Mickey Haller (played by Matthew McConaughey) is a criminal defense lawyer whose office is the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car. Haller’s ex-wife, Maggie McPherson (played by Marisa Tomei), figures into the action as does their young daughter. Haller takes on a case involving a wealthy Beverly Hills real estate broker who is accused of attacking a prostitute. McConaughey’s client insists he was set up as a target of a lucrative civil suit. The plot is complicated and you’ll have to be willing to tolerate large doses of coincidence to accept the case’s resolution. I thought McConaughey was convincing as a slick defense lawyer who knows how to work the criminal justice system. I wish Marisa Tomei was given more to do. Clearly, the door is open for a sequel. GRADE: B+
I am glad to see McConaughey play a role that actually makes some demands on him. He has made so many bad movies since that first role–was it Grisham?
McConaughey has made some bad career choices, Patti. FAILURE TO LAUNCH comes to mind. But McConaughey was at the top of his game in THE LINCOLN LAWYER.
I just don’t think this is for me–particularly because I find that McConaughey tends to act with his dimples and his flashing smile (a la Tom Cruise, another actor who leaves me cold). Plus, whenever I close my eyes, I find that MM’s voice is incredibly close to Patricia Neal’s; I keep expecting to open my eyes and discover that I’m watching “Hud.”
I was a reluctant participant to going this movie, Deb. We were out with friends and we went with their movie choice. And, I am not a McConaughey fan (love the “Patricia Neal voice” thing!). But McConaughey plays this part smoothly with a minimum of that flashing smile and dimples routine.
To me this is a movie I can wait to see on HBO. But Jackie might want to see it. But then, I’ve read the book and she hasn’t.
I haven’t read the book, either, Jeff. You and Jackie will enjoy it whether you see it on cable or go to the theater.