The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) R

Brad Furman's (The Take) first major theatrical release appeared to be set up for failure. And Matthew McConaughey's (We Are Marshall, Tropic Thunder) career has been slowly fading, but this film just might be what he needed. Although this film wasn't a huge hit at the box office this weekend, the critics sure liked it. Which came as a surprise to most people who have followed McConaughey's career lately. It was a tough weekend with Paul and Limitless also hitting theaters and getting praise from critics. This film may not break any new ground, but I can't remember the last courtroom drama I actually enjoyed.

McConaughey plays defense attorney Mick Haller. Haller is charming and slick, but he also defends the most ruthless people and enjoys it. Haller's ex-girlfriend Maggie (Marisa Tomei) is also a lawyer, and they have a child together. They usually get along great, and they both love their little girl more than anything else in the world. Mick's office just so happens to be in his Lincoln, which is unorthodox but not unheard of.

It isn't long before a case lands in Haller's lap. He accepts but for a large sum of money. Six figures is just the tip of the iceberg. So, he's all set to defend 32-year-old playboy Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe). Roulet has been accused of the rape and attempted murder of a young girl named Reggie Campo (Margarita Levieva). Louis proclaims that he's innocent. He tells his side of the story, which is completely different from hers. Haller's right hand man is private investigator Frank Levin (William H. Macy). Levin does most of the dirty work and picks up the tabs at the bar. Roulet's family is very powerful and very wealthy. His bail is set at 1 million dollars, which is pennies to them.

The first 40 minutes of the film are enjoyable, but there isn't a whole lot that happens. But, that's when things start getting interesting. Mick starts to find holes in Louis' story. He also finds similarities in another case he took a few years ago. When Mick gets overwhelmed with work he often downs glasses of Jack Daniels straight and stays up all night going over cases. This is when McConaughey is at his very best; blood-shot eyes and sweat dripping down his face. The case eventually goes to trial, which was Louis' decision because he didn't want to take a deal.

Haller is up against up-and-comer district attorney Ted Minton (Josh Lucas). Minton doesn't know what he's up against. However, Haller begins to doubt his clients innocence, but he has a duty to defend him with all his might. The film twists and turns from this point on. I can't say much more without giving anything away, which is something I don't like to do. The cast is pretty darn deep and is loaded with above-average performances. Television star Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad, Malcom in the Middle) comes into the mix, as well as county music star Trace Adkins. Adkins isn't on the screen long, but he does a half-decent job (hats off to him).

One of Haller's former clients Jesus Martinez (Michael Pena) sheds some light on the whole situation. Pena (Crash, Battle: Los Angeles) and McConaughey come together for the best scene of the film. It's an emotional scene that both actors dominate. Veterans Tomei (The Wrestler, My Cousin Vinny), Macy (Magnolia, Boogie Nights), Lucas (American Psycho, Glory Road), John Leguizamo (The Happening, Vanishing on 7th Street), Bob Gunton (The Shawshank Redemption, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls) and Frances Fisher (Titanic, House of Sand of Fog) are all in true form. Which is a major reason this film was a huge hit with the critics.

Like I said before, this film doesn't break any new ground. It's predictable, none of the performances are Oscar-worthy, it's a little long and it didn't seem to know how to end. With all that said, it's entertaining, fun, charming, interesting and worth your while. This is one of those rare films that are based on a best-selling novel (by Michael Connelly) that doesn't disappoint. There are plenty of good films to check out this week, but I wouldn't stop you from seeing this courtroom drama.
B-