The Lincoln Lawyer
2011
***
Director: Brad Furman
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe, Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, Michael Peña, Bob Gunton, Bryan Cranston, William H. Macy
Michael Haller, a sly L.A. lawyer known for defending blatantly guilty clients, is hired by a rich guy who is charged with assaulting a prostitute. It looks like a case that could raise Haller's profile, but instead it forces him to reassess his entire view of the law. Brad Furman's slick and entertaining but rather formulaic court drama was adapted from Michael Connelly's novel. The hero is a clever, cocky and cynical lawyer who gets his comeuppance, and a chance to redeem himself. It is a somewhat clichéd part but Matthew McConaughey pulls it off with an uncharacteristically strong performance.
