The Lincoln Lawyer: The jury’s been out, but here’s proof that McConaughey can act

By
Chris Tookey
Last updated at 8:35 AM on 18th March 2011

Verdict: Superior American thriller

Rating:

Fifteen years ago, with films such as Lone Star and A Time To Kill, Matthew McConaughey looked like the next big thing.

The Lincoln Lawyer, a fiendishly twisty crime-thriller, is welcome proof that, though he may have squandered his talent on terrible romcoms, he hasn’t totally mislaid his mojo.

McConaughey plays a cocky, near-alcoholic lawyer defending a rich client (Ryan Phillippe) who is accused of assault but may be guilty of far, far worse.

Thriller: Matthew McConaughey is back to his best in The Lincoln Lawyer

Professionally directed by Brad Furman (Cruel Intentions) to the level of a superior American TV pilot, this is the equivalent of a page-turner you might read on the plance, and it’s the best adaptation yet of a novel by one of my favourite authors, Michael Connelly.

If you enjoy a good, solid, conventional thriller like Jagged Edge or Primal Fear, this is of similar quality.

Like all the best mysteries, it will keep you guessing until the end – not about the identity of the viallin, but about how our flawed but enviably resourceful hero is going to bring him to justice.

The splendid supporting cast includes William H.Macy, Marisa Tomei and John Leguizamo.

And, as if to prove he’s taking the craft of acting seriously again, it takes McConaughey more than 45 minutes to remove his shirt.