The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

Mickey Haller runs his entire law practice from the back of a Lincoln, and it’s the coolest office in any courtroom movie. The case itself is less clever than the car. Ryan Phillippe plays the rich client with a polished smile and a story full of holes, and you’ll have him figured out well before Mickey does. Still, Matthew McConaughey is legit great here: fast-talking, a little slippery, and smarter than everyone assumes. He works a witness like a pickpocket works a crowd, and the courtroom scenes are crisp. William H. Macy brings real warmth as his investigator, Frank. Marisa Tomei gets stuck as the ex-wife who mostly raises an eyebrow from across the room. Michael Peña’s scenes as an old client behind bars give the story its sting. It made $86.8 million worldwide on a reported $40M, and it holds an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. A 7.1 because McConaughey turns a solid legal thriller into a good time. $831 says you slide into the back seat of your next rideshare and catch yourself pretending it’s your office.

What works: McConaughey is in his element as a slick, quick-witted lawyer, and the courtroom scenes have real snap.

What doesn’t: The big mystery is easy to solve early, and Marisa Tomei gets almost nothing to do as Maggie.

Who it’s for: People who love legal thrillers with sharp cross-examinations and a hero who isn’t quite a good guy.