The Lincoln Lawyer

I enjoyed the movie, but I think I like the show better. You take a decent film like that, and to make an adaptation that surpasses it overall, that's a colossal undertaking. There is no doubt they spent a good fortune on this series. The backdrop, dialogue, the story - all top notch. Don't expect this to be just like the movie, because it's not meant to be, and don't compare this to the novels (apples to oranges).

I haven't seen the Lead actor (Garcia-Rulfo) actually play lead in anything that I can recall, although he has showed up in some extraordinary films over the past decade. He captures this role exceedingly well, and I believe we are witnessing a long overdue opportunity for him. Surprisingly, he embodies the hero lawyer essence that is required for this role (as well as McConaughey did). I believe the success of the series hinges on this factor alone. Neve Campbell is great as always. She can't not act. The rest of the supporting cast are satisfactory, IMO. At least, they don't necessarily detract from the experience.

It's been years since we had a spectacular law series like The Practice (David E. Kelley), Boston Legal (David E. Kelley), Ally McBeal (David E. Kelley), The Good Wife (not Kelley), now The Lincoln Lawyer (David E. Kelley). If this proves to stand the test of time like all of his previous courtroom dramas, it will transcend everything currently on the air (for this genre, of course). Within the first 30 minutes I got the same thrills I recall so many years ago. Back in the day, we could only watch one episode per week as they were released, but now in the age of binge watching, I get to absorb this all in a weekend. I spent a good portion of my life with all of David E. Kelley's creations/productions, and I don't regret a moment of my misspent youth. The only question I have is, why did they wait so long to birth another great one?

Do we have whiffs of **** the police, here? Of course, but that's part of mainstream these days, and whether we like it or not, the organism that is the entertainment industry is married to this "culture". Accept it, and move on, otherwise you deny yourself some of the indulgences you deserve, such as The Lincoln Lawyer.

Entertainment value: 9. Acting: 6. Writing: 7. Cinematography: 8. Average: 7.5.

A drug rehabilitated lawyer with two ex-wives a daughter and penchant for cars is thrust front-and-centre into a high profile case following the death of a friend. This comes complete with a practice and more secondary cases than he can cope with.

This intriguing premise sets up an opportunity-filled backdrop for a legal procedural series. The show takes this, adds a strong cast, well crafted and delivered dialogue and an interesting plot and runs with it at a good pace.

Some cinematography choices are awkward, particularly the shots with variable focus and some orange casts, though overall it functions as required. Mickey's driver, Izzy is often used as a plot explanation device, but despite being obvious, feels natural and in keeping with the storytelling.

This is end-to-end engaging, entertaining and enjoyable - highly recommended.

The Lincoln Lawyer was actually better than I expected. I never read the books this was based off of but I did watch the Matthew McConaughey movie and thought it was pretty good but not worth making a series over. I really expected this to be some low budget rip off. I couldn't have been more wrong. I actually enjoyed it more than the movie. I wasn't going to watch it until I saw all the great reviews and that it was one of the most watched series of the year for Netflix. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo does a good job as the lead and Becky Newton, Neve Campbell, Angus Sampson, among others all do a fantastic job in supporting roles. While it's not the best lawyer show you'll ever see, it's definitely still worth watching.

Very watchable The Storyline is perhaps a little predictable but none the poorer for this. A few twists and turns as is typical of the genre. I like the portrayal of the family and work dynamics.

For those that saw the movie, the TV series may seem somewhat lighter in delivery, however, it remains engaging ... well worth watching.

This is an enjoyable first season of the show that's based on Michael Connelly's novels. The tandem of David Kelley and Ted Humphrey succeeds in bringing to the screen the gritty story of smart defense lawyer Mickey Haller, his associates and family.

The viewer identifies with the ups and downs of Haller's legal career. But one is impressed by his passion for the law and genuine concern for his clients. The movie is able to capture his deep humanity amidst his flaws. Aside from Haller, all the other major characters are relatable: Cisco, Lorna, Maggie, Trevor Elliott, Hayley and even detective Griggs.

The plot lines are well-conceived and quite entertaining. The twists pique the viewer's attention while the drama resonates. In particular, the way Haller is able to unravel the magic bullet, connecting one crime to another, and use it at trial is ingenious. Serious students of criminal law and procedure will definitely appreciate the law and the free tutorial it offers them.

Bring Season 2 on. We can't wait to find out more in the life of Haller and company.