The Lincoln Lawyer **

Director: Brad Furman

Cast: Matthew McCounaghey, Ryan Phillippe, Marisa Tomei

Josh Lucas, Frances Fisher, John Leguizamo, Michael Peña

William H. Macy, Bryan Cranston

It's not that The Lincoln Lawyer is a bad movie per se, it's just so forgettable that throughout its running time you try hard not to wander around looking for something more interesting. McCounaghey plays Mickey Haller, the title character, a lawyer who specializes in getting guilty people out of jail. That is until he has to defend playboy Louis Roulet (Phillippe) who has been accused of beating a prostitute. Haller detects the slimy heir might have a connection to one of his previous cases and you guessed it, a change of heart occurs.

There is nothing in this movie that we haven't seen before and while McCounaghey is charming enough to carry the movie, the rest of the cast never really clicks.

You can't help but feel bad for McCounaghey who obviously is pushing his "serious actor"chops here (he doesn't even show his abs!) but the plot just becomes less interesting by the twist and who would ever believe that Marisa Tomei ever was married to him?

The Lincoln Lawyer often demands your attention but some will object to its dull pace and thrill-less ride.