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Parents' Guide to

The Lincoln Lawyer

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Legal thriller entertains but is too dark, heavy for kids.

Movie R 2011 119 minutes
The Lincoln Lawyer Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 16+

Based on 8 parent reviews

age 16+

McConaughey exuding charm all over the place

McConaughey exudes charm and finesse as a an attorney for people who are more guilty than not, but who still need representation. The film works because the story although a bit by the book soaks up the LA backdrop and the cast of characters all bring something special to the plot. There is a lot of movie to get through and you could say it belabors the point a bit, but it's such a fun ride that you forgive the film's indulgences. A great film for dinner and a movie.
age 15+

Main theme is too much for kids

The movie is based on the abuse and murder of prostitutes and how a sociopath tries to get off of these charges. If Common Sense had said any of this, I would never have let my 13 year old watch it with me. Disappointed in the reviews and I’m a CS user for a very long time.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8 ):
Kids say (5 ):

McConaughey's performance as a defense attorney is well-ranged and engaging. In The Lincoln Lawyer, his character is smart and very good at what he does; but he's also lonely and troubled -- the cost of defending the indefensible for so many years. McConaughey looks appropriately awful at times -- he's grieving, haunted, and drunk for the second half of The Lincoln Lawyer -- and it works, strangely enough.

The movie also benefits from a host of veteran supporting actors, from Oscar winner Marisa Tomei as Mick's prosecutor and ex-wife, to Phillippe as the rich boy with an attitude, to the excellent Macy as Mick's PI/best friend. Leguizamo's over-caffeinated delivery is always good for a laugh, and underrated actor Michael Peña gives a scene-stealing performance as Mick's former client who's serving a life sentence for a crime he may not have committed. The twists aren't exactly Presumed Innocent-sized, but they're compelling enough to keep you interested, and with so many good actors walking around, this is one McConaughey movie worth checking out.

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