Film Review: THE LINCOLN LAWYER (2011)

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: 18^th March 2011

Watched on Sky+ Sunday 12^th 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:

Film Review: MY COUSIN VINNY (1992)

Director: Jonathan Lynn
Running time: 115 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 15

UK release date: 17th July 1992

Watched on Sky+ Monday 17th January 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

There are very few comedies I find funny, if you read enough of my reviews you’ll eventually find out which ones I like. This is very much one of them! For me is has everything, great acting, an excellent script and, most importantly, it’s funny. But more of my thoughts later, here’s a brief summary first (summary haters please consider yourselves in contempt while I write the next paragraph).

Two college students, Bill Gambini and Stan Rothenstein, from Brooklyn are on their way to LA via the South when they stop off in a small town in Alabama. They are mistakenly identified as the murderers of a clerk in a small store they had visited. Unable to afford a lawyer, they turn to Bill’s cousin, Vinny Gambini, who has only been practicing law for six weeks. Vinny has brought his fiancée, Mona Lisa Vito, with him but he is determined to win the case on his own. Judge Chamberlain Haller is suspicious of Vinny’s credentials but allows him to defend the two boys. Vinny immediately falls fowl of the accepted procedure in court and finds himself in contempt (more than once). The prosecution seem to have a strong case but Vinny is determined to find as many holes in it as he can. Will Vinny prove the boys innocence? Will the judge discover he is only a novice? Will Vinny ever get a decent night's sleep? All these questions and many more will be answered… but not here.

First of all, hats off to Jonathan Lynn, I love the way he just lets the story unfold and the way he allows the characters to develop. Yes, there are one or two clunky bits, but for the most part I also very much liked the dialogue. Finally, great casting, I couldn’t imagine anyone else apart from Joe Pesci playing the part of Vinny. Also, I thought Marisa Tomei was excellent as Mona Lisa Vito, a role for which she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, and it was great to see Fred Gwynne (yes Herman Munster) as Judge Chamberlain Haller. Honourable mentions should also go to; Ralph Macchio as Bill, Mitchell Whitfield as Stan and Lane Smith as Jim Trotter III, the prosecutor.

I may be biased, but I saw this film many years ago and fell in love with it then. It’s one of those I always get great pleasure from watching. If anything, it is a little long, but I can forgive that, I think when you’re invested in the story the time factor becomes less important. Over all, a very well scripted film with some really great comic performances and one which I highly recommend.

My score: 8.2/10

LINKS:
IMDb Page: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0104952/
Trailer: http://uk.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK/video/screenplay/vi2744844569/