The Lincoln Lawyer

Matthew McConaughey stars as Mick Haller, the title character, who operates his law practice from the back seat of a Lincoln Continental. The film is from the bestseller by Michael Connelly and it translates very well to the screen. Mr. McConaughey is perfect for the role of the streetwise lawyer and I can foresee this becoming a franchise for him as long as Mr. Connelly keeps churning out bestsellers.

The first rate cast also includes Marisa Tomei, as Mick's ex-wife, Ryan Phillippe, as the predominant client, William H. Macy, as Mick's legal investigator, Josh Lucas, as the District Attorney and John Leguizamo, as a shady bail bondsman. Also included are Frances Fisher, Michael Pena and the return of '80s star Michael Pare. Everyone is working an angle and this legal thriller, while revealing it's hand early, still has some aces up it's sleeve.

I was a little disappointed in the role of Earl, Mick's driver who doesn't have much to do and seems wasted. But that point aside, the plot and the acting will keep you engaged. Mr. McConaughey has done his share of lazy films but when he feels like really acting, as he does here, he can really carry a film.

"The Lincoln Lawyer" would make a terrific TV series if the producers ever decided to go that route. It's got the kind of characters you would easily enjoy seeing again. For now, it's those characters that drive "The Lincoln Lawyer" to a victory lap.