The Lincoln Lawyer

“The Lincoln Lawyer” stars Matthew McConaughey in the title role ably supported by Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe and William H. Macy. Co-writen by John Romano and Michael Connelly (based on Mr. Connelly’s novel) and directed by Brad Furman, this is one of those legal tales involving the problems and intricacies of being a criminal defense lawyer. Having lived first hand much of the courtroom scenes shown in the film, I can attest to its legitimacy.. Filmed on location in Los Angeles, this is an LA story with plot twists and turns that are not only interesting and audience-involving but believable as well. I’m not a Mathew M. fan generally speaking but he does a wonderful job in this film and keeps the viewer interested and anxious to see how the film unfolds and the problems are solved. I give the film 3 stars remembering that professionally I’m bringing a lot more to the table than the average viewer but, let’s remember, law and order was a hit amongst many non-lawyers too.

In a Better World

“In a Better World” is a Danish-Swedish joint production with dialogue in English, Danish and Swedish. Directed by Susanna Bier and co-written by Ms. Bier and Anders Jensen, this 119 minute film is extremely well done as it masters the art of “flashback” and “the now” so that the audience stays engaged and involved throughout its duration. Beautifully acted, the film examines the tragedies that occur not only on a worldly basis but personal ones as well includingfamine and brutality in Africa, bullying at school and the loss of a wife and parent to a small family as well. The more significant meaning to the film is how the characters cope with these events from the pacifist non-violent to the angry and hostile and how each learns to alter their initial innate reactions. Perhaps the best that can be said of any foreign film, including this one, is that, after a very short while, the audience forgets that it is watching and listening to a language that is not their own. The superb performances of the two teenagers in the film is worth noting and brings this theatrical experience to a level it might not otherwise have attained without them. I give the film 3 stars and recommend it be seen during its short and limited period of release.