(2012-05-01 06:17:09)

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!

This review is from: The Lincoln Lawyer (DVD) I absolutely LOVED this movie! It has twists and turns all the way to the end. You will not regret watching this movie. The actors are fantastic. A++++

caroeb

(2012-04-30 08:42:55)

Forgettable

This is such a forgettable movie that I nearly forgot to write areview.I was disappointed, because as I recall it, the novel was excellent. Itseems to me that Hollywood might have "dumbed it down." In my opinion,there is no suspense in this movie, as "the bad guy" quickly revealshimself. There is no subsequent tension between the two protagonists.This might have been a fault in the acting of one of them, or from alack of tension between the two actors, or from the screen writing. W.H. Macy's role and Frances Fisher's role seem like throwaways in spiteof being pivotal to the plot, and since they are both excellent actors,I have to assume this results from ineffective screen writing and/orediting. And the movie does seem "choppy" to me. Scenes turn upseemingly out of nowhere, and not in a way that made me think, "aha,"more like "huh?"I'd heard good things about McConaughey's acting in the title role, andI don't think I can quibble with that. I believe my "quibble" is withthe fact that his character seems like one man in the beginning of themovie (let's describe him as a "lawyerly con-man," McConaughey veryeffective), then becomes a visibly challenged man, then appears back tohis assured self again, "all's right" with his world. Did he learnanything? That part must have ended up on the cutting room floor.In the novel, for example, a relatively "minor" character (as presentedin the movie) makes a dramatic career change as a result ofoccurrences. This movie presents us with "facts," treated not asmomentous "events."

(2012-04-29 20:34:24)

Surprisingly great movie!

This review is from: The Lincoln Lawyer (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (Blu-ray) I watched this last weekend. It was interesting all the way through, no lags, and even though it's not an action movie you could feel the excitement in it. A few good chuckles. Matthew is becoming quite a "mature" actor and it shows in this movie.The combo set, DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital is a great idea. Getting 3 movies for one price was pretty decent. I have a Blu-Ray but most do not. I can let friends watch the DVD and even offer a free download to the techies.

(2012-04-29 13:16:42)

Enjoyable

This review is from: The Lincoln Lawyer (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (Blu-ray) The Movie What we have here is a nice thriller about a lawyer named Mickey Haller (Matthew McConaughey) taking a case that he will soon find out details and clues as to what he really has got himself involved in. Without giving anything away, the case he gets involved in is about a 32 year old male named Louis Roulet (played by Ryan Philippe) accused of beating up a prostitute. What Haller finds out throughout the case is clues about other cases he has took and all of this leads to frustration considering he finds out he is sort of stuck between a rock and a hard place (you will see why when you watch). The story does take time to evolve. Actually, things go quite slowly for the first 40 minutes or so and then things get going after that. There is a slow build up of suspense throughout, but for what its worth, the 2 hour run time does seem a bit longer considering how dragged out parts of the movie were. On the other hand, we have a good supporting cast around McConaughey including Ryan Philippe, Marisa Tomei, William H. Macy, and even our buddy Bryan Cranston from Breaking Bad makes a couple of brief appearances. I thought all the characters did a very good job in this film, however, The Lincoln Lawyer was all too predictable for the most part which made it less enjoyable than I thought it was going to be. Perhaps the end of the movie picked up too quickly and a lot of things happened at once, but overall this movie deserves a 4 rating which in my book is pretty good, but not great. Video Quality Depth is very strong and black levels are deep. This is a very detailed and impressive presentation for the most part. The views outside had quite a bit of depth to them. Palm trees, pavement, scenery, you name it, had high amounts of detail. The presentation was also nice and filmic. There were some scenes with some very light banding if I had one nitpick. Otherwise the video quality is pretty awesome. Audio Quality This is not going to be your big budget action movie with explosions, but the DTS-HD MA track got the job done. It does contain a 7.1 mix so those of you with a 7.1 setup will surely be pleased. If you are renting the disc it looks like there is only a 5.1 mix which is really stupid if you ask. Lionsgate must have pressed different copies for the rental edition. Anyways, this is primarily a dialogue driven film and it is delivered very well. The surround speakers were used quite well too at times. You could pick up a lot of little things that were going on in and around the court room from time to time. Better yet was the hip hop tunes that would play and the scenes with the motorcycles. The sound stage came alive during these scenes.

(2012-04-28 11:29:33)

GOOD NOT GREAT BUT GOOD

This review is from: The Lincoln Lawyer (DVD) This movie is worth seeing. I'm just glad I did not rush out and see it in the theater. I'm not the biggest fan of Matthew McConaughey but I must say, he was good in this movie and convincing in his role as a lawyer who was not seen as Mr. Justice, if you know what I mean. I just found the story rather weak. It could have been much better I think. I have not read the book but from the reviews of the movie I was just hoping for more. Something along the lines of The Rainmaker. Which I think had much better courtroom scenes. I know the stories are nothing a like but this movie did not hold up as well with court drama or story over all in my eyes. Still, if you are at home looking for something to watch and you have Amazon Prime go for it.

(2012-04-28 01:08:24)

Fast paced movie

How about a lawyer that works out of his car? And this car travels thruout the movie and there is never a car chase. Right there is the unexpected. I think Matthew McConaughey and Marisa Tomei are perfectly cast and they do an excellent job. I read the book ages ago & liked the book as well as the movie. It is great to see a movie that keeps your interest all the way thru it, there is no sci-fi, horror, nor overt sex....there is plenty of violence tho. All in all, this movie is very good entertainment, it kept my interest and that is why it is 4 stars.I RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE.

(2012-04-26 04:28:59)

The Lincoln Lawyer

Great movie with an unexpected ending. The movie was enjoyed by men and women. I would order another movie similar to this one.

ride288

(2012-04-25 17:36:38)

Lincoln Lawyer Informal Review

The Lincoln Lawyer entertained me entirely, and I give it 8/10 stars.It kept me on edge throughout the majority of the movie. The director,Brad Furman, did a great job of dropping subtle hints throughout themovie that swallowed you into the story. The thrilling story linefollows Mick Haller (Matthew McConaughey), a defense attorney for therugged low class criminals of California, who rolls up to court in theback of a classic Lincoln Town Car. In the story, Mick receives anunusual and suspicious client, Louis Roulet (Ryan Philippe). Roulet, arich upper class real estate agent, has been accused of deadly assaultand sexual battery, and claims he is completely innocent. Long storyshort, Mick rides his Lincoln through a twisted and thrilling case thatforces him to rethink his past to save himself, his family, and hispast clients.The acting was much better than I expected. I'm a big fan ofMcConaughey, but lets face it, he's had some weak films. However, asthe tension and excitement build in this movie, Haller's morals andvalues are tested to the breaking point, and McConaughey plays itperfectly. From intense court scenes, to desperation to do what'sright, and to drunken rage, McConaughey does it all. Philippe, whogives Roulet a dirty, suspicious, and high-class criminal personalitythat torments Mick, only compliments McConaughey's acting. The actingas a whole is solid and creates an intense thriller.It's hard to find flaws in the movie, because so many factors help makethis thriller movie great including: the solid acting, fitting music,the suspenseful and thrilling storyline, and the legit and intensecourtroom scenes. However, I can think of two things that could bebetter. The flow in the beginning of the story, while introducingcharacters, is a little rough and sketchy. Also, the ending is good andfits the story completely, but it just doesn't "wow" me. Regardless,both of these are hardly reason enough to not see the movie. It's. An.Awesome. Movie. I really recommend it if you like thrillers, B.A. cars,and intense court scenes.

MartianTom

(2012-04-23 05:18:08)

Pretty darn good

Hey, this isn't half bad at all. I'll be honest and say I wasn'texpecting much, so it was nice to be pleasantly surprised. Okay, it'sno 'Primal Fear' - but it's as good as any Grisham adaptation.The script is pacey and smart, with some excellent lines from thecentral character - played with just the right balance of sass andintegrity by Matthew McConaughey. In fact, everyone in the cast was upto the mark - and it's always a pleasure to see Marisa Tomei up there:a fine actress who deserves to be seen more often. Willliam H Macy,too, is always worth watching.As for the story... I thought it gave an interesting angle on theclassic legal/moral problem : the failed defence in which an innocentclient goes to jail, and the successful defence that acquits a killer.I haven't read the Michael Connelly novel, but I think I will now - ifonly to see more of the Mick Haller character. His back-story wasn'tmuch more than suggested in the film - lost licence, broken marriage,smartness that's a combination of natural intelligence and life at thegrittier edge of things. I want to know more! A couple of quiet spots, and a little bit of overstating the obvious (ala 'CSI'), but otherwise this is a highly entertaining film. Theperfect antidote to some of the blockbusters and cartoons on offer atthe moment.8/10

Troy_Campbell

(2012-04-22 20:00:15)

A suspenseful, no-frills court room thriller.

It's refreshing to see a thriller that revels in the simplicities ofcinema. No unnecessary bells and whistles, just a decent story toldwell. The Lincoln Lawyer harks back to a day when audiences didn'trequire twists on top of turns wrapped in double-crossing interwovenwith deceit and covered in lies to stay entertained; one or twointelligent reveals is more than enough to keep you on the edge of yourseat. In a time where MTV-influenced editing and sound design hasreplaced clever narratives and honest acting, it's actually a bold movefor director Furman, but it pays off in spades.Furman, whose only other feature is the little known The Take from2007, sticks to the old-school mentality of making movies and largelykeeps his lens motionless, allowing the plot and the actors to takecentre stage. Sure, he spruces up the opening credits with some glitzysplit screens and wonderful vehicle POV shots; however this is wherethe flashy filmmaking begins and ends. His willingness to stay groundedand keep the camera-work basic offers John Romano's script – whichwould be right at home in the fifties, with the sharp dialogue nudgingthe picture into semi-noir territory – room to breathe and subsequentlygifts the cast with a chance to really chew down on the material. Theydon't disappoint.McConaughey, Mr Abs himself, makes a strong argument that he deservesmore in his career than fluffy rom-coms opposite Kate Hudson. He'srequired to transform across the running time from an arrogant, suavelawyer who has no regrets to a guilt-ridden man who just wants toprotect his family and friends, and there's not a hint of hollowness inhis performance. Strong supporting work is dished up by Tomei asHaller's ex-wife, Macy as a private investigator and Lucas as anout-his-league prosecutor; unfortunately though Phillippe is a weaklink, he somehow never convinces in his fairly easy role and almostlooks like he's disinterested to be there.A suspenseful, no-frills court room thriller.3.5 out of 5 (1 - Rubbish, 2 - Average, 3 - Good, 4 - Great, 5 -Brilliant)

jnguyen46117

(2012-04-20 00:02:41)

The Lincoln Lawyer: 8/10

Perhaps people will view Matthew McConaughey, who has a handful of badmovies on his resume, differently after seeing The Lincoln Lawyer. Hisperformance did not carry the whole movie, but it certainly helped thefilm's predictable premise: a lawyer who deals with small criminals ona daily basis for money, but after running into a high profile client,Mick Haller's life was turned upside down. The contents are formulaic:lawyer represented client for assault, got him out, and got him back injail for murder. It may be entertaining to read but it is reallyrepetitive if you see over and over again. We'd seen this many times onTV, but The Lincoln Lawyer extended to a movie thanks to the writer,John Romano. Written with a lovely balance of courtroom drama and thecharacters themselves, the script is the film's greatest strength.Although, I found myself thinking at times that the film is a littlemessy with the plot.And maybe another strength of the film is the quirky camera angles ofnewcomer director Brad Furman. And let's not forget why Hollywood willnot treat Matthew McConaughey the same after this film. He was alwaysplaying the charming guy in the funny movies, but here he got to showboth his charms and his acting skills in the film. The Lincoln Lawyermaybe messy and hard to believe, but as far as I'm concerned, MatthewMcConaughey's charms and wit will win anyone over.

MosH

(2012-04-19 07:09:13)

Like an episode of a TV legal drama

The plot is predictable but worse than that it envelops itself in theTV legal drama atmosphere. The courtroom scenes are just so clichГѓВ©d andthe flashbacks, recreations are right out of every crime detective TVshow. Furthermore, the movie doesn't ascribe to grandeur or any sort oflife changing event. It's the usual everything was as it was when theshow started framework that TV shows do.One thing it is ramped up on is eye candy; the women are gorgeous -Mick's wife, her associate and even the janitor are gorgeous and theprostitutes are also very pleasing to the eye. I suppose MatthewMcConaughey and Ryan Phillippe also make great eye candy for theladies. The black 80s Lincoln continental is a good looking car -though I would imagine quite impractical for a variety of reasons.Overall, it's a tad disappointing a movie but good entertainment. Itjust seems to lack gravity and urgency at most times in the storylinebut the charisma of the cast do make up for quite a bit of it.

aGuiltySoul

(2012-04-18 22:29:37)

Well made, entertaining film with a really compelling story

Brad Furman, the director, has managed to take an old fashioned genreand make it feel new and modern. The movie stays sharp and interestingthroughout. Helping out is a fantastic musical score. From the firstmoments that you hear the downbeat playing over the opening credits youknow you're in for something you my not have known you've been missing.Craft and art perfectly melded.The cast is superb and the acting first rate. Matthew McConnaugheycreates layers for his character, Micky Haller, taking him from suaveand slick through troubled and desperate all the way to cold anddiabolical. Excellently done. We meet many interesting characters inthis film and no performance lags behind. But chief among them is RyanPhillippe as Micky's client , Louis Roulet, who places Micky into anunfamiliar, ultimately dangerous crossroads of conscience. Phillippeevolves his character as the story progresses, from wide eyed wealthyplayboy to someone much darker and frightening. I've read peoplereactions to his performance with the ultimate compliment, "I wanted topunch him in the face." Yes, he's authentically slimy. Well done.Although not 100% faithful to the book, of which I am a fan, what filmis? It captures all the energy and hits all the plot points of thenovel and takes the story to a new level. I know Michael Connelly hassaid how happy he is with the final product.All in all this is a thrilling ride and very entertaining.

(2012-04-18 15:42:16)

Classic Matthew but oh so much more mature!

We have missed you, Matthew. It was time to put away the bongos and get serious for awhile. Great film.

Lala la

(2012-04-17 14:53:24)

masterpiece

An exemplary law-related movie, which combines uniquely an incredibledepth in plot, brilliant acting skills, portrayals of all kinds ofpersonalities, (some of whom undergo touching changes) as well asmoral, ethic and social issues. A cinematic masterpiece which managesto constantly beat and outdo itself by slowly unraveling the truth,which lies layers below the initially assumed one. The viewer is setinto a enigmatic story, from the very first and is not allowed to layback until the very last minute, as questions arise throughout theentire movie, all of which are answered perfectly. Tension and suspenseat their very best, numerous action-highlights and even more changes ofperspective. Perfectly constructed characters and an amazing insightinto the world of law and law-related conscience. the directors (infact, the author) plays with the viewer's mind as well as sense ofjustice / injustice, right and wrong. slight similarity to GregoryHoblit's "Primal Fear", if you have seen and enjoyed it, there is nodoubt you will be fond of this one too. Absolutely recommendable,absolutely worth watching. absolutely worth analyzing and discussing.

Twodude Review

(2012-04-17 04:11:15)

The Verdict is in..and it's a winner

When a movie is made based on a popular author's book, more often thannot the movie never lives up to what was written. A few examples ofthis are John Grisham's The Rainmaker, Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones,and endless others. I haven't had the opportunity to read The LincolnLawyer yet, but it was such an enjoyable movie; I want to read theMickey Haller series. Matthew McConaughey really shines as an attorney;previously for A Time to Kill and now in The Lincoln Lawyer.McConaughey, appearing more recently in films such as Fool's Gold andGhosts of Girlfriends Past is able to flex his acting muscles insteadof his pectoral muscles. Although surrounded by talented actors,McConaughey is far and away the star of this show. His screen presenceis commanding, and he's allowed to be more than just a pretty face.Director Brad Furman takes John Romano's engaging screenplay andpresents a picture that's filled with suspense. Furman may not have along resume, but I expect we'll be seeing more of him considering thequality of this film McConaughey portrays Mickey Haller, a defenseattorney working out of his Lincoln Town Car. McConaughey reallyshines, and hasn't looked this good on film since We are Marshall. RyanPhillippe, not seen in a good movie since Flags of our Fathers, playswealthy Realtor Louis Roulet, and unfortunately is unconvincing in hisdelivery of emotions throughout the film. Furman does a masterful jobof surrounding McConaughey with a fantastic supporting cast: MarisaTomei as Mickey's ex-wife and also an Assistant District Attorney; JoshLucas as Ted Minton, the Assistant District Attorney opposing Mickeyduring the movies main trial; and William H. Macy as Frank Levin, aprivate investigator and long-time friend to Mickey.It's no secret that Matthew McConaughey is a good looking guy andextremely charismatic but often times those two qualities over shadowan important detail. Matthew McConaughey is a very talented actor.Unfortunately as of late he's appeared in mostly romance comedies,which to be honest doesn't really require much range. In The LincolnLawyer McConaughey's talent is on full display, and he makes the mostof it. It's a shame the movie didn't make a bigger splash in theaters,because it deserved to. If you enjoyed Primal Fear than check this oneout. It's definitely a movie worth seeing on Blu-Ray or DVD…why notmake a date night out of it? Grade: B+visit our site at www.twodudereview.com

James Orme

(2012-04-15 19:08:13)

Enjoyable and slick - one of the better legal thrillers.

The basic premise is that Mick Haller(Matthew McConaughey) is a defencelawyer who takes on difficult cases and whose office is the back of hisLincoln car. However, when he promises to defend Beverly Hills rich boyLouis Roulet(Ryan Phillippe) in an assault and battery case, he findshe has bitten off more than he can chew.An interesting and entertaining, well-paced legal thriller that runsfor two hours and keeps you guessing the whole time. The film knowswhen to take a breather, to allow the viewer the chance to gather theirthoughts, and it also knows how to rev up the action when you leastexpect it.Both Matthew McConaughey and Ryan Phillippe were born to play theirrespective roles - nobody could have played them better - and MarisaTomei shows she is still a quality actress as Mick Haller's ex-wifeMaggie McPherson. The three lead characters are superb - Haller is the slick, high-flyinglawyer, Roulet is the good looking, arrogant playboy and McPherson isthe calm, steadying influence.Mick Haller's relationship with Maggie McPherson is exploited perfectlywithout getting in the way of the storyline and his relationship withhis chauffeur is kept to a minimum.The Lincoln is used sparingly and the time spent in court is alsomanaged successfully, so the story doesn't become too bogged down inthe legalities.The script is good, as it keeps the legal jargon to a minimum, andhumour is thrown in at times to lighten up the proceedings. There areseveral twists to the story which leave you thinking "How the hell isHaller going to get out of this one?" and the director Brad Furmanmakes good use of the L.A. landscape too.The support cast is strong, with competent performances from JoshLucas, Michael Pena and William H.Macy. Pena, in particular, plays avery emotive and, ultimately, very important role as a wronged man injail. His character helps to bring out a more humble side of Haller, aside we wouldn't otherwise see.Oh and finally, Matthew McConaughey still manages to have a scene wherehe can take his top off. I think it must be written into his contract.

kosmasp

(2012-04-15 14:46:35)

Guilty (pleasure) as charged

The movie is not really great by any means, but it is really good ifyou get into the whole thing. The tension that gets build up, themystery that it does involve itself in works just fine. Matthew M. doesa more than a decent job. The soundtrack is also really good if youlike that kind of music.The movie also seems a bit like a throwback to simpler thrillertimes/territory. Which is not a bad thing. You can guess quite a fewthings that will happen and it still works. Unfortunately the movie didnot get a theatrical release which it would have deserved (not tomention that it renamed into the German equivalent of "Client"). If youdo not have any prejudice against the lead actor then (or Ryan P. forthat matter), I can recommend this movie to you

jzappa

(2012-04-12 05:13:58)

Most Charm is Interjected from the Corners

It's been awhile since Matthew McConaughey really seemed keen on beingan actor in preference to a beefy shirtless smile for producers todrape a blonde actress on. With this mechanical legal drama, he stilldoesn't substantiate much significant concern with dramatic recreation.A few cocky furrows of that rigid brow and some wily, bourbon-batteredline deliveries obey the role, as is normal. Though luckily, some ofthe people sharing the screen with him give The Lincoln Lawyer someneeded integrity. With William H. Macy, John Leguizamo, Marisa Tomei,Bryan Cranston and Michael Pena interjecting from the tangents, thefilm is intermittently freed from its forced manner bycream-of-the-crop players with a knack for natural, unaffected and allthe more compelling delivery. These roles aren't exceptionally big orunpredictable, but they make it refreshingly idiosyncratic. Each ofthese supporting actors brings a less predictable fluency thatestablishes a past between themselves and McConaughey without lots ofexposition, though the script is mainly interested in its mechanicaluse of Tomei as his prosecutor ex-wife, of course, and P.I. buddy Macy,able to roll with most any punch beneath unkempt shag-top.McConaughey sports his routine self-assurance and charisma in a rolethat should fit him as well as the loud designer suits his unrealisticcharacter fancies. Mick Haller is a social butterfly of a highlyunlikely defense lawyer, flitting from one rendezvous to the next inhis glossy, stylish eponymous town car out of which he operates,slipping people money with a smirk and having a cool black bodyguardwhile a comic book catalogue of offenders compete for his card like theladies compete for McConaughey's number. He's that brashly calculatinglitigator who knows which hands to oil and how to neatly hemorrhage aclient of money.Mick isn't supposed to always be a likable guy, nor a bad one either,indeed a much humbled one, ideally, and that's part of what gives themovie its needed sharpness. Actually, we tend more to likenear-McConaughey lookalike Josh Lucas, playing the inexperiencedprosecutor going after Phillippe. The plot whirls Mick into a case thatat first looks like a bonus but becomes a possibly career-endingdevastation. After twisting his slyest sleight of hand, Haller issolicited to represent a particularly prestigious client in the guiseof a young, well-to-do Ryan Phillippe, indicted for beating and rapinga prostitute. Haller sees a superb take-home packet and maybe even thatmost infrequent of luxuries: a genuinely innocent defendant.However, anyone paying attention will continuously look askance at therich client, at the scene where Haller rides up on him while he'sswatting golf balls on a course whose vast deluxe greens set alongsidethe azure Pacific might as well be a postcard reading "I'm rich andyou're not." In a respectable twist, the crucial mystery of the plot isanswered about midway through the movie and it then becomes about somewitty legal manipulation by Mick. If you've seen Primal Fear and JaggedEdge, you understand the general effect of this route through theovercrowded but virtually surefire courtroom genre.This is a film that intermittently comes within reach of the stark,wicked, and darkly shrewd legal thriller that it wants to be, but neverquite knows how to stay there. But hey, the desaturated sheen of thefilm and fly-on-the-wall hand-held camera-work make the bilious innardsof LA fittingly tense. All of this coagulates in an adequate manner.It's not inspired, it's a long way from perfect, and the secondemergence of the biker gang officially meets the criteria, I think, ofa phenomenon. The formula of ostensibly superfluous and ancillarycharacters comes satisfactorily into play as proceedings from thepresent are discovered to be linked to the past. I did feeldestabilized by the movie's ultimate surprise, which is totallycapricious and uninformed. The intrigues seem like half-baked shots inseveral directions made household by other crime pictures. But for whatit is, this certainly tense spellbinder is workmanlike, likeably actedand engaging.

Bruce L. Jones

(2012-04-11 14:44:15)

Not Quite

Dramatis Personae: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe,William H. Macy, Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, Michael PeГѓВ±a, Josh Lucas,Bryan Cranston, Trace Adkins, Katherine Moennig ... and on and on.I highlight the cast in this way at the beginning because it was thesole reason I chose to attend the screening. The only other possiblereason could have been the story and, to me, thinking of a lawyer inany sort of leading role - let alone a possibly heroic one - isstretching my ability to suspend disbelief just a bit too far.The cast did a marvelous job and I really wanted to like the film. Infact, I did like it. But I also had a nagging suspicion that it wassomehow unsatisfying. I began to wonder why and the trouble was I beganwondering during the film. So, let's consider the cast. MatthewMcConaughey did a stand-up job with the lead character, imbuing himwith just the right touch of slimy, smarmy, lawyerly stereotype. He'sthe kind of legal type we all love to hate. The sort who open the jailhouse doors to rapists, murders and child molesters. The rest of thecast treats this sterling character appropriately.During McConaughey's journey he manages to wrap his arms around theincredibly lovely and endlessly talented Marisa Tomei. Seeing her inhis arms is yet another reason for me to dislike his character. Howsuch a miscreant could ever attract such loveliness is beyond me. ButMs. Tomei saves me from my jealous rage with her great beauty and thatcertain other indescribably illusive quality that makes a man longinglywish to look into the depth of those eyes and smell her breath playingacross his cheek in the dark. Her's is beauty you could eat with aspoon. Whatever comes out of her mouth is a etude for the heart.Mr. Phillippe is surprisingly good as the intended villain. When hereveals the depth of his wickedness it could actually make a chill downyour spine. His portrayal is bolstered by the sure and certainknowledge that people like that actually walk the streets and actuallydo evade incarceration.William H. Macy is his usual superb character. He always inhabits hisroles so well we can completely buy his portrayals of the wide spectrumhe's covered in his busy career.The film is carried in quite a few spots by the bright sparks from thelikes of John Leguizamo, Michael PeГѓВ±a and Trace Adkins. They make thefilm much better than it would have been otherwise.The rest of this truly excellent cast comes in and out of the storycreating their little worlds as they pass through it; Lucas,Cranston,Moenning all fit well in their roles.With so much talent doing such good work, then why the less thanfulfilling feeling? I can sum it up in one way by saying that it'slikely because the story wasn't really any better than an episode of anold Perry Mason television show; nothing really new. Perhaps that's asfar as you can go in trying to make a lawyer look interesting in anyway.Additionally, just when you think the story might take a trulyinteresting turn, it plods along in mediocrity. It could have foundsome truly interesting elements if it were more an Oedipal tale. Itcertainly looked like it might have been on the surface. So once againfilm makers fire a near miss. Go see the film and enjoy the separateparts, the acting is truly worth it. But just don't expect anythingwonderful. In the end it's just, but is entertainment.By Bruce L. Jones http://webpages.charter.net/bruce.jones1/