey plays slick and confident lawyer Mick Haller.  Comfortable with bikers, drug dealers and murderers the charming Haller works deals from the back of his chauffeur-driven Lincoln with the suitable license plate NTGUILTY.  But Haller’s comfort zone and ethical standards are challenged when he takes on a new client, a rich playboy, Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe).  Roulet is charged with assault and attempted murder of a prostitute who he claims has set him up.  With the backing of Roulet’s wealthy mother (Frances Fisher) it’s Haller’s job to get the charges dropped.

 

Based on the best-selling novel by Michael Connelly, The Lincoln Lawyer is an intelligent and suspenseful crime mystery.  The twists and turns that unfold are never contrived.  The story moves at a brisk pace and when the crimes are eventually solved it’s thanks to Haller’s brilliantly unorthodox strategies.  The court scenes are really interesting to watch.  This is very much a dialogue-driven movie with minimal amounts of actual violence.  But there are a couple of ‘look away’ scenes and one unexpected jump moment.  The tension and suspense levels are consistent from beginning to end, and those who enjoy a good crime mystery will not be disappointed.

 

Credit has to go to Matthew McConaughey for his brilliant performance as lawyer Mick Haller.  Ryan Phillippe is also really good as the subtly underplayed accused, Louis Roulet.  Supporting actors William H. Macy as Haller’s investigator friend, Jack and Marisa Tomei as Haller’s ex-wife also add to the polished feel of this intelligent, nicely done crime drama.

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The Lincoln Lawyer Review by Tony

*** (out of 4)

The Lincoln Lawyer is a tightly written story featuring Matthew McConaughey as Mick Haller, a very successful defence attorney working out of the back of his chauffeured Lincoln. Right from the beginning we see his pragmatic approach to preventing wrongful conviction, generously sharing large cash fees with anyone who makes his job easier. His support group includes a brilliant investigator (Wiliam H. Macy) and a prosecutor (Marisa Tomei) with whom he shares a young daughter and occasionally a bed. When a young client Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe) comes with his mother (Frances Fisher) to beat a rap  of beating a young prostitute, Haller takes the case but things don’t seem to add up the way Roulet has presented them, threatening Haller’s efforts to uncover the truth and survive.

 

With an excellent cast led with typical swagger by McConaughey and smart script that keeps us intrigued right to the end of its almost two-hour running time, The Lincoln Lawyer is a fine film of its genre.

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Consensus: With excellent leading work from Matthew McConaughey and a strong supporting cast, The Lincoln Lawyer is a smart and entertaining legal thriller for adults. ***1/2 (Out of 4)