While
the end credits were running for "The Lincoln Lawyer" I flashed back to
the days of Warner Bros. black and white films with Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, Claude Raines, Sidney Greenstreet and their stock of better than average character actors, generally
listed as B films. They were quick moving, had a lot of action, good
dialogue, background music that added to the film, attractive locations
and, mostly, a plot that made sense and the audience could follow and,
even at times, get a little ahead. Now these films are made for
television and "The Lincoln Lawyer" could easily fit into one of the
many lawyer shows.

It's good to
see Matthew McConaughey in a little heavier role and not one of the not
too good romantic 'comedies' he has been making. Sure, there is a take
off his shirt scene done very quickly and he has a surf board leaning
against the wall but the lines in his face aren't hidden, he wears a
suit and tie and though he is hustling he comes across smooth and solid.

There is a solid cast supporting him starting with Marisa Tomei as a prosecutor, who is also his friendly ex-wife and mother of their child. William Macey is his go to investigator and John Leguizamo as a bail bondsman who throws him a client now and then. There is Josh
Lucas as an opposing prosecuting attorney, also Michael Pena serving
time, due to McConaughey, in a few short, powerful scenes. Bryan Cranston and Michael Pare are detectives while Trace Adkins  is the leader of a biker gang.

The film revolves around McConaughey defending the rich son, Ryan Phillippe. of Frances Fisher, and whether he is guilty or innocent. professing the latter.

You have seen this story many times but the director Brad Furman and the writer, John Romano, based on a novel by Michael Connelly,
keeps the pace going, the twists and turns believable, holding the
attention of the audience up to the fade out. Though I couldn't find a
credit for the scoring of the film it did add a lot to many of the
scenes.

"The Lincoln Lawyer" is one of those films that 'they don't make anymore' for the silver screen--that can be seen on the TV screen--without commercials!