Yet this is where you would be wrong on all fronts; it just so happens that 'The Lincoln Lawyer' is a great, little movie with a strong group of characters expertly acted to a storyline that's about as sharp, concise & clever as you'll see this year. Adapted from Michael Connelly's novel of the same name, you can feel the storyline has come from a complex and rich narrative and it's transition to the screenplay has been flawless; it really brings out a depth and originality to a much-used genre. To briefly preview the storyline, it sees Mickey Haller as a lawyer operating out of his luxury Lincoln Town Car travelling from client to client and living a fast & comfortable lifestyle. However a case comes up which sees Mickey's world begin to crumble as defending the son of a real estate mogul sees his professional & private lives colliding as the truth unravels...
Revolving around McConaughey's Mickey Haller, the film relies on a strong leading man to pull of the wide range of depth as the character's suave and laid back sophistication and professionalism begin to fade into desperation, heroism and anguish; the question is whether McConaughey is up to the task. The answer is a resounding yes; in fact this is perhaps his finest and most complex work to date. Mickey Haller is a rich and interesting character who you are backing every step of the way regardless of the legality or the morals he sometimes pushes for his job and for his family. There's no denying that Mickey's personality is a character best suited to the cocky smile & personality McConaughey usually finds himself playing, but to take a character to such dark and dangerous places is new territory and he nails it. If he can find more work like this over the coming years then I may just be converted to a fan; it's really top stuff.
As for the rest of the cast, it features other great performances all over the shop; Ryan Phillippe has never been better as the accused Louis Roulet. Appearing deep in thought and with something behind his eyes which you can't work out, Roulet is another great and rich character, the screenplay really capturing all the characters and demanding every actor is at their a-game and Phillippe does not disappoint. William H. Macy & Marisa Tomei are as solid as always, both creating allies to Mickey whose company you enjoy and add both to the humour and the personal/professional torment that Mickey finds himself in. Perhaps the only disappointing character is John Lequizamo's Val, who for such an important character in terms of his role in the plot, is given little to do and one scene feels very unusual and slightly confusing as a result. Also watch out for Bryan Cranston's Detective Lankford in the second half of the film, adding a new layer of intruigue and surprise as the story takes an unexpected turn...
The key to a film with such complex characters and a detailed plot-line is that it all resolves in a satisfactory way, and 'The Lincoln Lawyer' does not disappoint, a couple of surprising twists coming even after the mystery has been solved. It also packs a decent emotional punch as the characters you are routing for begin to look like they may be on the losing side; right up until the final five minutes you're on the edge of your seat wondering how everything will play out.
Once all is said and done you should come out with a new found respect for what McConaughey is capable of when given strong material, how good legal thrillers can be when they are told, filmed and acted this well... and just how complex the lives of lawyers can be at times.
Like I said to begin with, don't be fooled.
Being driven around in a luxury Lincoln town car isn't all as fun, glamorous & relaxing as it looks like it is...
... Makes for a damn fine movie though. That'll do me!
8/10
Adam
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