Sunday, April 17, 2011

Movie Review: The Lincoln Lawyer


All right, so I know this review is a little late and everyone has probably already seen it.  But, whatever.  I am writing this review now anyways.  And, like good movies, good movie reviews are timeless.  Thus, your argument is invalid.  Now, moving on.

The Lincoln Lawyer is a film about a street-smart criminal defense attorney from LA who gets caught up complex murder case where he becomes personally involved.  Also, the protagonist (Matthew McConaughey) drives around in a super fly black Lincoln, hence the name.  Without giving too much away, that's it in a nutshell.

The plot is fairly gripping and interesting.  Since I kind of work in this area and can relate to the protagonist, I found this particularly fun.  But even those who don't work in the shadier areas of the law will enjoy this.  The plot is well-written and, generally, well-executed.  There is never a dull moment as the story begins with McConaughey racing through a courthouse as he is picking up new clients, trying to get others to pay him, and bribing low-level courtroom employees.  From there, McConaughey gets deeper and deeper into a case that risks his own life as well as those around him.

Surprisingly, McConaughey actually does a decent job.  I say this is surprising because he is typically-- no, consistently-- a horrible actor.  He also doesn't take his shirt off until like half-way through the movie and only temporarily.  Again, surprising.  The performances on the whole are strong as Marissa Tomei and William H. Macey bring a bit of actual acting experience to the whole thing.

As for negatives, I would point to the direction.  At times, the audience wonders where the story is actually going.  It can be hard to tell when an important point is coming up versus just another scene.  I think the director failed to highlight a few of the major plot lines in this respect.  You will be able to tell when you see it.  But, in one particular instance, it's not clear whether the client McConaughey is dealing with is just developing his own character, or is actually relevant to the plot.

Other than that, however, this film is crisp and gripping.  One even feels dirty as you see some of the greasy moves McConaughey makes.  Most importantly, the story is interesting and riveting throughout, making this film, on the whole, an entertaining outing.

Rating: 8.5/10

27 comments:

  1. I've actually heard about this movie but not scene it yet. Maybe I ought to check it out.

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  2. " I say this is surprising because he is typically-- no, consistently-- a horrible actor."

    I lol'd hard at that.

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  3. Ill check it out! Nice written

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  4. I want to see this, and based on your review, i think i just might do that now.

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  5. good review. maybe i should check this film out

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  6. seems like a pretty good film.

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  7. Sounds interesting, thanks for the review.

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  8. Sweet review, I'll check it out.

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  9. Oh I was thinking about watching this. Sounds like it was a pretty good movie. I'll take a 8.5/10 anyday.

    Great blog btw, I will be following.

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  10. I try to stay away from most Matthew McConaughey movies, but maybe i'll give one a shot again

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  11. Will watch it just to see a greasy Matthew McConaughey... As long as his shirt stays on.

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  12. matthew is a beast i love his movies

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  13. Loved your review, I agree with you.

    Great blog btw, following (:

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  14. i hate matthew, but this movie was bearable

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  15. Great review, sounds really good!

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  16. Not really into that type of movie although you sold it well in the review.

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  17. Might watch it thx for the review

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  18. I've been meaning to watch this for weeks, looks solid.

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  19. i have not had the time to see this movie yet sounds pretty good

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  20. wow man, excellent review! very detailed. i might check this out soon.

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  21. tron was sick but im done3 with neion

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  22. i have not seen this movie yet after reading your review i may check it out.

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  23. I've actually wanted to see this for quite awhile but haven't had the chance. most definitely will give it a go now!

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  24. was going to go see this ,dunno if it would be worth it

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