Directed by Brad Furman, starring Matthew McConaughey, Josh Lucas, Ryan Phillippe & Marisa Tomei

Mick Haller (McConaughey) is a Los Angeles criminal defence attorney who, having spent most of his career defending petty gutter-criminals, unexpectedly lands the case of a rich Beverly Hills realtor (Phillippe) who is accused of attempted rape and murder. However, what appears to be a straightforward case with a big money pay-off swiftly develops into a deadly match between two masters of manipulation.

Based on Michael Connelly’s bestseller, this slick courtroom drama is unusually exactly as the book reads; and all the better for it. Great performances, well paced dialogue and believable characters make this a real breakthrough film for the otherwise schmaltzy McConaughey… and it’s great to see the underrated Marisa Tomei back in the limelight, too!

Verdict: Top notch entertainment and well worth wasting 2 hours summer sunlight for1 ****