The Lincoln Lawyer

I first saw Matthew McConaughey as the novice lawyer in the film version of John Grisham's 'A Time To Kill' when he was the healthy looking honest good guy battling the system and the bad guys. Now, fifteen years later, a comparatively emaciated looking McConaughey is back in the justice game as 'The Lincoln Lawyer'.

Not knowing anything about this story I assumed that the title could be a reference to McConaughey being as honest as the President of the same name or else that he was a lawyer from some regional backwater like Lincoln Nebraska (with apologies to any Nebraskans who might trip into this blog).

Both theories evaporated in the opening scenes which clearly establish that this is a big city lawyer who sails very close to the wind. He pursues his work from the back seat of his chauffeur driven Lincoln car. McConaughey is engaged to defend rich, young and arrogant Ryan Phillippe who is accused of assaulting a prostitute. Phillippe vigorously asserts his innocence and the ever sceptical McConaughey has his doubts. When he stumbles across links with an earlier case the story takes off with more twists and turns than the old stretch of the Pacific Highway at Buladelah.

I really enjoyed this tale of investigation and courtroom drama although those of tender hearts should be warned that the story dips into some steamy and violent aspects of life. The twists are numerous and the film passes through at least one false ending. Some in the audience raced for the exits at that point and I too thought the film was at its end. I wonder if those who departed at that point will ever learn that the film had about fifteen minutes and at least two more twists to go?

The last twist was probably one too many; a somewhat melodramatic and faintly ridiculous event but otherwise this is a better than average tale of justice 21st century style.