The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) Review

Suprise, I liked this film! Not that I expected it but it was actually a fun if very basic legal thriller. Matthew McConaughey who's normally wasted in terrible Kate Hudson vehicles or some other romcom crap finally reminds us again that he can act. Ok, I don't want to praise him too much but as a slick and sleazy lawyer he gives his best performance in ages.

We see him handle the case of a shady woman beater, played by former teen icon Ryan Phillippe. But while he first tries to prove his innocence he soon realizes that taking over this case is potentially life-threatening.

The plot is not too great and often feels more at home on TV than on the big screen but what makes this film stand out is the above-average acting by everyone involved. I already said that McConaughey is good in the lead but I especially enjoyed the always delightful William H. Macy and Marisa Tomei, probably two of the most undervalued actors of cinema nowadays.

This film won't make an impact on film history but it is refreshingly simple in its approach and doesn't try to be more than it is and that's what makes it enjoyable to watch. If you're sick of heavy overblown Hollywood genre thrillers, give this one a try, it's great for a lazy Sunday afternoon.