REVIEW: The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)
Review by Kerry Gleason
March 18, 2011
The Lincoln Lawyer begins and ends with an edgy, urban montage, and Los Angeles doesn’t seem to have changed. The characters in this story do, and that is why The Lincoln Lawyer works so well.
Mick Haller (Matthew McConaughey) is Newman-esque in his portrayal of a small potatoes, big-city defense attorney who is successful in putting most of the bad guys he represents back on the street. That puts him at odds with ex-wife Maggie MacPherson (Marisa Tomei), an assistant district attorney. A courthouse deputy, Val Valenzuela (John Leguizamo) gives Haller a line on a rich boy (Ryan Phillippe) who needs a lawyer, and Earl, fire up the Lincoln.
Much of the time, Haller works out of the back of his Lincoln town car, delivering wise cracks faster than the speed limit. McConaughey portrays the whiskey-swilling Haller unflinchingly, proud of his street smarts and too proud to let a bad guy get the best of him. He’s sleazy enough to be believable as a defense attorney, yet honorable enough to respect the laws. Director Brad Furman creates superb pacing for John Romano’s intelligent screenplay, based on the novel of the same title by Florida crime beat reporter Michael Connelly. The transformation of D.A. Corliss (Shea Whigham) from formidable courtroom opponent to dunce was a slight stretch, but it had to happen. William H. Macy brings intrigue and realism to the character of Frank Levin, Haller’s investigator, and Trace Adkins is barely recognizable, but effective, as Eddie, the biker.
Early on, I had flashbacks to “The Verdict,” and McConaughey brings many of the same qualities to the screen as Paul Newman did, even bearing a facial resemblance. The late night talk show hosts will be happy to know that he does take off his shirt, briefly, which portends box-office success. The Lincoln Lawyer is a fun ride.
I rate The Lincoln Lawyer four hood ornaments out of four.
Beer Pairing for The Lincoln Lawyer:
As a Tribute to the star and funniest line, delivered by Leguizamo:
A Matt’s Beer Ball (Matt’s Brewing, Utica, NY)
Oracle of Bacon
Matthew McConaughey – 2
Marisa Tomei – 1 (Starred with Kevin Bacon in “Loverboy,” 2005)
Ryan Phillippe – 2
William H. Macy – 1 (Starred with Kevin Bacon in “Murder in the First,” 1995)
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