The Lincoln Lawyer ***½

Brad Furman directed this Crime drama. Watch Preview Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe, Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, Frances Fisher, Bob Gunton, Laurence Mason, Bryan Cranston, William H. Macy. Rated R for some violence, sexual content and language. Running time is one hour and fifty-nine minutes.

A slick, charismatic Los Angeles criminal defense attorney (McConaughey) who operates out of the back of his Lincoln Continental sedan unexpectedly lands the case of a lifetime: defending a rich Beverly Hills playboy (Ryan Phillippe) who is accused of attempted murder. However, what initially appears to be a straightforward case with a big money pay-off swiftly develops into a deadly match between two masters of manipulation.

I haven't cared much for McConaughey's films lately but this one is a pleasant exception. This is a good looking film featuring a lead actor with star power and secondary roles performed by experts. The pacing is good and while I thought this could have been a few minutes shorter, it kept me interested. While you expect a certain ending, you're never quite sure how the plot's going to get you there. No big screen effects but a big screen will add to your pleasure. Times/Theatres.