Review: The Lincoln Lawyer 4K + Screen Caps

THE MOVIE — 4.0/5

Synopsis: Mickey Haller (MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY) is L.A.’s top criminal defense lawyer – a fast-living, freewheeling pro who does business out of the back seat of his classic Lincoln Town Car. He knows all the ins and outs of the legal system and how to exploit them to his clients’ advantage. But after agreeing to defend a wealthy young man (RYAN PHILLIPPE) accused of a brutal assault and rape, Mickey suddenly finds himself embroiled in a deadly game of violence, vengeance and deception that threatens to not only end his career, but also his life.

The Lincoln Lawyer is based on a novel by Michael Connelly, author of a variety of novels most notably featuring L.A.P.D. detective Harry Bosch as well as other novels with the lead character here, Mickey Haller. I haven’t read “The Lincoln Lawyer” novel so I can’t speak to how close the film sticks to it, but I must say thanks to an interesting character and fine performance by its lead, the movie itself hits all the right notes.

Matthew McConaughey has never really been a favorite of mine as he generally plays the same kind of characters: laid back, cocky, ladies’ man that is good at what he does. Of course, admittedly his Mickey Haller character isn’t too far off from that description but this time it’s a fun performance to behold as you get to see him change on-screen from the beginning as he takes on a wealthy client to the end when his perception changes.

** Major Spoiler Warnings **

In regards to the supporting cast, nothing really goes wrong there either. Marisa Tomei gets the thankless job of playing the ex-wife who still has it for Haller, though doesn’t like his career of putting criminals back on the street while she works to incarcerate them. Ryan Phillippe in the meantime plays Haller’s client and while I have read plenty of complaints about his performance, and yes it could’ve been more memorable, I didn’t have a problem with it. Up to when we find out the truth (probably about 2/3’s the way through), you don’t know what his deal is; after that point it becomes a cat-and-mouse game and Haller discovering his own mistakes in the past (involving Michael Pena in a small but pivotal role).

** End Spoilers **

The film also features a fine, albeit forgettable performance as well. First and foremost you’ve got William H. Macy plays Haller’s private investigator who is of course important to the plot yet still for somebody of Macy’s caliber, it’s nothing noteworthy. I do understand, however, why he was cast since he does bring an immediate presence and likeability to the character which is important later on.

In regards to the story, adapted by screenwriter John Romano (creator of a couple failed legal shows), isn’t exactly mysterious and in many ways is downright predictable, although to be fair, Romano doesn’t stretch out the mystery aspect as the true perpetrator is revealed about half way through. In fact, the movie is less a legal thriller, though there is a fun legal twist near the end isn’t the purpose of the film and is more of a character drama than anything else focused on Haller. Some might find this aspect tedious and/or boring but for myself, and thanks to a great performance by McConaughey, it makes the film all the more enjoyable.

The Lincoln Lawyer was directed with a ‘70s vibe, from both the visuals and soundtrack, by Brad Furman. He might not be a “name” per se, and this is his biggest film, but you can see why he was hired thanks to crime drama, and feature film debut, entitled The Take starring John Leguizamo (who also has a small role here), Tyrese Gibson and Rosie Perez. From what I’ve read, it’s a great little film that didn’t get much attention.

SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.25/5

This release comes with a glossy and reflective slip cover and inside is a redemption code for the Digital HD copy.

Making the Case: Creating The Lincoln Lawyer (13:40; HD) – This is a run-of-the-mill featurette covering how the novel became a movie and how it was adapted to casting and directing. For what it is, it’s not too bad of a featurette as you get a background on where the novel came from and his thoughts on adapting it into a feature film.

Michael Connelly: At Home on the Road (10:16; HD) featurette follows the author, on his way to the movie premiere, as he gives us a tour of L.A. and the locations that inspired “The Lincoln Lawyer” novel.

One on One with McConaughey and Connelly (5:28; HD) is an interesting, though too short, interview between the actor and novelist on the set of The Lincoln Lawyer as they ask each other questions.

Deleted Scenes (4:07; HD) – There are four scenes excised from the film no doubt for pacing issues. There’s nothing here that great and wouldn’t be missed in the final cut, though the one between Haller and his daughter – and was seen in the trailers – was cute.

VIDEO – 3.0/5

AUDIO – 5.0/5

OVERALL – 3.5/5

It’s true, The Lincoln Lawyer isn’t breaking any new ground in the legal thriller genre. The plot itself is less mystery and more character so those expecting some twist might be disappointed. That being said, as somebody who has never been enamored with Matthew McConaughey, here he’s near pitch perfect for the part balancing cockiness with humility and passion. As for this 4H UHD release is concerned, while the audio is an ever-so-slight upgrade, the video very well might be a ever-so-slight downgrade as the colors are not nearly as warm compared to its Blu-ray counterpart.