The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

When it's over, I like Matthew McConaughey best as a lawyer.  He looks and talks the part, and it seems effortless for him.  He was great in the 1996's A Time to Kill and he continues to be convincing as Mick Haller, a sleazy defense lawyer who grows a conscience when he signs on to represent a wealthy client, Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), who may have something to do with one of his old cases.  The script's not solid, nor is it falling apart at the seams.  The story's clear, just not enough twists and turns to make the film stand out from other noteworthy courtroom dramas such as Primal Fear and Philadelphia.  The film was better than I had anticipated, and McConaughey certainly adds to the film's appeal along with actors Marisa Tomei and William Macy.  I liked the idea that Haller was more on the sleazy side, and I liked watching him wheel and deal his clients, because it just makes him more interesting as a character. However, it would have helped if the story included more backstory on Haller, such as why he worked out of his car, an old Lincoln, and why he lived in such a small hole of a house with all the cash changing hands between him and his clients.  I'm always fascinated with details like that.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5