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.
