Mick Haller (Matthew McConaughey) seems like a very good lawyer: he knows the law, he knows how to work the system, and he stays pretty much within legal bounds to get his clients acquitted, often knowing or believing they are guilty. Naturally, prosecutors hate and disdain him, as, it seems, all prosecutors do in all courtroom themed films. They conveniently forget that without defense lawyers there would be no justice system which they hold so dear. I'm really tired of this constantly used confrontational tool in legal films. Even Mick's ex-wife, Maggie (Marisa Tomei) probably divorced him because of his defense skills, her being a prosecutor, though in all other respects they seem to get along very, very nicely.
He's called the Lincoln Lawyer since his office is in the backseat of his Lincoln Continental car, not only denoting his geographic flexibility, but his rather mediocre financial status. Along comes an offer of a very lucrative case, the defense of a young, wealthy man , Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe), on charges of battery and attempted murder. It's an offer Mick has no intention of refusing. Surprisingly, the taught plot takes us from the linear to some very intriguing curves and branchins out along the way. There's more than just defending Roulet in the face of imposing evidence against him. There's more than even doubts about his innocence. There's more than just legal-moral dilemmas. And it's intelligently done except for a few plot potholes near the end of the films. Possibly, the writers (though I haven't read the novel) painted themselves into a corner they couldn't get out of without some very faulty and exigent devices. No, I can't overlook them. It's a mystery thriller and it all should fit together like a Japanese puzzle box. It ends up like a jigsaw puzzle with damaged pieces, hammered into place to finish off a messed up picture. See if you can spot the inaccuracies and flaws. That should make the end as interesting as the rest of the film.
And let us pay tribute to the first legal client in film who surprised and shocked his lawyer and the audience with a performance yet to be touched: Edward Norton in 'Primal Fear' (1996). His final short scene rightfully launched Norton's career which still thrives (ignore 'The Incredible Hulk' [2008]).
The Lincoln Lawyer
Director: Brad Furman
Writers: John Romano from the novel by Michael Connelly
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe, William H. Macy, Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, Francis Fisher, Michael Pena, Margarita Levieva, Lawrence Mason
Time: 119 min.
Rated: R
Opening March 18 in San Francisco at the AMC Van Ness 14, Balboa Theatre, Century 9, Marina Theatre, Sundance Kabuki Cinemas
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