Director: Brad Furman
Writers: John Romano (Screenplay), Michael Connelly (Novel)
Running time: 112 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15
Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller
UK Release date: 18th March 2011
Watched on Sky+ Sunday 12th February 2012.
PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.
I remember when this film came out I was intrigued by it. I have always liked a decent courtroom drama and so this one had an extra appeal for me. Of course it was bypassed by my local cinema and so I waited patiently for a TV airing. Well my patience paid off and I was pleasantly surprised with this one; there were more elements to it than I first thought. I will tell you more after this brief summary.
When slick, street-wise defence attorney, Mick Haller picks up the case of rich-kid, Louis Roulet, he doesn’t quite know just what he’s getting into. Roulet is accused of attacking a prostitute, Reggie Campo, an accusation he vehemently denies. Haller’s ex-wife, Maggie McPherson, was initially to prosecute the case, but she gives it to her colleague, Ted Minton when she realises it’s Haller defending. As Haller and his investigator, Frank Levin, dig deeper into the case they find evidence that may change their estimation of Roulet. This evidence links to an old case of Haller’s, one he didn’t win. It’s also evidence that puts Haller and his family and friends in danger. I won’t say any more or the Spoiler Police (Crime Dramas Division) will have me banged up on trumped-up charges (again).
A well made crime drama is something I always enjoy, and that is what we have here. It may well only be up to ‘B’ movie standard in some people’s eyes but they can’t deny it’s very a well scripted and a well made ‘B’ movie. I thought all the performances were very good, particularly Matthew McConaughey as Mick Haller, he coped with the leading role very well (IMO). Marisa Tomei was also very good as Maggie McPherson, as were, Ryan Phillippe as Louis Roulet and William H. Macy as Frank Levin. Honourable mentions also go to; 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 and Bryan Cranston as Detective Lankford.
I enjoyed this film very much, it’s not quite up there with the best crime dramas, but it’s not that far off. I know that the writer of the novel on which it is based, Michael Connelly, is very popular and so I’m not surprised to find a well thought out plot with many twists and turns in it. The problem with many films of this type is that you can only really watch (and enjoy) them once but I feel I could enjoy this one if I watched it again even with knowing the eventual outcome. That’s testament to the writing, the acting and the whole production of it. You’ll not be surprised that I therefore deem it… Recommended.
My score: 6.7/10.
IMDb Score: 7.4/10 (based on 52,496 votes at the time of going to press).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1189340/
Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 84/100 (based on 159 reviews counted at the time of going to press).
Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 82/100 (based on 56,525 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lincoln_lawyer/
If you’re crazy enough… You can find me on Facebook at:
http://facebook.com/andy.steel3
FAVOURITE QUOTES:
Mick Haller: I checked the list of people I trust and your name ain't on it.
Earl: You know what? You would've done all right on the streets.
Mick Haller: Shit. Where do you think I am, Earl?
Mick Haller: Do you know the difference between a Maserati and a Range Rover?
Reggie Campo: One is small and one is big, I guess.
LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www.thelincolnlawyermovie.com/
Trailer:
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