THE LINCOLN LAWYER directed by Brad Furman, written by John Romano from the novel by Michael Connelly, with Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe and William H. Macy. An eOne release. 118 minutes. Opens Friday (March 18). For venues and times, see listings. Rating: NNN
The Lincoln Lawyer is the cinematic equivalent of a decent airplane read – an easily digested page-turner that keeps you occupied but doesn’t demand much. Michael Connelly’s novel about a wheeler-dealer defense attorney pulled into an increasingly nasty assault case works nicely as a big-screen thriller and gives Matthew McConaughey a role ideally suited to his laid-back, southern-fried vibe.
McConaughey’s Mick Haller – who uses a Lincoln Continental as his mobile office, hence the title – turns every conversation into a battle of wits, whether he’s negotiating with his sleazy rich-boy client (Ryan Phillippe) or sparring with his ex-wife (Marisa Tomei) and investigator sidekick (William H. Macy). Naturally, his conniving ways mask a heart of gold, which starts shining awful bright when he suspects that his current case holds the key to overturning another client’s murder conviction.
Director Brad Furman moves the action along efficiently enough, making good use of some grimy Los Angeles locations. It’s predictable, which becomes a bit of an issue in the second half, but McConaughey works hard to hold our interest.
