ViewGuide

Created Mar 26, 2011 12:43AM PST • Edited Jul 26, 2011 08:46PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   The Lincoln heyday ended in the 70s, fitting since The Lincoln Lawyer feels like a throwback to that shambling decade. While set currently, its frequent loose-focus camerawork, single plot line and land yacht hark back to those slightly cheesy days of yore.

   Unitary plot doesn’t mean lack of twists, several of which are surprising and well played. Performed by an accomplished cast led by Matthew McConaughey, The Lincoln Lawyer rides smoothly if not crisply into the realm of successful movie entertainment.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Matthew McConaughey turns in a refreshingly balanced performance, especially after his recent run of farcical comedies.

   Ryan Phillippe underwhelms as a rich momma’s boy with a dark side. Dark side? Not from this pretty-boy.

   The supporting characters carry the day.

   • William H. Macy, always great, here as a salt-of-the-earth investigator.
   • Josh Lucas, always great, here as a frustrated prosecutor.
   • Frances Fisher as an ultra-polished rich lady.
   • Bryan Cranston breaks good as a hard-nosed detective.
   • Trace Adkins, country superstar, as a biker kingpin.
   • Shea Whigham as a jailhouse snitch who delivers some very entertaining testimony.

5. Male Stars Very Good 3.5

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars OK 2.5

8. Male Costars Great 4.0

10. Film

    Good 3.0

    Bestselling crime novelist Michael Connelly also wrote the superior Blood Work.

11. Direction Good 3.0

12. Play Very Good 3.5

13. Music Good 3.0

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.2

    Well earned R rating.

17. Sex Titillating 1.7

18. Violence Brutal 2.6

19. Rudeness Salty 2.3

21. Reality

    Glib 1.2

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.5

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0