It is truly a joy to go to the movies and find that your expectations have been surpassed. Legal dramas can be predictable and boring but fortunately The Lincoln Lawyer based on the novel by Michael Connelly is highly entertaining. Matthew McConaughey (Mick Haller) is joined by an all star cast including Marisa Tomei (Mick’s ex-wife), Ryan Phillippe, the accused (Louis Roulet), William Macy as Micks best friend Frank, Josh Lucas as the ADA and Francis Fisher as the mother of the accused. Director Brad Furman is new to the scene but after this we look forward to seeing more of his work.

The story is well scripted and keeps you guessing right up to the end as it moves through the city of LA and from backrooms and strip clubs to elegant mansions and courtrooms. The Lincoln Lawyer is a cool dude, with a wealth of important connections across the LA landscape that keep him in business. He is a man who has made mistakes and they come back to haunt him.

Matthew McConaughey delivers a great performance as Mick Haller, the conflicted lawyer with a big heart and a serious conscience to deal with, who has obviously crossed some lines he wished he hadn’t. His character is interesting and the movie has all the makings of the beginning of a series. There is a tinge of LA Confidential, one of the all time favorite LA courtroom and crime stories. McConaughey plays wonderfully off Josh Lucas the ADA and the accused Louis Roulet, who seems to have been born under a lucky star with all the trappings of a Beverly Hills upbringing.

Why has the popularity of this movie being soaring in the past week? People are taking a night out for popcorn and a movie and giving this one two thumbs up.

- Moira Romano