Lincoln Lawyer, The (7/12/2011)

Rated R for some violence, sexual content and language.

Starring Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Phillippe, Marisa Tomei, Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, Michael Pena, William H. Macy and Trace Adkins

Directed by Brad Furman

JONATHAN’S WORD: Go ahead Todd… say it!

TODD’S WORD: Sigh. Okay. I actually liked a Matthew McConaughey movie.

The Lincoln Lawyer is a gripping thriller starring Matthew McConaughey as Michael “Mick” Haller, a slick, charismatic Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who operates out of the back of his Lincoln Continental sedan (by the way his license plate reads “NTGUILTY.” Having spent most of his career defending petty, gutter-variety criminals, Mick 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 and a crisis of conscience for Haller.

TODD’S WORD: Just when I thought Matthew McConaughey could only play the dopey beefcake he comes roaring back with some real acting – of course he still takes his shirt off – insert eye-roll here. McConaughey gives a strong performance as a smooth talking criminal defense attorney who grows even more likeable as the film progresses.

JONATHAN’S WORD: I really enjoyed the film. Good story, great characters. This film had me every minute.

TODD’S WORD: You’re right about great characters. They were well written and performed. The Lincoln Lawyer has a great ensemble cast to support McConaughey. Starting with Ryan Phillippe who is so good at being so bad. Marisa Tomei, Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, Michael Pena and William H. Macy are all fantastic…and I loved the Trace Adkins cameo.

JONATHAN’S WORD: Trace Adkins’ role was hilarious.

TODD’S WORD: The film is directed by Brad Furman who keeps things moving with a quick pace and a few cool flashbacks. Think CSI on the big screen.

JONATHAN’S WORD: Hmmmmm. I never would have thought of that comparison. It was really well shot and put together. But mostly, it was just a good story.

TODD’S WORD: This is a typical courtroom drama…but I like courtroom dramas. Although most of the twists are predicable, I stilled enjoyed seeing them unfold. And although it stars Matthew McConaughey, I’m still going to give it a rental.

JONATHAN’S WORD: I probably liked The Lincoln Lawyer a little more than you, possibly because I don’t have a vendetta against McConaughey that goes back to every review we’ve done about him together (our biggest debate about him probably in our review of the film We Are Marshall.) I think the film was worth seeing in the theatre.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This film is not for young kids, even young teenagers. I might consider bringing my own kids to this film if they were 16 or 17, depending on their maturity. There are several scenes that have adult themes like drinking at a bar, conversations about prostitutes, and a “PG-13 sex scene” between a married couple (no nudity).

Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):

Q: What’s the message/theme of this movie?
A: Mick is a sleazy lawyer. His methods are less than honorable and he seems to only have one agenda…himself. He uses the judicial system to make deals for lower bail, shorter jail sentences and getting guilty people back on the streets.

But Mick’s greatest fear is “evil…pure evil”, and when he comes face to face with evil and at the same time learns that one of his previous clients (currently serving a 15 year sentence) is actually innocent, it shakes him to the core.

Mick just keeps saying, “I’m trying to make this right.”

Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
A: Well in James 4:17 it says, “In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil” (The Message).

What do you think that verse means?

In the film there are times when Mick knows the right thing to do would be to allow a criminal to go to prison, but instead he uses the system and allows them to go free.

What are some other examples of knowing what the right thing to do is and not doing it?

Can you give me an example of a time when you knew what the RIGHT thing to do was, but you didn’t do it?

Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
A: We have all faced the difficult decision of knowing what is the right thing to do and not doing it. But what are some things we can do this week to DO the right thing?